Question 1

What does a public adjuster do?

Accepted Answer

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents property owners (not insurance companies) in the insurance claims process. We assess damage, document losses, interpret policy coverage, prepare detailed claims, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum settlements. Unlike insurance company adjusters who work for the insurer, we work exclusively for you.

Question 2

How much do public adjusters cost?

Accepted Answer

Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis, charging a percentage of the claim settlement. At Mantis Claims Group, you pay nothing upfront—our fee is only collected when you receive your insurance payment. This ensures our interests are completely aligned with yours: we only succeed when we maximize your recovery. The specific percentage varies based on claim complexity and size.

Question 3

When should I hire a public adjuster?

Accepted Answer

Consider hiring a public adjuster when dealing with large or complex claims, when your insurance company disputes your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, for commercial or institutional property damage, or when you lack the time or expertise to properly document and negotiate a claim. The earlier you engage professional representation, the better—ideally before filing your claim or immediately after damage occurs.

Question 4

What types of claims does Mantis Claims Group handle?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in large, complex claims including commercial property damage (multi-location businesses, retail chains, manufacturing facilities), school and institutional facilities (K-12 schools, universities, administrative buildings), and high-value residential claims exceeding $100,000. We focus on cases where specialized expertise can significantly increase recovery.

Question 5

How long does the claims process take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies significantly based on claim complexity, damage extent, and insurance company responsiveness. Simple claims might resolve in weeks, while complex commercial or institutional claims can take several months. We prioritize efficiency while ensuring thorough documentation. For time-sensitive institutional claims (like schools), we expedite the process while still maximizing recovery.

Question 6

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Eastern North Carolina including Raleigh, Durham edge areas, Greenville, Wilmington, New Bern, Wilson, Jacksonville, Roanoke Rapids, and surrounding counties (Wake, Pitt, New Hanover, Craven, Wilson, Onslow, Nash, Duplin, Halifax). For qualified large and complex claims, we're willing to travel throughout North Carolina.

Question 7

Can I still hire a public adjuster if I've already filed a claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many clients engage us after receiving an inadequate settlement offer or when their claim is disputed. While it's ideal to involve us early in the process, we can still add significant value at any stage of your claim—even during dispute resolution or appraisal processes.

Question 8

What's the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster?

Accepted Answer

Insurance company adjusters work for and are paid by the insurance company. Their goal is to settle claims for the least amount the company must pay. Public adjusters work exclusively for property owners and are paid a percentage of your recovery. Our goal is to maximize your settlement. This fundamental difference in representation ensures you have an experienced advocate working solely in your interests.

Question 9

What if my claim is denied?

Accepted Answer

Claim denials can often be overturned with proper documentation and aggressive advocacy. We review denial reasons, identify policy provisions that support coverage, gather additional evidence, and build a comprehensive case for reconsideration. Many initially denied claims result in significant settlements when properly represented.

Question 10

What documentation do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

We'll guide you through documentation requirements, but generally we need your insurance policy, photos of damage (if available), receipts for emergency repairs, any communication with your insurance company, property value documentation, and financial records (for business interruption claims). Don't worry if you don't have everything—we can help gather missing documentation.

Question 11

Do I need a public adjuster for a roof damage claim?

Accepted Answer

If your roof damage claim exceeds $25,000, involves disputes over cosmetic vs functional damage, or if the insurance company is offering ACV (actual cash value) instead of full replacement cost, a public adjuster can significantly increase your recovery. Roof claims are among the most commonly underpaid — insurers frequently depreciate roofing materials aggressively or classify wind damage as pre-existing wear. Professional representation ensures the full scope of damage is documented and valued correctly.

Question 12

How do I know if my insurance claim was underpaid?

Accepted Answer

Common signs your claim was underpaid include: the settlement wouldn't cover full repair or replacement to pre-loss condition, the adjuster spent very little time inspecting the property, hidden damage areas (attics, crawlspaces, behind walls) weren't inspected, business interruption losses weren't calculated, or the offer came suspiciously fast. If you have any doubt, request a free consultation — we can review your settlement and policy to determine if additional recovery is possible.

Question 13

Can a public adjuster help with mold damage claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mold claims are complex because coverage depends on the cause. If mold resulted from a covered water event (burst pipe, storm damage, appliance failure), it's typically covered. If it's from long-term neglect or humidity, it's usually excluded. A public adjuster documents the causation chain connecting mold to the covered event, which is critical for approval. We also ensure mold sublimits in your policy are properly applied and fight back against blanket mold exclusion denials.

Question 14

What is the appraisal process in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

When you and your insurer can't agree on the value of a covered loss, most NC policies include an appraisal clause. Each side selects an appraiser, and the two appraisers select a neutral umpire. If the appraisers can't agree, the umpire breaks the tie. The decision is binding on the amount of loss (though not on coverage questions). A public adjuster can represent your interests through the appraisal process and select qualified appraisers who understand NC property values.

Question 15

How long do I have to file an insurance claim in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

North Carolina's statute of limitations for property damage claims is generally 3 years from the date of loss. However, your insurance policy may impose shorter deadlines — many require prompt notice (often 30-60 days) and a formal Proof of Loss within 60-90 days. Missing any of these deadlines can jeopardize your entire claim. A public adjuster ensures all deadlines are met and documentation is filed correctly and on time.

Question 16

What's the difference between ACV and replacement cost coverage?

Accepted Answer

Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the replacement cost minus depreciation — meaning you receive less as your property ages. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays the full cost to repair or replace with similar materials, regardless of age or depreciation. The difference can be substantial: a 15-year-old roof might receive 50-60% less under ACV than RCV. Many property owners don't realize which coverage they have until they file a claim. A public adjuster reviews your policy to ensure the correct valuation method is applied.

Question 17

Does Mantis Claims Group handle church and nonprofit property claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Churches, nonprofits, and houses of worship face unique insurance challenges — specialty items like stained glass, pipe organs, and historic architectural features require specialized valuation. Congregation displacement and loss of use claims are often overlooked. Nonprofit boards have a fiduciary duty to maximize recovery for their organizations. We provide professional representation that ensures these specialized properties receive proper documentation and valuation.

Question 18

Can I negotiate my insurance claim myself without a public adjuster?

Accepted Answer

You absolutely can, and for small, straightforward claims under $10,000, it often makes sense to do so. However, studies consistently show that policyholders represented by public adjusters receive significantly higher settlements — often 50-800% more than those who negotiate alone. For large or complex claims, the insurance company has teams of adjusters, engineers, and attorneys working to minimize their payout. Having an equally experienced professional on your side levels the playing field.

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