Frequently Asked Questions
What is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder, not the insurance company, during an insurance claim. Their work includes documenting damage, interpreting policy language, preparing repair estimates, and negotiating with the insurer for a fair settlement. In California, public adjusters must be licensed by the Department of Insurance.
What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster?
An insurance company adjuster works for your insurer and represents their interests. A public adjuster works exclusively for you, the policyholder. When you file a claim, your insurance company assigns its own adjuster whose goal is to minimize the payout. A public adjuster like Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau works to maximize your settlement and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Do I need a public adjuster, or can I handle my insurance claim myself?
You can file a claim on your own, but insurance claims involve policy fine print, documentation requirements, deadlines, and negotiations that most homeowners and business owners are not equipped to navigate alone. Even smaller losses can reveal hidden damage once work begins, making professional review worthwhile.
What is Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau is a fully licensed and bonded public adjusting firm founded in 1972 and headquartered in Encino, California. We represent homeowners and businesses in the settlement of insurance claims across 11 states. Our team includes adjusters, construction estimators, engineers, environmental technicians, mold specialists, and forensic accountants.
How long has Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau been in business?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau was founded in 1972 by Nate Nahmias and has been serving homeowners and businesses for more than 50 years. The firm is now led by Glenn Nahmias, Nate’s son, and our adjusters have more than 100 years of combined experience in public adjusting and insurance claims.
What types of damage claims does Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau handle?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau handles fire, smoke, earthquake, theft, vandalism, hurricane, tornado, wind, and water damage claims for both residential and commercial properties.
What states does Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau serve?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau is licensed in 11 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. Our firm is headquartered in Encino, California.
Do you offer services in languages other than English?
Yes. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau’s staff and adjusters speak more than nine languages, including Armenian, English, Farsi, French, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
What happens after I contact Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau?
After you contact us, we begin by reviewing your policy and the details of your loss. We then inspect your property and document all affected areas with photos, notes, and measurements. From there, we prepare a full replacement-cost estimate, assemble a complete claim package including all required documentation and forms, communicate directly with your insurance company, and negotiate your settlement. The same adjuster who assesses your claim on day one stays with you through the entire process until your settlement is complete.
What will Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau do for me?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau handles every aspect of your insurance claim. We contact your insurance company and their adjuster, review your policy to determine the full extent of your coverage, inspect your property to ensure all damage is documented, prepare content inventories and assessments, compile detailed estimates and proofs of loss, assist with your relocation needs if necessary, and negotiate on your behalf until you receive a fair settlement.
What sets Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau apart from other public adjusting firms?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau has built its reputation on personalized attention and persistence. Our team is supported by structural and geotechnical engineers, construction estimators, environmental technicians, mold specialists, and forensic accountants. Unlike firms that hand cases between staff, the adjuster who assesses your claim on the first day remains your advocate until your settlement is complete. We have been serving clients since 1972 and maintain strong working relationships with insurance company adjusters nationwide.
When should I hire a public adjuster?
As soon as possible after a loss. The earlier Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau is involved, the more effectively we can document your claim, protect your interests, and counter your insurer’s initial assessment. Many homeowners wait until delays or lowball offers become a problem. By that point, we can still help, but our ability to maximize your settlement is greatest from the start.
Is it too late to hire a public adjuster if I have already filed my claim?
No. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau can join at any stage of the process, whether your claim is newly filed, partially processed, delayed, or already paid but appears incomplete. If you feel your settlement offer does not reflect the true cost of your loss, contact us regardless of where you are in the process.
Is it too late to hire a public adjuster if my claim has already been denied?
No. A denial is not necessarily final. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau works with policyholders whose claims have been denied or underpaid and can review the basis for the denial, identify documentation gaps, and pursue a reconsideration or appeal on your behalf.
How does Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau get paid?
Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau’s fee is a percentage of your final settlement, paid only after you receive your reimbursement. There are no upfront costs.
Are there any upfront costs to hiring Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau?
No. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau charges no upfront fees. Our fee is percentage-based and payable only when you receive your settlement. We get paid when you do.
What results can I expect from hiring Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau?
On average, Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau clients receive a 35 to 75 percent higher settlement than they would have obtained on their own. Results vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the extent of the loss, but our sole objective is to ensure you receive the maximum settlement your policy allows.
Will hiring a public adjuster really get me a higher settlement?
In most cases, yes. Insurance company adjusters work for the insurer and are motivated to minimize payouts. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau works exclusively for you, with the expertise to identify damage others miss, interpret policy language in your favor, and negotiate from a position of experience. Our clients average a 35 to 75 percent higher settlement than they would have received without representation.
Why do I need Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau if my insurance company already has adjusters?
Your insurance company’s adjuster represents the insurer, not you. Their job is to process your claim within the limits their employer finds acceptable, which is often less than what your policy actually provides. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau represents only your interests, brings independent expertise to the valuation of your loss, and negotiates on your behalf to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your damage.
What should I do immediately after a disaster or property loss?
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after a loss. Document all damage thoroughly with clear, dated photos and video of every affected area inside and out. Keep all receipts, repair bills, and contractor estimates. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as tarping a damaged roof or boarding up windows, and photograph that work as well. Keep a written log of every call, email, and letter related to your claim. Then contact Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau before accepting any assessment or offer from your insurer.
What if my insurance claim is denied?
A denial is not the end of the process. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau can review the reason for the denial, identify whether documentation gaps or policy interpretation issues contributed, and pursue a reconsideration or formal appeal on your behalf. Contact us as soon as you receive a denial notice.
What if my insurance settlement offer seems too low?
If your insurer’s offer does not reflect the true cost of repairing or replacing what you lost, you have the right to dispute it. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau can review the estimate, identify damage that was overlooked or undervalued, and negotiate directly with the insurer for a settlement that accurately reflects your loss.
Can Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau help with both residential and commercial claims?
Yes. Metropolitan Adjustment Bureau handles insurance claims for homeowners, renters, landlords, and businesses of all sizes. Our commercial insurance claims experience spans dozens of industries, including retail, restaurants, manufacturing, property management, and more.