Public Adjusters in Wisconsin

A public adjuster is a professional who represents the policyholder in a property insurance claim — helping assess damage, estimate loss, prepare documentation, and negotiate with insurers. They work for you, rather than for the insurance company.

• Non-resident public adjusters must register with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI).
• Wisconsin residents may choose to register with OCI, but registration isn’t mandatory.
• OCI may still require a written examination for registrants and proof of exam passage for non-residents.

Non-resident public adjusters who already hold a license or registration in another state must register with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. They may be required to show that they passed a written examination in their home state or, if not, complete Wisconsin’s exam to qualify.

• Interpret your insurance policy and coverage limits.
• Inspect and document damage thoroughly.
• Prepare detailed claim documentation and estimates.
• Negotiate with your insurer to pursue the best possible settlement outcome.

Public adjusters are typically compensated through a contingency fee arrangement — meaning they get paid a percentage of the insurance settlement if recovery occurs. This is a common industry practice that reflects the adjuster’s work and outcome focus, though exact percentages should always be clearly stated in a written agreement.

• Be in writing.
• Specify the scope of services.
• Clearly disclose fee structure and compensation terms.
• Include contact information and details of the adjuster’s registration status.

You can search for registered public adjusters using the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance online lookup tool to verify registration status and details.

• Public Adjuster: Works for you (the policyholder) to document losses and negotiate your claim.
• Insurance Company Adjuster: Works for the insurer and evaluates the loss from the insurer’s perspective.