Which adjuster will you deal with on a coastal claim?
After a hurricane, a Cape Fear homeowner may hear from several adjusters: one for the homeowners policy, one for an NCIUA wind policy, one for flood, and possibly a public adjuster offering to help.
Last reviewed against official sources. General information, not insurance or legal advice.
Staff and independent adjusters work for the insurer, including NCIUA. A flood adjuster handles the flood policy. A public adjuster works for you for a fee and must be licensed by the NC Department of Insurance; after a disaster declared by the President or Governor, North Carolina caps that fee at 10% of the settlement.
The adjusters you may meet
| Adjuster | Works for | Handles |
|---|---|---|
| Staff adjuster | Your insurer | Homeowners claims, often smaller ones |
| Independent or catastrophe adjuster | Hired by the insurer or NCIUA | Claims after big storms, when insurers need extra help |
| Flood adjuster | Your flood insurer (NFIP or private) | Rising-water damage only |
| Public adjuster | You, for a fee | Preparing and negotiating your claim |
Two policies, two adjusters
If NCIUA covers your wind and hail and another company covers everything else, a hurricane claim can involve both. Ask each adjuster which damage they are assessing, and share the same photos and roofer's report with both so nothing falls between them.
Public adjusters in North Carolina
North Carolina public adjusters must be licensed by the NC Department of Insurance (G.S. 58, Article 33A). After a catastrophic incident declared by the President or the Governor, a public adjuster may not charge more than 10% of the settlement, and may not take any fee, retainer or deposit before the claim settles (G.S. 58-33A-60). According to the department's consumer guide, you can rescind a public adjuster contract in writing within three business days of signing, and if the insurer offers the full policy limits within 72 hours of the loss report, the adjuster cannot take a percentage commission.
Check the license with the NC Department of Insurance, get the fee in writing, and be cautious of anyone who solicits you at your door right after a storm.
Preparing for the inspection
- Have photos, the storm date and your claim numbers ready.
- Ask your roofer to attend and point out damage. In North Carolina, a roofer can show damage but shouldn't negotiate your claim unless licensed as a public adjuster.
- Show interior damage and the attic access.
- Ask when you will get the written estimate and whether a reinspection is possible.
For a full list of questions, see questions to ask your adjuster.
If you disagree
Send more evidence, ask for reinspection, use the appraisal clause if your policy has one, consider a licensed public adjuster or attorney, or contact the NC Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212. See low estimate or denial.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NCIUA adjuster work for me?
No. Adjusters sent by NCIUA work for NCIUA, just as other company adjusters work for their insurer. A public adjuster is the one you hire.
How much can a public adjuster charge in North Carolina?
After a catastrophe declared by the President or Governor, no more than 10% of the settlement, and no fee before the claim settles. Ask for the fee in writing.
Will the flood adjuster look at my roof?
Usually not. Flood policies cover rising water. Roof and wind damage go to your homeowners or NCIUA policy.
Policies vary. Check your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about anything that affects your claim. Laws and rules can change; this page reflects official sources as of October 29, 2026. WilmingtonNCRoofer.com is not a contractor, insurer, adjuster or law firm.
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