When should I choose a public adjuster?

Immediately at the time of damage. The first meeting with the insurance company is the most critical, as it establishes the Scope of The Loss. Contact a public adjuster before you meet with your insurer or a restoration company.

Thomas Lacovara Public Adjusters

When Disaster Strikes You’re Not Alone.

Helping the South Jersey Community successfully settle insurance claims since 1997.

(We are not associated with Bill Lacovara or Matt Lacovara - Lacovara Public Adjusters – Ventnor)

Meet the Team.

Thomas Lacovara

Senior Public Adjuster

Over 25 years experience, certified Appraiser/umpire, court recognized expert, licensed and insured.

Thomas Lacovara and Associates have negotiated over $100 million in claim recovery for their clients.

Mr. Lacovara has in-depth knowledge of policies, insurance law, appraisal, construction, planning and zoning boards, working with the top law firms in South Jersey as an expert.

He works directly with law firms, accounting firms, engineers, architects and the legal system to ensure you receive the best possible settlement you are entitled to.

John Ross

Senior Public Adjuster | Contents Specialist

Over 22 years experience, certified Appraiser/umpire, court recognized expert, licensed, bonded and insured.

John Ross graduated Stockton University, and is unsurpassed in his knowledge of contents, antiques, collectibles, high-quality furniture, clothing and other household and commercial items.

Mr. Ross also holds a New Jersey State Police license as a private investigator and coordinates with the insurance company's fire investigators.

Tim Young

Senior Public Adjuster, Building Expert

Over 18 years experience, certified Appraiser/umpire, court recognized expert, licensed, bonded and insured.

Tim Young graduated Drexel University, and worked for the other side for 8 years as an insurance company adjuster.

He has an in-depth knowledge of the claim process, building estimating, and the insurance company strategy of paying the least amount possible, whenever possible.

Colt Lacovara

Senior Public Adjuster

New Jersey State licensed Public Adjuster.

Colt has been licensed since 2019 and grew up in the business.

Expert in data analysis of building and contents claims. Colt uses the latest technology to enhance the insured's settlement. This is a critical component of analyzing the weaknesses and shortfalls in insurance companies' settlement offers.

Colt Lacovara graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Economics and Statistics.

Client Reviews

We Are Your Trusted, 5-Star Review Public Adjusters

CYCarley Young17 weeks ago

★★★★★

I could not express enough how much of a good experience I've had using tom and John as our public adjuster. We had a…

APAllyn Penkethman35 weeks ago

★★★★★

After having a major water leak in my utility room, my son suggested I hire a private adjuster to help me through the…

TEThomas Egizi40 weeks ago

★★★★★

We suffered a house fire and lost everything. Tom and John were great and worked around the clock to get our policy limits across the board. Highly recommend.

CHCristal HolmesJul 9, 2025

★★★★★

I lost my home of 30 years in a fire. While no one was injured it was still traumatic to my family. Tom Lacovara and his…

MMMike MansorMay 21, 2025

★★★★★

Thomas was very friendly, informative and helpful. I was impressed with his professionalism and exceptional customer…

AMAndrew MillerMay 6, 2025

★★★★★

I had a major loss. Everything was wet and mostly destroyed. Tom came in and adjusted the claim in the most…

EMEd MawhinneyApr 16, 2023

★★★★★

We had a very complex and difficult case involving other family members and a house fire. The case took over 1 1/2 years…

VCVince CaputoMar 16, 2023

★★★★★

Great experience with Tom Lacovara and his team. He helped my parents navigate the fallout from their kitchen fire. His team was on top of things from start to finish, I highly recommend.

JCJohn ColletteFeb 17, 2023

★★★★★

Tom and his team go overboard to make sure the customer is Satisfied! I would highly recommend him! 👍 Thanks Big Dog !

PJPiper J2Feb 13, 2023

★★★★★

Dealing with a fire was hard enough we weren't equipped to deal with the insurance company. Thomas and John were a…

JSJoseph StickelFeb 13, 2023

★★★★★

I had a water pipe break in the kitchen and den which was directly below the kitchen. I called Thomas Lacovara &…

SBSteven BrogFeb 5, 2023

★★★★★

Tom Lacovara is an amazing public adjuster. Not only is he very experienced, but he is relentless in his dealings with…

JBJohn Bodine Jr.Feb 3, 2023

★★★★★

Thank you to Thomas Lacovara for your professionalism and attention to detail. He was able to smoothly navigate my family through two separate complicated losses. Highly recommend to those in need.

SGStephen GagnonFeb 3, 2023

★★★★★

My family and I had a house fire. We had no idea what direction to go. Tom showed up, with years of experience. He…

JVJeff VasserFeb 2, 2023

★★★★★

Lacovara & Associates was there when I needed them and made me feel like I was their only client. They made a tough…

MAManny AfifiFeb 2, 2023

★★★★★

Thomas Lacovara is so knowledgeable and helpful when you need it the most!

WLWilliam LeveringFeb 2, 2023

★★★★★

Thomas Lacovara has assisted me a couple times with insurance settlements. He is extremely knowledgeable around all…

WZWilliam ZanesFeb 2, 2023

★★★★★

Tom and his team did a fantastic job helping us get what we deserved from our loss. Our insurance was so difficult to work with and Tom made it all much easier.

JSJoseph SporkinFeb 1, 2023

★★★★★

I have owned multiple rental properties in Ventnor City over the past 20 years and luckily have only had a couple of…

WHWill HarleyFeb 1, 2023

★★★★★

Thomas Lacovara is the person you need when you have a fire or water loss. Don't try to do it alone.

BLBernie LaleyanFeb 1, 2023

★★★★★

Tom is very detail oriented and very professional, he handled my case which should have taken 4 to 6 weeks instead it…

AWAmy WalshJan 31, 2023

★★★★★

Tom and his team are professional, responsive and get you the best possible results in an unfortunate circumstance…

The Facts.

A highly trained, highly competent professional public adjuster will make all the difference handling your claim. In economics, it's called value added services.

A top public adjuster can make a 50%, 100%, 200%, 300% difference in your claim settlement, more than enough to cover the 10 or 15% public adjuster fee.

Plus you have eliminated the headaches and the learning pitfalls of trying to manage your own claim.

Our Promise

We help our clients settle their insurance claims, and reduce stress.

We'll handle all of the details that are associated with your insurance claims and are on-call to answer all of your questions.

We've spent nearly three decades working with the South Jersey community, and have a very reputable reputation.

Take a look at our testimonials from happy clients we've worked with over the years.

Thomas Lacovara and John Ross on-site at a fire-damaged property

Our Values.

Thomas Lacovara & Associates is a highly trained, high-quality public adjusting firm that will more than earn our fee with your recovery.

This means you are the beneficiary of the added value we bring to your claim.

Plus, we handle all of the details that are associated with these claims, often causing stress during the settlement process.

Customer First

You are our top priority. First and foremost.

Experience

We have settled hundreds of claims and can do the same for you.

Integrity

With decades of experience, we know how the other team works — the insurance company's assigned adjuster. Don't make the mistake of accepting their claim assessment.

Excellence

After your damage, you're panicked and frightened. We are the gold standard when it comes to large loss claims. Don't let your judgement during stress prevent you from getting the most money you're entitled to.

Trusted by South Jersey’s homeowners since 1997.

“Thank you, Thomas Lacovara, for all your hard work and help settling this large and complicated insurance claim, and for all your professional help with rebuilding the medical center. You came highly recommended and you earned that reputation.”

Dr. Groch Mainland Medical Center, Northfield

Get in touch with us.

We are here to help answer your questions and start the process of working with you and handling your insurance claim.

Contact Thomas 609.926.6500

Type of Claims

We are large loss specialists — fire, flood, wind, storm, major pipe breaks — begin here.

Fire

Fire Damage Claims

Fire is a major threat to all homeowners and a common insurance claim.

Water

Water Damage Claims

Water-related damages are the second most common type of insurance claim filed by homeowners. This can include burst pipes or flooding from storms.

Home with a large tree fallen on the roof after a storm

Wind

Wind & Storm Claims

Heavy storms can bring trees and branches down onto your home and property. Hurricanes and tornadoes can completely wipe out homes.

Whether by fire, flood, wind, there are 3 questions that often arise when someone experiences a major loss.

What Is A Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a highly trained insurance professional that represents you, the insured homeowner, with your insurance claim.

At Thomas Lacovara & Associates we are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Insurance and work to help you get the maximum amount of money you're entitled to receiving.

They are very interested in their bottom line and profits. We need to talk.

Why Choose A Public Adjuster?

The insurance company sends in their own adjuster that represents the insurance company, not you.

Insurance companies are part of major corporations and experts at paying the least amount of money to you for your damages.

They are very interested in their bottom line and profits.

When To Choose A Public Adjuster?

Immediately at the time of damage, you should contact a public adjuster. The first meeting with the insurance company is the most critical and important meeting — this is when the rules of engagement are established, identified as the Scope of The Loss.

The insurance company may want to bring in a restoration company right away. This is a huge mistake made by many homeowners, as you will lose tens of thousands of dollars just on that mistake.

Think of it this way: if you were in an automobile accident, would you clean and polish your car before the adjuster had an opportunity to review the extent of the damage?

Need Immediate Assistance?

Office: 609.926.6500 | Linwood, NJ
Serving South Jersey

We Are The GOLD STANDARD In The Industry.

Brief List of Trusted Clients:

Individual Clients

Paul D'Amato Esq., Trial Attorney / Former Mayor & Assemblyman
Dennis Levinson, Atlantic County Executive
Bargaintown Fire Department
Sonny McCullough, Former Mayor, Egg Harbor Township
Danny Adams, Chief, Margate Fire Department
Dennis Brooks, Former Chief, Atlantic City Fire Department
Pat Moran, Former Chief of Police, Galloway
Steve Brog Esq.
Jack Placker Esq.
Steve Marchel, Owner, Stock Brokerage
Lou Bongiovanni, CPA
Frank Thomas, CPA, Port Republic
Tom Kimball, Realtor
Steve Kaplan, Judge
James Knox, Atlantic City School Principal

Commercial Clients

Absecon Methodist Church
Faith Baptist Church, Pleasantville
JCC — Jewish Community Center, Margate
Steve and Cookies Restaurant, Margate
Tomatoes Restaurant, Margate
Robert's Place Bar & Restaurant, Margate
Great Bay Country Club, Somers Point
Art Handler Appliance, Pleasantville
Mainland Medical Center, Northfield
Pleasantville Yacht Club

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public Adjuster?

We represent you, the homeowner/insured, to make sure you receive the maximum amount of money that you're entitled to. We are licensed, bonded, and insured professionals — the insurance company represents the insurance company, not you.

Can't I just use the insurance company's adjuster?

The insurance company's adjuster represents the insurance company — not you. They are experts at paying the least amount possible.

Should my Public Adjuster be brought in at the beginning of a claim?

Yes. Most public adjusters work on contingency, typically charging 10% to 15% of the final settlement offer, with experienced adjusters potentially charging higher fees for larger, more complex claims.

Can I hire a Public Adjuster after the claim has already been settled?

Once the damage has been done, it's very difficult to reverse previous mistakes. We generally can't represent clients who have already attempted to handle their claim on their own.

How much does a Public Adjuster charge?

Fees normally range between 10% and 15% of the settlement. An experienced adjuster can increase your claim 50%, 100%, or 200% — more than enough to cover the fee.

Do I need a Public Adjuster?

It's the smart decision for any serious claim — the same way you'd hire an attorney for a serious legal matter.

What should I look for in a Public Adjuster?

Knowledge, experience, work ethic, honesty and reputation. Check references and verify their standing with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

Handling your insurance claim headaches so you don't have to.

Only highly trained professionals with decades of experience know how to properly settle your complicated insurance claim.

Maximize your insurance settlement $$$!

Review our testimonials to learn more about what our clients have to say.