Property owners with a disputed claim often hear three suggestions: hire an appraiser, hire a public adjuster or hire a lawyer. Each solves a different problem.
Appraiser
An appraiser works within the policy’s appraisal clause on one question: the amount of loss. Best when coverage is accepted and the dispute is about scope or price. The result is a binding award on the amount.
Public adjuster
A public adjuster is licensed by the Nevada Division of Insurance to represent policyholders in preparing, presenting and negotiating claims. Best early in a claim, especially large or complex ones, when you want someone to manage the whole process.
Attorney
An insurance attorney handles legal disputes: denials, coverage arguments, bad-faith claims and approaching lawsuit deadlines. Best when the problem isn’t the number but whether the insurer has to pay at all, or how it handled the claim.
Quick comparison
| Question | Appraiser | Public adjuster | Attorney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Value the loss | Manage and negotiate the claim | Legal disputes |
| Best timing | Coverage accepted, amount disputed | From the start | Denials, deadlines, bad faith |
| Result | Binding award on amount | Negotiated settlement | Settlement or judgment |
If you’re not sure which you need, call us. If appraisal isn’t the right tool, we’ll say so.