Straight answers.
The questions we hear most about public adjusting, appraisal, umpire services and licensing. Don’t see yours? Call us or send a message.
General
The basics, before you decide anything.
Where do you work?
Our office is in Fort Worth, Texas. We currently offer public adjusting in Texas, where we are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance. Appraisal and umpire services are available across the United States. Not sure whether we can help with your claim? Call us and we’ll tell you plainly.
What does a public adjuster do?
A licensed public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. We inspect and document the loss, prepare a detailed estimate, handle the paperwork and deadlines, and negotiate the settlement with your insurer on your behalf. We currently offer public adjusting in Texas.
What is appraisal, and when does it fit?
Many property policies include an appraisal clause for disputes about the amount of a covered loss. Each side names an appraiser, and an umpire settles what they can’t agree on. It can be faster than a lawsuit, but it doesn’t decide whether something is covered.
Why won’t you take more than one role on my claim?
Because a public adjuster is on the policyholder’s side, while an appraiser and an umpire must be impartial for appraisal to work. We offer public adjusting, appraisal and umpire services as separate engagements, but we never take more than one role on the same claim. If we’re your public adjuster and the claim goes to appraisal, we’ll help you find an independent appraiser and, if needed, an independent umpire.
How will I know what’s happening with my claim?
You can check where your claim stands in our online portal at any time, and you’ll get automatic text and email updates every time its status changes. Inspection appointments are confirmed by text, with reminders before each visit, so you’re not left wondering or chasing us for news.
Do I still talk to my insurance company?
You can, and every decision stays yours. Once you hire us as your public adjuster, we handle the day-to-day communication so nothing gets lost or taken out of context. We currently offer public adjusting in Texas.
My claim was denied or already paid. Is it too late?
Often not. Claims can frequently be reopened or supplemented, but policies and the law that applies can set deadlines — so call us, or email your insurer’s letters to appraisalintake@3pointadjusting.com, as soon as you can and we’ll tell you where you stand.
Public adjusting
When to call, what to bring, and what we do.
When should I call a public adjuster?
The earlier the better, because evidence is freshest and deadlines are furthest away. But it isn’t only for new claims: many people call after a denial, a low offer, or weeks of silence. If you’re not sure, a free review will tell you plainly where you stand.
What do you need from me to get started?
Whatever you have on hand: your policy (or just the declarations page), the claim number, any letters or emails from your insurer, and receipts for anything you’ve already paid for. If you’re missing something, we can help you request it.
Can you help if repairs have already started?
Often, yes. Keep any damaged materials you can, and gather invoices and receipts for the work done. Tell us what has been repaired and what hasn’t, and we’ll explain what that means for the claim.
Will hiring a public adjuster slow my claim down?
Our job is to keep the claim organized and moving: complete documentation, clear estimates and timely follow-ups. How quickly an insurer responds is up to them, and we can’t promise a timeline.
Do you handle commercial property claims?
Yes. We work on commercial property claims, including retail, office, multifamily and church properties and business-interruption losses. Commercial claims tend to be larger and more complex, so the sooner we can see the policy, the better.
Appraisal
For disagreements about the amount of a covered loss.
What kinds of disputes can appraisal resolve?
Appraisal is for disagreements about the amount of a covered loss, such as what the repairs should cost. It generally isn’t the right tool when the insurer disputes whether the damage is covered at all. What it allows varies by policy.
How do I know if my policy has an appraisal clause?
Many property policies do, but the wording differs. Call us, or email your policy to appraisalintake@3pointadjusting.com, and we’ll read the clause with you and explain what it requires before you decide anything.
Who is the umpire?
The umpire is an impartial third party who decides the items the two appraisers can’t agree on. 3 Point also serves as a neutral umpire, only on claims where we have no other role. Learn about umpire services.
Is the appraisal award binding?
Generally, an award signed by two of the three panel members sets the amount of the loss. Whether and how it can be challenged depends on your policy and the law that applies. This is general information, not legal advice.
How long does appraisal take?
It varies with the size of the loss and how quickly each side moves — often weeks to a few months.
Umpire services
A neutral decision when the two appraisers can’t agree.
What does an umpire do?
An umpire is a neutral third party. When the two appraisers can’t agree on the amount of a covered loss, the umpire reviews the items still in dispute and decides them. A decision agreed to by two of the three (the umpire and either appraiser) generally sets the amount and is generally binding. Details vary by policy and the law that applies.
Can you umpire a claim you adjusted or appraised?
No. We never take more than one role on the same claim. If we are your public adjuster or your appraiser, we won’t also serve as the umpire, and the reverse is true as well.
Licensing and deadlines
Licensing, deadlines and how to check a license.
Do public adjusters need a license in Texas?
Yes, in Texas public adjusters are licensed through the Texas Department of Insurance. We currently offer public adjusting in Texas. Our firm license is #3422559, and founder Steve Jenkins holds #2575164. See our licensing disclosures.
Are there deadlines for filing or disputing a claim?
Yes. Your policy sets deadlines, and Texas law may add others, so don’t wait if you suspect damage.
How can I check a public adjuster’s license?
Use the license search on the Texas Department of Insurance website. You can look up an adjuster by name or license number; the department’s page on finding a licensed agent or adjuster (opens in a new tab) explains how.
Still have a question?
Tell us about your claim. We’ll answer plainly and tell you whether we can help.