If you’ve ever filed a property insurance claim after a fire, flood, storm damage, hail or plumbing failure, you already know how overwhelming the process can be. Between complex policy language, tight deadlines, and adjusters sent by the insurance company, it can feel like you’re navigating a legal battle without an advocate.
That’s where a Public Adjuster comes in.
A Public Insurance Adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the policyholder, in the preparation, presentation, and negotiation of your insurance claim. Unlike adjusters who work for the insurance company, a public adjuster is hired by you to ensure your interests are protected throughout the claims process.
Think of us as your advocate — someone who knows how to read your policy, assess the damages accurately, document the loss in a way the insurance company understands, and fight for a fair and complete settlement.
Arizona’s unique environment presents its own set of challenges for residential homeowners and property owners — from wildfires in the north to severe monsoon storms and flash flooding in the south. But one of the most overlooked but common insurance claims in Arizona is water damage.
Because of our state’s hard water, it’s not unusual for pipes and plumbing systems to corrode and suddenly burst. While many of these events are sudden and accidental — and should be covered — insurance carriers often attempt to classify them as “seepage over time” or “repeated leakage”, which is generally excluded under most policies.
This misclassification can significantly reduce or eliminate your claim altogether — and is exactly the kind of situation where hiring a public adjuster early makes a major difference.
Here’s why hiring a public adjuster in Arizona is crucial:
1. You’re Not an Insurance Expert — We Are
Insurance policies are filled with technical language, exclusions, and deadlines. Public adjusters are trained to interpret these policies and make sure you’re receiving every benefit you’re entitled to under your coverage.
2. We Level the Playing Field
The adjuster sent by the insurance company works for them — not for you. We step in to make sure someone is representing your side of the story, with the documentation, pricing, and communication to back it up.
3. We Know Arizona Claims
A public adjuster familiar with Arizona insurance law and regional claim types — especially plumbing and water damage claims, wildfire losses, and monsoon storm damage — can help identify misclassification issues, and make sure your loss is recognized for what it really is.
4. You Have the Right to Representation
Arizona law allows policyholders to hire licensed public adjusters. This is your claim, your property, and your right to have someone fight for your fair outcome.
- Reviews and interprets your insurance policy
- Thoroughly inspects and documents all damages
- Prepares and/or reviews the estimate of loss
- Communicates directly with the insurance company
- Negotiates the maximum possible settlement on your behalf
- Helps you avoid missteps that could delay or jeopardize your claim
Right away. The sooner we begin working on your claim, the better we can position and negotiate on your behalf.
It’s important to remember: anything you say can and will be used in the evaluation of your claim. While most insurance companies aren’t actively trying to trick you, their adjusters are trained to ask questions that align with the policy language — and if you’re not familiar with how your coverage works, it’s very easy to answer in a way that reduces coverage or excludes it altogether.
Getting a public adjuster involved early helps avoid those pitfalls and ensures that your loss is documented and communicated correctly from the start.
As a licensed public adjuster in Arizona and the incoming President of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), I’ve spent my career standing up for property owners who deserve fair treatment — and fair payment — when disaster strikes.
I’m also proud to be the first public adjuster from Arizona elected to serve as President of NAPIA. That honor reflects my commitment to advocacy, education, and excellence in this profession — and to the clients and colleagues who make it all worthwhile.
If you’re facing a difficult insurance claim or just want to make sure you’re being treated fairly, don’t go it alone. Skipton & Associates is here to help you understand your policy, protect your rights, and handle your claim with the professionalism and care you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation — and put the power back in your hands.
– Justin Skipton
Public Adjuster | Vice President, NAPIA
Skipton & Associates
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