The Public Adjuster Advantage

Licensed public adjuster reviewing Washington auto insurance claim with client.

Who’s on Your Side? Understanding Public Adjusters in Washington State

What is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster works for you - and only you - never the insurance company.

Insurance advertisements have very trust invoking taglines - but the truth is, an insurance adjuster is the company's representative whose primary responsibility is to resolve your claim in the most inexpensive way possible to protect the insurance company's financial interests and assets.

And without the insurance policy, regulation, and claims experience - that most people don't have - it's very easy for them to do this.

Claim Complete Auto Appraisals is YOUR personal claims adjuster representing your best interests and assets. We interpret policy language for you, assess losses accurately, and advocate for your best financial outcome. Whether you’re navigating a total loss, diminished value, or repair dispute, Claim Complete Auto represents your interests with professionalism and precision.

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Insurance Appraisals vs. Public Adjusting

They key is who represents who?

Appraiser: An appraiser focuses on determining value and can represent insurance companies AND consumers alike. This means your appraiser could have a loyalty conflict of interest if they do regular business with insurance carriers.
Independent Adjuster: An Independent Adjuster is also an insurance adjuster that works for a third party company to represent the interests of the insurance company. This type of adjuster is becoming more popular as it is often less expensive for an insurance company to hire an Independent Appraiser than to employ staff with benefits and expense considered.
Public Adjuster: A public adjuster is legally prohibited from working in insurance company interest or capacity - preventing any loyalty conflict. Public adjusters represent the public ONLY. Hiring a public adjuster ensures that your value gets paid and that your personal interests are protected fairly. At Claim Complete Auto, we offer both services to give you complete claim coverage from assessment to resolution.

By choosing an appraiser who is also a licensed Public Adjuster, you ensure that only your interests are protected and there are no conflicts of interests or loyalties.

Exact Washington State Definitions can be found here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=48.17.010

Appraiser or Public Adjuster? Know the Difference

- Appraisers are not Representatives-

An auto appraiser can prepare an estimate or valuation of vehicle damage — but they cannot:

Interpret your policy or coverage,
Negotiate settlement terms, or
Advocate for you in the claims process.

Most appraisers you find online or through referral networks are not public adjusters. Many work directly with insurers — sometimes handling thousands of assignments for the same companies they’re supposed to evaluate impartially. That’s not independence; that’s a built-in conflict of interest.

- The Public Adjuster Advantage -

A Public Adjuster is the only type of adjuster legally and ethically bound to represent the consumer. Their duty is to ensure your claim is handled fairly, accurately, and in accordance with your policy and Washington law — not to protect insurer profits.

When your appraiser is also a licensed Public Adjuster, you gain the full circle of claim support:

Independent appraisal rooted in consumer advocacy
Coverage interpretation based on your rights and policy terms
Negotiation and representation directly on your behalf
Complete disinterest in insurer contracts or influence

This combination — appraisal expertise + public adjuster representation — is what makes Claim Complete Auto Appraisals unique. We don’t answer to the insurance company. We answer to you.

Claim Complete Auto Appraisals™

Formerly Claim Complete Auto

(253) 460-7764 • melissa@claimcompleteauto.com

Service Area: Washington State

Claim Complete Auto Appraisals™ is not a law firm, insurance carrier, or authorized to sell insurance. Our services provide informational, advisory, and representation support for auto property damage claims and appraisals; nothing on this site is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship.

Please review our full Disclaimers Page for details.

The Public Adjuster Advantage

Who’s on Your Side? Understanding Public Adjusters in Washington State

Insurance Appraisals vs. Public Adjusting

They key is who represents who?

Appraiser or Public Adjuster? Know the Difference

- Appraisers are not Representatives-

- The Public Adjuster Advantage -

Public Adjuster Services for Auto Claims

You Deserve an Advocate Who Works for You

Get Representation That Levels the Playing Field

The Public Adjuster Advantage

Who’s on Your Side? Understanding Public Adjusters in Washington State

Insurance Appraisals vs. Public Adjusting

They key is who represents who?

Appraiser or Public Adjuster? Know the Difference

- Appraisers are not Representatives-

- The Public Adjuster Advantage -

Public Adjuster Services for Auto Claims

You Deserve an Advocate Who Works for You

Get Representation That Levels the Playing Field

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