Three kinds of help for three kinds of problems
Choosing between an appraiser, adjuster or lawyer in Maine starts with naming the problem. Is the carrier refusing to pay at all, or paying too little? Do you need someone to manage the whole claim, or just to fight about the number? Each professional fits a different answer.
This guide explains what each one does, how each is typically paid and where their work overlaps. It is general information, and the right choice depends on your policy and your claim. For any legal question or deadline, talk to a Maine attorney.
The party appraiser
A party appraiser works within the appraisal clause of your policy. Once appraisal is invoked, your appraiser inspects the loss, builds or reviews the estimate, negotiates line items with the carrier’s appraiser and, if needed, presents disputed items to the umpire.
When an appraiser fits
- The carrier has accepted the claim in writing
- The dispute is over scope, quantities or pricing
- Negotiation with the adjuster has stalled
An appraiser does not decide coverage, give legal advice or manage the claim from start to finish. The role is narrow by design, which is part of why appraisal can move faster than a lawsuit.
The public adjuster
A public adjuster is hired by the policyholder to prepare, present and negotiate the whole claim with the carrier. In Maine, public adjusters are regulated by the Bureau of Insurance. They often step in early, sometimes right after the loss, and handle documentation, estimates and communication.
When a public adjuster fits
- You want someone to manage the claim from day one
- The loss is large or complex, such as a fire or a commercial building
- You do not have time to gather documents and deal with the carrier yourself
Public adjusters are commonly paid a percentage of the claim payment, and the terms should be in a written contract.
The attorney
A Maine attorney handles the legal side: coverage disputes, denials, policy interpretation, bad faith claims and lawsuits. If the carrier has denied the claim, invoked an exclusion or is relying on a vacancy or heat condition, an attorney is usually the right first call.
When an attorney fits
- The claim was denied, or coverage is disputed
- A suit limitation deadline is approaching
- You believe the carrier handled the claim unfairly, which may raise questions under 24-A M.R.S. § 2436-A
- The carrier is challenging an appraisal award
Side by side
| Question | Party appraiser | Public adjuster | Attorney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Set the amount of loss through the appraisal clause | Prepare and negotiate the full claim | Handle coverage, legal rights and litigation |
| Best timing | After the claim is accepted and the amount is disputed | Early, often soon after the loss | At a denial, coverage dispute or approaching deadline |
| Decides coverage? | No | No, but argues the claim | Advises on it and can litigate it |
| Legal advice? | No | No | Yes |
| Typical pay | Agreed in writing, varies by practice | Often a percentage of payments | Hourly or contingency, agreed in writing |
A public adjuster may recommend appraisal and help choose an appraiser. An attorney may advise on a demand letter while the appraiser handles the estimate. Just make sure everyone knows who is doing what, and that your appraiser stays disinterested.
Matching help to your claim
Start by reading the carrier’s latest letter. If it says the loss is covered and offers a payment, the problem is probably the amount, and an appraiser may be enough. If it denies the claim or reserves rights, start with an attorney. If you are early in a large loss and overwhelmed, a public adjuster may help organize the file.
Illustrative example: a Lewiston triple-decker owner receives $22,000 for fire and smoke damage after the carrier accepts coverage, while contractor estimates total $61,000. There is no coverage dispute, so the owner considers appraisal. Had the carrier instead denied the smoke portion as pre-existing, the first call would go to an attorney. These figures are illustrative only.
To test whether your file is ready for appraisal, try the appraisal file strength test. To estimate the size of the gap and the likely fees, use the settlement gap projector. And for how we work as a party appraiser, see our approach. Picking the right appraiser, adjuster or lawyer in Maine early saves time and money on the back end.