Who works for whom on an East Tennessee roof claim?

The three types

Tennessee public adjuster rules

Tennessee public adjusters must be licensed under the Tennessee Public Adjuster Licensing Act. For personal (non-commercial) claims, a public adjuster hired before the insurer makes a settlement offer may charge no more than 15% of the settlement; one hired after an offer may charge no more than 25% of the increase over the insurer's last offer (Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-6-913). No fee, retainer or deposit may be taken before the claim settles. You can rescind the contract in writing within three business days of signing (§ 56-6-914), and if the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within 72 hours of the loss report, the adjuster cannot take a percentage commission.

At the inspection

The adjuster usually measures the roof, marks hail hits on each slope, checks soft metals and any metal roofing, inspects inside and photographs everything. Steep cabin roofs may be inspected by drone. Ask whether anyone experienced with metal roofs, slate or steep roofs will review the damage.

Preparing

• Gather photos, the storm date and any NWS Morristown report.
• Ask your roofer to attend. A roofer can point out damage, but negotiating a claim for you generally requires a Tennessee public adjuster license.
• Have your roofer's written disclosures and contract handy if you signed one.
• Ask when the estimate will arrive and how reinspection works.

See questions for the adjuster.

If you disagree

Send more evidence, ask for reinspection, use appraisal for disputes over the amount, or consider a licensed public adjuster or attorney. You can file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Watch the policy's suit limitation clause while you work through it. See denied or low claims.