Georgia property owners with a disputed claim usually hear about three kinds of help: public adjusters, attorneys and insurance appraisers. They overlap, but each one is built for a different problem. Here’s how to tell which you need first.
The insurance appraiser: a valuation specialist
An appraiser works within the policy’s appraisal clause. The question is narrow: what does this covered loss cost? The appraiser documents and prices the damage, works with the carrier’s appraiser, and presents unresolved items to an umpire.
Best when: coverage is accepted, the dispute is about scope or price, and the gap is large enough to justify appraisal costs.
The public adjuster: a claim manager
Public adjusters are licensed in Georgia to represent policyholders in presenting and negotiating claims. They often take over communication with the carrier, prepare the claim from the start and negotiate a settlement. Fees are commonly a percentage of the recovery.
Best when: you need someone to handle the whole claim from early on, especially on large or complex losses where you don’t have time to manage it yourself.
The attorney: legal remedies
An attorney handles coverage disputes, denials, bad-faith claims under O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6, lawsuits and anything involving legal interpretation of the policy. They’re also the right call when your suit-limitation deadline is approaching.
Best when: the carrier has denied coverage, accused you of misrepresentation, or delayed unreasonably — or when deadlines are close.
Side by side
| Question | Appraiser | Public adjuster | Attorney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decides coverage? | No | No — negotiates | Argues it |
| Values the loss? | Core job | Yes | Hires experts |
| Binding result? | Award by 2 of 3 | Settlement | Settlement or judgment |
| Typical fee | Flat, hourly or % | % of recovery | Contingency or hourly |
| Can sue? | No | No | Yes |
Can you use more than one?
Yes, and it’s common. A public adjuster or attorney may invoke appraisal and retain an appraiser for the panel. What you want to avoid is paying two percentage fees on the same dollars — ask every professional how their fee interacts with anyone else involved.
If you’re not sure which you need, call us. A Georgia Insurance Appraiser will tell you honestly when appraisal isn’t the right tool.