How do you actually advocate for a client through their claim?
Written by Andy Kruger
BuildSOS CEO5 min read
The short answer
Be the bridge, not just the repair crew. Help clients understand their coverage, hand adjusters a clean, professional documentation package, and know when to bring in a public adjuster if a claim stalls or gets lowballed. This role is what separates a contractor clients call once from one they call for life, and refer to everyone they know.
Being the bridge, not the adversary
Homeowners face a confusing sequence after a disaster: damage, policy, adjuster, estimate, delays, stress. Most are navigating it for the first time, with no idea what’s normal and what’s a red flag.
Position yourself as the translator. You understand the damage and the process in a way the homeowner doesn’t. Give the adjuster a clean, professional, well-documented package, and you become a partner in the process, not an obstacle. That reputation follows you: adjusters who trust your documentation approve claims faster, on this job and the next one.
When to bring in a public adjuster
A public adjuster works for the homeowner, not the insurance company. Bring one into the conversation when a claim is getting lowballed, delayed without explanation, or denied in a way that doesn’t match the visible damage.
A good public adjuster organizes the file and fights for a settlement that reflects the actual loss. When you refer a client to a strong one, it does two things: it gets your client’s project unstuck, and it builds a relationship with an adjuster who remembers you the next time a client needs a contractor they can trust.
Build a short list of public adjusters you trust in your area before you need one. Handing a stalled client a real next step, instead of a shrug, is exactly the kind of advocacy that turns into a referral.
Frequently asked
Does recommending a public adjuster cost me anything?
No, and it typically strengthens the relationship rather than costing you the job. Homeowners remember who helped them get unstuck.
How do I find public adjusters worth trusting?
Ask other verified contractors in your network, or look for ones with a track record on claims similar to what your client is facing.
What if the insurer pushes back on my documentation?
Stay professional and let your documentation do the talking. A clean, thorough, honest package is your strongest position in any pushback.
Sources
- IBISWorld — Damage Restoration Services in the US (2026) · ibisworld.com
About the author
Andy Kruger
Andy Kruger is CEO of BuildSOS, author of When the Storm Comes, and sits on multiple boards and advisory groups shaping disaster resilience policy and research.
About Andy