Over the years, we’ve encountered countless insurance policies with clauses buried in the fine print—clauses that could make any property owner’s blood boil. Sneaking these in where policyholders are least likely to notice is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Take this example from a client’s policy, where a critical clause was tucked away on the very last page. It read:

Let’s break this down and ask the tough questions.

The Real Reason Behind the Clause

Think about it: If an insurance carrier does its job correctly and pays out fair and adequate settlements, why would they care if you hired a public adjuster? 

The truth is, they know a public adjuster’s involvement can:

1. Expose Lowball Offers

One of the most critical roles a public adjuster plays is fighting for your carrier’s offer to reflect the actual value of the damage to your property. Public adjusters have the training and experience to spot when a settlement offer may be too low or doesn’t fully account for the extent of the damage. They often uncover discrepancies between what the policy actually covers and what the insurer is willing to pay out. Without a public adjuster, you may never realize the insurance carrier is trying to undercut your claim’s true value, potentially leaving you with a settlement that’s less than what you deserve. 

2. Increase Payouts

Numerous studies have demonstrated claims handled by public adjusters result in significantly higher settlements for policyholders. Public adjusters have the ability to more accurately assess the damage, gather the right documentation, and negotiate with the insurance carrier to better secure a fair settlement.

3. Hold Insurance Carriers Accountable

The purpose of getting a public adjuster involved with a claim is to hold the insurance carrier accountable at every step of the process. This means closely monitoring how the claim is being handled, knowing and preparing for requisite claim deadlines, and fighting for the insurer to fulfill its obligations. It is our belief that with someone dedicated to protecting your interests, insurance carriers are much less likely to cut corners or try to settle for less than what you’re owed. Public adjusters are trained to spot discrepancies in value and coverage and will challenge insurance carriers if they attempt to underpay or delay your claim. 

By inserting this clause, the insurance carrier eliminates a critical safeguard for policyholders. They’re essentially saying, “Trust us, we’ll be fair—but don’t involve anyone who might question our fairness.”

Why Is This Problematic?

1. Restricts Your Rights

Insurance is a contract, and you’re paying for coverage. Prohibiting you from hiring an advocate is a blatant overreach of authority. 

2. Lacks Transparency

Burying this clause in the fine print suggests they don’t want you to notice it. 

3. Create Power Imbalance

Without a public adjuster, most policyholders are left at the mercy of insurance carriers and their adjusters. 

Most people never even receive a full copy of their insurance policy to know this clause exists in the first place. Carriers often withhold the fine print or include it in a way that’s hard to access or understand.

What Can You Do?

If you find this clause in your policy, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here’s what you can do:

1. Consult a Public Adjuster

Even if your policy includes this clause, consult a professional to understand your options. Some states may prohibit enforcing such clauses.

2. Read Your Policy Carefully

Always review the fine print before signing any insurance agreement. 

Don’t have your full insurance policy? Our team is here to help. At Premier Claims, we offer a free policy review to help uncover these hidden clauses. Submit your insurance policy for review here. 

3. Know Your State’s Laws

Insurance regulations vary by state, and some states may have protections against clauses like these. Utilize resources like the Insurance Information Institute to learn more about your state’s insurance regulations. You may also look at your state’s Department of Insurance website for specific laws. 

Don’t Let the Fine Print Define Your Outcome

When an insurance carrier goes out of its way to restrict your ability to hire a professional advocate, it speaks volumes about their priorities. They’re not just selling you a policy—they’re selling you trust. But when trust comes with strings attached, it’s time to weigh your options.

At Premier Claims, we’re here to advocate for policyholders, whether the insurance carriers like it or not. If you’re unsure what’s hiding in your policy, take advantage of our free policy review service. If you’ve experienced damage and don’t want to go it alone, we’re here to help.