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, and works to secure a fair and accurate settlement while reducing your stress and saving you time.

When hiring a public adjuster for a hurricane or windstorm claim, look for someone who is licensed in your state, experienced with catastrophic losses, and has a strong track record handling wind and water-related claims. 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.

After a hurricane, prioritize safety first. Once it’s safe to return, document all damage with photos and videos before making any temporary repairs to prevent further loss—be sure to keep receipts. Do not dispose of any damaged food or personal property without first photographing and itemizing each item. If not already in your possession, request a full copy of your insurance policy to review coverage details, including hurricane or windstorm deductibles. Report the claim to your insurer promptly and cooperate with the company’s assigned adjuster during their inspection. You may also consider hiring a licensed public adjuster to provide a second opinion, assess the full scope of damage, and advocate for a fair settlement. Keep detailed records of all communication, expenses, and repairs throughout the claims process.

Yes, there are several steps you can take to help mitigate hurricane damage before a storm hits. Secure loose outdoor items, trim trees and branches near your home, and reinforce windows with storm shutters or plywood. Inspect your roof and gutters to ensure they're in good condition and clear of debris. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing sump pumps or sandbags and elevating valuable items. Review your insurance policy to confirm your coverage and deductibles, and keep a copy in a safe, accessible place. Taking these precautions can reduce the severity of damage and speed up recovery after the storm.

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

Yes, you can—and should—make temporary or minor repairs, like replacing missing shingles or sealing leaks, to protect your property from further damage before another hurricane arrives. Insurance policies generally require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional loss, known as your duty to mitigate. Just be sure to document everything first: take clear photos of the damage before and after the repairs, and keep all receipts and records of materials or labor used. These actions help protect your home and support your ongoing claim without jeopardizing your coverage. If you're unsure, a public adjuster can guide you on what repairs are safe to make without affecting your settlement.

If your home is unlivable after a hurricane, you may be entitled to Additional Living Expenses (ALE) under your insurance policy, which reimburses you for increased costs like temporary housing, meals, and transportation while you're displaced. Keep detailed records and save all receipts related to being out of your home.

Some policies also extend ALE if you're unable to return due to a government evacuation order, even if your home wasn’t directly damaged. If your policy doesn’t include ALE, FEMA often provides grants and low-interest disaster loans to help cover temporary housing and other essential needs. Just remember, ALE only covers expenses above your normal cost of living—so avoid overreporting routine expenses.

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 hurricane or 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.