West Virginia Adjusters Practice Exam

A public adjuster is defined as an independent adjuster who represents the interests of the policyholder when filing an insurance claim. This means that their role is to advocate on behalf of the insured, ensuring that they receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. Public adjusters possess expertise in evaluating claims and navigating insurance policies, which allows them to effectively communicate and negotiate with the insurer on behalf of their clients.

In contrast, an adjuster who works for the government is typically involved in situations that pertain to public funds or disasters, while an adjuster who works solely for an insurance company is focused on protecting the insurer's interests. The option that states an adjuster only assesses commercial claims limits the scope of what a public adjuster does, as they can work with both residential and commercial claims depending on the client's needs. Thus, the role of a public adjuster is centered around being an independent advocate for policyholders, making the correct answer the one that highlights their independent representation.