The short version: hire one when the loss is large, the denial or offer seems wrong, the damage is complex or hidden, or you simply cannot run the claim yourself while living your life. Do not hire one for a small, clean claim where the carrier scope matches reality. The fee comes out of your recovery, so the math has to work.
Strong hire signals
The claim is five figures or more. The carrier estimate omits damage you can see. You got a denial citing an exclusion you do not understand. The loss involves water, fire, or smoke, where hidden damage is the norm. You are displaced and managing a rebuild from a hotel. The carrier keeps changing its story.
Skip-it signals
The claim is small and the carriers estimate matches your contractors. The damage is cosmetic and your deductible covers most of it. You enjoy negotiation and have the time, because a motivated policyholder with documentation does fine on simple files.
The middle path
Many adjusters will review a carriers estimate for a flat fee or free, and tell you when a claim does not need full representation. Ask. A public adjuster who never says no to a claim is telling you something.
Check the license
Whatever you decide, verify the license. Every listing on this site displays its verification status against state records, and our method page explains exactly how that works.