Public Adjusters and Insurance Claim Rebuilds in Houston, Pearland and Galveston
Updated 10/31/2026
A public adjuster is an insurance professional licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) who works for you, not your insurance company, to document damage, read your policy and negotiate your claim. Master Remodelers is a remodeling contractor, not a public adjuster, so we don’t handle claims. This page explains how public adjusters work in Texas so you can decide if you need one, and how we rebuild your home once the claim is settled.
Master Remodelers is a family-owned company that has rebuilt and remodeled homes across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, League City, Clear Lake and Galveston since 1998. We’re licensed and insured, rated A+ by the BBB, and back our work with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
A public adjuster handles the insurance side of a damage claim for the policyholder. That usually includes:
- Reading your policy and explaining what it covers
- Inspecting and documenting all of the damage, including water and smoke damage that’s easy to miss
- Preparing the claim and the supporting estimates
- Negotiating the settlement with your insurance company
You can also ask a public adjuster to review your policy before hurricane season, so you know where you stand before anything happens. If your home is already damaged, see our storm damage repair checklist or our guide to public adjusters after a house fire.
Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Company Adjuster
Insurance company adjuster | Public adjuster | |
|---|---|---|
Works for | The insurance company | You, the policyholder |
Who pays them | The insurance company | You, from your settlement |
Licensed by | TDI | TDI |
What Does a Public Adjuster Cost in Texas?
According to TDI, a public adjuster’s fee can’t be more than 10% of what the insurance company pays on your claim. The fee can be based on the whole settlement, not just the extra amount the adjuster gets you, and you can ask for a flat dollar amount instead. Get the fee in writing before you sign.
How to Check a Public Adjuster Before You Hire One
- Verify the license. Call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439 and ask about complaints or disciplinary actions.
- Read the contract. It should state the fee and what the adjuster will do.
- Know the red flags. TDI says public adjusters can’t solicit you door to door during a natural disaster or after 9 p.m., and can’t take referral fees from contractors or anyone else involved in your claim.
- Skip the word “certified.” Texas licenses public adjusters. “Certified” isn’t a separate Texas license, so look for a current TDI license.
Can a Contractor Handle My Insurance Claim?
No. In Texas, a contractor can’t act as a public adjuster or advertise that it will negotiate your claim, and a contractor can’t waive or pay your deductible. What a good contractor can do is give you or your adjuster a detailed, itemized repair estimate and rebuild to that scope. TDI’s steps to getting your insurance claim paid explain what your insurance company has to do and when.
How Master Remodelers Helps
- Itemized rebuild estimate. We inspect the damage and write a detailed estimate you or your adjuster can use with the insurance company.
- Repairs and rebuild. Once the claim is settled, we handle the work: roofing and siding, windows, interior water damage repairs [CONFIRM], kitchens and baths, and whole-home rebuilds. See all of our storm and disaster repair services.
- Financing for the gap. If the settlement doesn’t cover everything, ask about home improvement financing.
Public Adjuster FAQs
Not always. A public adjuster can help when the damage is extensive, the policy is complicated, or you believe the insurance offer won't cover the cost of repairs. For a small, simple claim, the fee may not be worth it.
A Texas public adjuster can charge up to 10% of the total amount the insurance company pays on your claim. You can ask for the fee as a flat dollar amount instead of a percentage.
Call the Texas Department of Insurance Help Line at 800-252-3439. TDI can confirm the license and tell you about complaints or disciplinary actions.
No. Master Remodelers is a licensed and insured remodeling contractor. We don't negotiate insurance claims or recommend public adjusters. We give you an itemized repair estimate and rebuild your home after the claim is settled.
An insurance company adjuster works for and is paid by the insurance company. A public adjuster works for you and is paid from your settlement. Both are licensed by TDI.
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This page is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your policy or your rights, contact TDI or an attorney.