Illinois Insurance Claims — FAQ

A Company Adjuster is employed by — and paid by — your insurance company. Their job is to protect the insurer's bottom line. A Public Adjuster is independently licensed by the State of Illinois and works exclusively for you, the policyholder. We are paid only when you are paid, as a percentage of your final settlement.

Absolutely. Public Adjusters are licensed, regulated professionals under the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI). Illinois law (215 ILCS 5/1600) specifically recognizes and governs the profession. Every PA must pass a state examination, maintain a surety bond, and complete continuing education requirements.

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis — our fee is a percentage of your final settled claim amount. If we don't increase your payout, you owe us nothing. This aligns our interests directly with yours: the more we recover for you, the better we do.

Yes. Contractors look for visible structural damage. Insurance claims also cover granule loss, soft-metal damage (gutters, vents, AC fins), interior water traces, and collateral damage that is invisible from street level. A contractor's opinion is not a trained insurance scope-of-loss evaluation. We document evidence that most contractors — and many insurance adjusters — miss.

In most cases, no. Illinois law gives policyholders the right to request a re-inspection and to invoke the appraisal clause if a settlement dispute arises. The most important thing is to act quickly — policies have deadlines for supplemental claims and dispute filings. Contact us as soon as possible after receiving an offer you believe is inadequate.

Your insurance agent sells policies; they do not adjust claims. They are generally not involved in the claims settlement process after a claim is filed. Using a PA has no effect on your relationship with your agent. In fact, many agents privately recommend their clients seek independent representation when they believe a claim is being undervalued.

Illinois law prohibits insurers from non-renewing or raising rates solely because of a single weather-related claim on a home you've insured for three or more years (215 ILCS 5/154.6). That said, rate increases are always possible upon renewal based on market conditions. What matters more: if your home was damaged, filing is your legal right — and a settlement that doesn't cover repairs will cost you far more out of pocket than any potential rate adjustment.

A straightforward hail or wind claim where the insurer cooperates typically resolves in 30–90 days. Complex claims involving structural damage, total losses, or contested liability can take 3–12 months. Our goal is to move every claim as efficiently as possible while building the strongest possible documentation — because a rushed settlement that leaves items out is a settlement you'll be paying for out of pocket.

We handle residential hail damage, wind damage, tornado and severe storm damage, and related losses across all of Illinois. We specialize exclusively in residential property claims — we do not do commercial work. This focus means we know the standard residential policy forms, the common insurer tactics on residential claims, and the Illinois-specific case law that applies to your situation.

Very little. It helps to have your insurance policy declaration page (the summary page showing your coverage limits and deductible) and the approximate date the damage occurred. We will handle everything else — the inspection, documentation, scope of loss, and negotiation. The first call is free and takes about 15 minutes.