Frequently Asked Questions

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works exclusively on behalf of policyholders — not insurance companies. When you file a property damage claim, your insurance carrier sends their own adjuster to assess the loss. That adjuster works for the carrier. A public adjuster works for you, ensuring your claim is properly documented, valued, and negotiated to reflect the full extent of your loss under your policy terms. Public adjusters are licensed and regulated by the state.

Your insurance company's adjuster is employed by the carrier and has a professional obligation to their employer. Their role is to evaluate your claim within the carrier's guidelines, which often results in conservative valuations. TriStar's adjusters are retained by you and work exclusively in your interest. We conduct our own independent inspection, prepare our own scope of loss, and negotiate with the carrier to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of restoring your property. The difference in outcomes can be substantial.

TriStar works on a contingency-only basis. Our fee applies only to settlement proceeds we actually recover for you, and varies based on the type and complexity of your claim — we'll discuss it upfront before you sign anything. There are no retainers, no hourly charges, and no upfront costs of any kind. If we don't recover a settlement for you, you owe us nothing. This model aligns our interests directly with yours: we're motivated to recover every dollar your policy provides because our compensation depends on your result.

Timeline depends mostly on claim type and carrier responsiveness. As a rough guide: residential water, wind, or fire claims typically resolve in 30–90 days once we're engaged. Mid-sized commercial losses (storm, structural, or contents) usually run 60–180 days. Complex commercial claims involving multiple coverages, engineering assessments, business interruption, or carrier disputes can take 6–12 months or longer. We'll give you a more specific range after the initial consultation, once we see your policy and the scope of damage. Throughout the process, TriStar keeps you informed and works to move your claim forward as efficiently as the facts allow.

TriStar handles all types of property damage covered by insurance policies, including storm damage (hail, wind, tornado, ice), fire and smoke damage, water and flood damage, and structural damage. We represent both commercial and residential property owners. Our team has experience with every major category of property loss and engages specialized engineers, contractors, and forensic accountants as needed for complex claims.

In many cases, yes. If you believe your claim was undervalued or if additional damage has been discovered after settlement, TriStar can review your situation and determine whether there are grounds to reopen the claim or file a supplemental claim. Insurance policies typically have provisions for supplemental claims when additional covered damage is identified. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether reopening your claim is likely to result in a meaningful additional recovery.

TriStar is licensed throughout Tennessee — from Memphis to Knoxville and everywhere in between — and serves property owners across the broader Southeast. Our team is based in Franklin, Tennessee, just south of Nashville, and we travel to your property wherever it's located within our coverage area.