In what situation should a public adjuster act independently?

A public adjuster should act independently when advocating for the policyholder's best interests. This independence is essential to ensure that the adjuster can thoroughly assess the claim without any conflicts of interest or external influences. The primary role of a public adjuster is to represent the policyholder, so their actions should be solely focused on securing the best possible outcome for that client.

When working on behalf of the policyholder, the public adjuster must be free to make unbiased decisions based on the claim's merits, negotiate effectively with the insurance company, and utilize their expertise to assess damages accurately. This independent stance helps to build trust with the policyholder, ensuring that their needs and concerns are prioritized throughout the claims process.

In contrast, acting on behalf of the insurer would compromise this independence, as the adjuster's loyalty would be directed towards the insurance company rather than the policyholder. Handling complex claims or claims involving potential fraud might require additional considerations, but these situations do not negate the fundamental need for the public adjuster to maintain independence in advocating specifically for the policyholder's interests.