Public Adjuster vs Roofer on a Roof Claim

Quick Answer

On a Colorado roof insurance claim, a roofing contractor and a licensed public insurance adjuster do completely different jobs. AC INC Roofing is the contractor: we inspect the roof, document storm damage, scope the repair in Xactimate, supply materials, and install the work. A licensed public adjuster represents the homeowner to the insurance carrier: they negotiate scope and dollar amounts, push back on underpayments, and handle the policy-side dispute. Colorado law (CRS § 10-2-417 and SB 09-038) makes it ILLEGAL for a roofer to act as a public adjuster.

What a Roofing Contractor Does on a Claim

The contractor side of a roof claim is everything between the roof and the materials — inspection, documentation, scoping, materials, installation, warranty, and final cleanup. AC INC Roofing handles all of that and shares the documentation packet with the homeowner so they (or their licensed representative) can use it during the claim.

• HAAG Certified inspection with dated photos and written findings
• Xactimate-compatible scope of work for the carrier
• Adjuster meet-up coordination on site
• Material ordering, permitting, and code compliance
• Mid-roof inspection coordination where required (Boulder, Castle Rock, Centennial, etc.)
• Workmanship warranty and post-install service

What a Licensed Public Adjuster Does on a Claim

A public adjuster is a professional licensed by the Colorado Division of Insurance to represent the policyholder in dealings with the carrier. They are paid a percentage of the recovered claim, regulated by state law, and are independent of any contractor. They are the appropriate professional to hire when the dispute is about coverage, scope dollar amounts, depreciation, supplements, denials, or any negotiation with the insurance company.

• Reviews the policy and identifies coverage issues
• Negotiates the scope of loss and the dollar amount with the carrier
• Files supplements and disputes underpayments
• Handles appraisal demands, mediation, or coordination with an attorney
• Paid a percentage of the recovered claim (typically 8–20% in Colorado)

What a Roofer Cannot Legally Do

Colorado is unusually clear about the contractor / public-adjuster line. Under CRS § 10-2-417 and SB 09-038 a roofer cannot act as a public adjuster, cannot represent the homeowner to the carrier, cannot negotiate the scope or dollar amount of the claim, cannot demand appraisal, cannot file complaints with the Division of Insurance on behalf of the insured, and cannot take a percentage of the recovered claim. A roofer that says "we handle the whole insurance process for you" is operating outside Colorado law.

Educational only. Hire a licensed Colorado public adjuster directly when the dispute is about coverage, scope dollar amounts, depreciation, supplements, or denials. AC INC Roofing does not act as a public adjuster, does not accept referral fees from public adjusters, and does not co-sign joint contracts with public adjusters.

When to Hire a Public Adjuster

Most straightforward storm claims do not need a public adjuster. Documentation, an honest contractor, and direct communication with the carrier work fine. A public adjuster becomes worth the cost when the carrier underpays significantly relative to the scope, denies a claim that has good documentation, drops a major item from the scope, lowballs depreciation calculations, or otherwise gives the homeowner a result they think is wrong. The percentage fee is paid out of the additional recovery, not out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Colorado prohibit roofers from acting as public adjusters?

The combination of contractor incentives (more scope = more revenue) and adjuster authority (decides what the scope is) created widespread conflict of interest before SB 09-038 / CRS § 10-2-417 separated the roles. The current law protects homeowners from contractors who would inflate claim scopes for their own benefit.

Is hiring a public adjuster always worth it?

Not always. The public adjuster’s percentage fee comes out of the recovery, so for small claims it can wipe out the additional dollars they recover. For large or contested claims — underpaid scopes, denials, depreciation disputes — the percentage often pays for itself many times over. Talk to a public adjuster directly about whether your specific situation justifies their fee.

Can AC INC Roofing recommend a specific public adjuster or attorney?

We can refer you to professionals we have worked with, but we never accept referral fees and we never sign joint contracts. The public adjuster works for the homeowner, not the contractor; we keep that line clean so the homeowner has independent representation.

Will hiring a public adjuster slow down my roof?

Sometimes briefly, while the public adjuster reviews the file and re-engages the carrier. In most cases the additional time is paid back many times over by the additional documentation that goes into the file before the work begins. AC INC Roofing can hold the project schedule pending claim resolution if needed.

What does a public adjuster cost in Colorado?

Colorado law caps public-adjuster fees on residential claims; check the current cap with the public adjuster and on the Colorado Division of Insurance website. Typical fees we see in the field run 8–20% of the recovered claim.