Public Adjusters in California
California wildfire seasons have reshaped what a property claim looks like. When entire neighborhoods burn, individual claims compete for adjuster attention, and policyholders who document thoroughly and negotiate hard recover measurably more. California takes a different approach to fees than most states: there is no statutory percentage cap. Instead, Ins. Code 15027 requires written disclosure of how your adjuster charges and bars unconscionable fees, and limits one common abuse outright: your fee generally cannot eat more than the amount your settlement improved after hiring the adjuster. The California Department of Insurance licenses public adjusters and runs a consumer help center for complaints. Verify any firm license yourself through the DOI lookup, and read the fee disclosure before signing anything.
Public adjuster fees in California
Verified August 21, 2026
This is not legal advice. Fee rules change; confirm current rules with California Department of Insurance.
More licensed firms
- Apex Public Adjusters · Glendale
- Avner Gat, Inc. · Los Angeles
- BDCI Public Adjusters · Walnut Creek
- Chris Faber Public Adjusters · Santa Clarita
- D.B. Solomon Public Adjusters · Fair Oaks
- Excel Adjusters · Los Angeles
- Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau · Encino
- Quality Claims Management Corp · San Diego
- Rubin Adjusting Inc · Woodland Hills
- The Greenspan Co. / Adjusters International · Los Angeles
California public adjuster FAQ
What does a public adjuster cost in California?
Most public adjusters in California work on contingency: they take a percentage of the claim payout, and you pay nothing up front. California caps public adjuster fees at No statutory cap (Cal. Ins. Code 15027). Get the fee agreement in writing before you sign.
What does a public adjuster do?
A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who works for you, not the insurance company. They document the damage, estimate the true cost of repairs, file and negotiate the claim, and push back when the insurer’s offer is low. The adjuster your insurer sends works for the insurer.
When should I hire a public adjuster in California?
Consider one when the claim is large, the damage is complicated, the insurer’s offer seems low, or you do not have the time to document and negotiate the claim yourself. For a small, straightforward claim with a fair offer, filing on your own can make sense.
How is AdjusterAlly free for policyholders?
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