Public Adjuster Fee Calculator
See exactly how a Texas public adjuster gets paid under the 10% fee cap — and what the policyholder keeps. Compare other states and model a public adjuster's annual income.
Public adjuster fee
- Policyholder keeps-
- Gain vs. initial offer (after fee)-
- Break-even settlement-
Estimated PA income / year
Assumes every claim settles near the amount above. Fee caps shown are general rules; confirm current law and contract terms in your state.
How public adjusters get paid
A public adjuster is the only kind of adjuster who works for the policyholder instead of the insurance company. There is no salary: the public adjuster earns a contingency fee, a percentage of what the claim pays. If the claim pays nothing, neither does the adjuster.
That makes public adjuster salary a function of three things — average claim size, the fee percentage the state allows, and how many claims you settle. A residential-only public adjuster in a capped state needs volume; one who handles commercial fires and hurricane losses can earn more from a handful of files.
Learn more in our full public adjuster salary guide, or see how every adjuster type is paid in how do insurance adjusters get paid.
Public adjuster fee FAQs
How do public adjusters get paid?
Public adjusters work for the policyholder on a contingency fee, a percentage of the insurance settlement they help recover. Typical fees run 10% to 20%, and the adjuster is paid only when the claim pays.
Is there a cap on public adjuster fees?
Many states cap them. Texas limits public adjuster fees to 10% of the settlement. Florida generally caps fees at 20%, and at 10% for claims tied to a declared state of emergency during the year after the declaration. Always check your state's current rules.
How much does a public adjuster make a year?
Commonly $50,000 to $100,000. Established public adjusters with steady referral flow and commercial or large-loss claims can earn $150,000 or more, especially if they own the firm rather than splitting fees with one.
Is hiring a public adjuster worth it for a homeowner?
It can be on large, complex or disputed claims where a skilled adjuster recovers substantially more than the insurer first offered. On small, straightforward claims the fee can outweigh the gain, which is why this calculator compares the net to the initial offer.
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