What to Expect During an Adjuster’s First Visit
How to Prepare for Your On-Site Assessment
The first time an insurance adjuster walks through your door is more important than most homeowners realize. What gets documented — and what doesn’t — during that visit can shape your entire claim. Here’s what to expect and how to make sure you’re ready.
The adjuster works for your insurance company — not you
This is the single most important thing to understand going in. The adjuster’s job is to inspect the damage, take notes and photos, ask questions, and report findings back to the insurer. They’re professionals doing their job — but their job is not to maximize your payout. That’s yours to protect.
What they’ll be looking at
Expect a thorough walkthrough: roof, exterior, walls, ceilings, flooring, plumbing, electrical, appliances, attic, crawl spaces. They’re looking at what’s damaged, but also at anything that might be considered pre-existing. Their goal is to determine what falls under your coverage — and what doesn’t.
Come prepared
Have your policy and claim number ready. Bring out the photos and videos you took, receipts for any temporary repairs, and any estimates you’ve already gathered. Walk them through the damage yourself — calmly and factually. Don’t leave it entirely up to them to find things.
Use Accuracy with Descriptions
Casual comments can create problems. Avoid anything that sounds like minimizing the damage (“it wasn’t that bad”), accepting fault (“I think it might have been something I did”), or flagging prior issues (“we’ve had problems with that area before”). Stick to the facts. Let your documentation do the talking.
Consider having a public adjuster present
A public adjuster at the inspection ensures nothing gets missed or glossed over. They can point out damage the insurer’s adjuster may overlook, provide accurate repair estimates on the spot, and advocate for the true scope of your loss — which makes underpayment a lot harder to justify.
Global Public Adjusters ensures your first inspection is thorough, accurate, and sets the foundation for a full and fair payout. Contact us before your adjuster arrives.