FAQs

A public adjuster helps policyholders after a hurricane by serving as their advocate throughout the insurance claims process.

They provide a second opinion to the insurance company’s adjuster and take the time to thoroughly assess the full scope of your loss—something many out-of-state catastrophe adjusters can’t do due to time constraints and high claim volume.

Company adjusters are often in a rush to close files and return home, may be limited in their ability to perform reinspections, and it’s common for policyholders to be reassigned to multiple adjusters if supplements are needed. 

A public adjuster offers consistency, handles all communication with the insurer (where allowed**), and works to secure a fair and accurate settlement while reducing your stress and saving you time.

When hiring a public adjuster for your insurance claim, look for someone who is licensed in your state, experienced with catastrophic losses, and has a strong track record handling claims of the type you need help with.

While they don’t need to live in your state, they should be within a day’s driving distance to ensure they can return for reinspections or meetings as needed.

A good public adjuster will take time to inspect your entire property, explain your coverage and options clearly, and stay involved throughout the entire process—not just during the initial visit.

Ask for references, understand their fee structure upfront, and be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign quickly or makes promises that sound too good to be true.

CLFPA differs from larger public adjusting firms that often flood states during emergencies by offering personalized, local service from someone who actually lives in Mississippi.

Christopher Friedley handles every claim himself, ensuring consistency and direct communication—not a rotating cast of adjusters. 

With over 20 years of experience and a base on the Gulf Coast, he can reach any part of Mississippi or Louisiana within a day’s drive, making him readily available for inspections, reinspections, and hands-on support throughout the life of your claim.

Yes, you can take several steps to help speed up your claim.

Start by documenting all damage immediately with clear photos and videos, and make a detailed list of affected items. If you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, save all receipts and materials used.

Report your claim to your insurance company as soon as possible, and request a full copy of your policy if you don’t already have it. Cooperate with your assigned adjuster during their inspection and provide any requested documentation promptly.

Staying organized, responsive, and thorough can help move your claim forward more efficiently.

To document the damage effectively and maximize your insurance settlement, start by taking clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all affected areas—both wide shots for context and close-ups for detail. Include interior and exterior damage, roof, siding, flooring, ceilings, personal belongings, and appliances. Make a room-by-room inventory of damaged items, noting brand, model, age, and estimated value. If possible, include pre-loss photos for comparison. Save receipts, warranties, and maintenance records to support your valuation. Don’t discard any damaged property or food items without first photographing and itemizing them.

The more organized and thorough your documentation, the stronger your claim will be—and the harder it is for the insurer to undervalue your loss.

Hiring a public adjuster is similar to working with a real estate agent—you can handle the insurance claim yourself, but you're likely to achieve a better outcome with a knowledgeable professional guiding the process. Public adjusters are experts in evaluating property damage, interpreting complex policy language, and negotiating with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement. In disputed or underpaid claims, involving a public adjuster early—before hiring an attorney—can often lead to a quicker resolution without the delays or high costs of litigation.

Attorneys typically charge contingency fees of 30% to 40%, while public adjusters generally charge far less. In Mississippi, public adjusters like CLFPA can charge up to 10% of your total settlement, typically as a contingency fee—meaning you only pay if additional funds are recovered. In Louisiana, however, state law prohibits percentage-based fees, so adjusters must charge a reasonable flat or hourly rate, as outlined in Louisiana Revised Statutes §22:1703. CLFPA adheres to all state-specific regulations, ensuring transparent, compliant, and cost-effective service tailored to your location.

Yes, CLFPA can help connect you with reputable contractors to perform the necessary repairs after a property loss. While CLFPA does not perform repairs or receive compensation from contractors, they can refer trusted professionals who are properly licensed and experienced with insurance-related reconstruction. This can save you time and help ensure the work is done correctly. However, you are always free to choose your own contractor, and CLFPA’s role remains focused on advocating for your insurance settlement—not managing the repair process.

The best way to start the process is by contacting me! You can fill out the easy consultation request form or call the 24/7 hotline at 888-572-5372.