The Adjuster Is Coming to My House — How to Prepare

The adjuster’s inspection is one of the most important moments in your claim. What they see, document, and write in their report directly determines your initial payment. You get one shot at a first impression. This guide helps you make it count.

The adjuster works for the insurance company. They may be a staff adjuster (a company employee) or an independent adjuster (a contractor hired by the company). Either way, their job is to evaluate the damage and write an estimate. Your job is to make sure they see everything.

Before the Inspection: Your Preparation Checklist

Start preparing the moment you schedule the appointment. Here is what to have ready:

• Your damage list: Write down every area of damage you have found, room by room, exterior area by exterior area. Do not rely on memory during the inspection. You will forget things.
• Photos and video: Have your documentation organized and accessible on your phone or tablet. You will reference these during the walkthrough.
• Access to all damaged areas: Clear paths to attics, crawl spaces, closets, and any area with damage. Move furniture away from damaged walls. If the adjuster cannot reach it, they will not document it.
• Your policy declarations page: Know your coverage limits, deductible, and any endorsements that apply to your loss.
• Contractor estimates (if you have them): If a contractor has already looked at the damage, bring their written estimate. This gives the adjuster a reference point.
• A notepad or your phone for notes: Write down everything the adjuster says during the inspection.

What to Show the Adjuster

Do not let the adjuster wander your property alone. Walk with them. Lead the tour. Show them every item on your damage list. Adjusters are human. They work fast. They handle dozens of claims simultaneously. If you do not point something out, there is a real chance they will miss it.

Things adjusters commonly miss or minimize:

• Damage behind furniture or inside cabinets
• Moisture in walls that is not yet visible on the surface
• Attic damage and insulation contamination
• Crawl space issues
• Garage and outbuilding damage
• Landscaping, fencing, and hardscape damage
• Matching issues (where undamaged areas must be replaced to match repaired areas)
• Code upgrade requirements triggered by the repair scope
• Contents damage in rooms they did not enter

Point to specific damage. Say, “This crack runs from the ceiling to the floor and was not here before the loss. Here is a photo from last month showing this wall intact.” Be specific and factual.

What to Say During the Inspection

Be honest, direct, and concise. Stick to facts. Good phrases:

• “This damage was not here before the [loss event].”
• “I first noticed this on [date].”
• “I have photos from before the loss showing this area undamaged.”
• “My contractor said this will require [specific repair].”
• “Can you explain what you are writing down?”
• “I want to make sure you document [specific area] before we move on.”

For guidance on handling adjuster phone conversations, see our guide on what to say when the adjuster calls.

What NOT to Say

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not speculate about causes.If you say “I think the pipe was old,” you just gave the insurer an argument for pre-existing damage. Stick to what happened: “Water was coming through the ceiling on [date].”
• Do not minimize damage.Avoid phrases like “it’s not that bad” or “it could be worse.” The adjuster may quote you.
• Do not agree to a scope on the spot.If the adjuster says “I think we’re looking at a patch and paint here,” do not nod along unless you agree. Say, “I’ll wait to see the written estimate before I comment on scope.”
• Do not discuss policy limits or deductibles. Let the adjuster do their job of documenting damage. Settlement discussions come later.

Questions to Ask the Adjuster

The inspection is your opportunity to gather information. Ask:

1. What is your timeline for sending me the written estimate?
2. How do I submit additional damage I find after today?
3. Will you be the adjuster handling this claim going forward, or will it transfer?
4. Are you recommending any further inspections (engineer, hygienist, etc.)?
5. How are you handling [specific area] in your scope?
6. What is the process if my contractor’s estimate differs from yours?

Write down their answers. If they say “we’ll take care of it,” ask what that means specifically and note the response.

After the Inspection: Follow Up in Writing

Within 24 hours of the inspection, send the adjuster an email summarizing what happened. This creates a written record. Include:

• The date and time of the inspection
• The areas you showed them
• Any statements they made about scope or coverage
• Any areas they said they would follow up on
• Any additional damage you pointed out that they initially overlooked

End with: “Please confirm receipt and let me know if I’ve missed anything from our discussion.” This email becomes part of your claim file and protects you if the adjuster later claims they did not see certain damage.

What If the Adjuster Misses Damage?

It happens constantly. When you receive the estimate, compare it against your damage list. If items are missing, you have the right to request a re-inspection or submit a supplement. Under California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations (10 CCR 2695.7), the insurer must provide a written explanation for any items they exclude from their estimate.

Do not accept an incomplete estimate. Your first week after receiving it is critical for identifying gaps and pushing back. See our first week of your claim guide for the next steps.

Special Situations

Multiple adjusters: On large losses, you may see a building adjuster, a contents adjuster, and possibly a specialist (engineer, hygienist). Keep track of who is responsible for what. Get business cards and direct contact information for each.

Adjuster wants to bring a contractor:The insurer’s preferred vendor is not your contractor. They may bring their own restoration company or roofer to look at the damage. You are not obligated to use them. Let them look, but remember: their contractor works for the insurer’s interests, not yours.

Tenant vs. landlord inspections:If you are a tenant, your landlord’s insurer may inspect the building damage while your renter’s insurer inspects your personal property. Coordinate schedules but understand these are separate claims.

The inspection is not the end of the process. It is the beginning. What matters most is what happens after: the estimate they write, the negotiations that follow, and your willingness to push back when the numbers do not add up. Being prepared for the inspection puts you in the strongest possible position for everything that comes next.