The insurance claim process is far from straightforward, especially in a state like Florida which has faced an unstable insurance market for years while pinning residents between a rock and a hard place when it comes to premiums.
Florida homeowners have among the highest premiums in the country, and though faced with paying exorbitant prices for coverage, they still have trouble reaching a fair settlement with their insurance company when they do experience damage to their home.
If you have filed a wind insurance claim in Florida only to have it denied or underpaid, you know how extremely frustrating the claims process can be. Not only does it add undue stress and anxiety to an already difficult time, but it also leaves you financially on the hook for repairing your damaged home.
To relieve some of this burden and ensure you receive your rightful claim amount, it can be helpful to work with a public adjuster and/or an insurance law attorney on the claims process. Both professionals work on the homeowner’s behalf (not the insurance company’s) and their advocacy means you stand a fighting chance against your insurance provider.
What is the Difference Between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Law Attorney?
Public adjusters and attorneys both help with your wind damage claim, though they work in different capacities. Public adjusters focus primarily on handling the claims process. This includes gathering all documentation, submitting the claim, and handling any necessary negotiations with the insurance company. Attorneys step in to handle legal aspects of the claim process, including litigation, disputes, and bad faith claims.
Deciding whether you need a public adjuster or an attorney to help with your wind damage claim in Florida depends on the specifics of your situation. Here are some instances where hiring a public adjuster can be particularly helpful.
When to Hire a Public Adjuster for Your Wind Damage Claim
A public adjuster can be invaluable in situations where you need assistance with the initial filing and negotiation of your wind damage claim. Here are some other scenarios where a public adjuster might be beneficial:
- Your claim is complex – If your wind damage is extensive or involves multiple aspects of your property (e.g., the roof, windows, siding, and/or interior damage), a public adjuster can help ensure that all damages are thoroughly documented and valued correctly.
- Your claim was undervalued – If you believe the insurance company’s initial settlement offer is too low, a public adjuster can negotiate on your behalf to seek a higher payout.
- You don’t have time – The claims process is time-consuming. If you are too busy or overwhelmed to manage it yourself, a public adjuster can handle all aspects of the claim, including documentation, communication with the insurer, and negotiation so you don’t have to.
- You lack experience – Insurance policies and the claims process are unnecessarily complex. If you’ve never filed a claim before (and even if you have), a public adjuster’s expertise can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Public adjusters are experts in the insurance claims process, and they work on your behalf. If you experience wind damage to your property, a call to a public adjuster can be a good place to start the claims process. If, however, challenges ensue and there becomes a dispute with the insurance company, you may need to escalate to an attorney.
Our experienced legal team at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie has been helping homeowners with their wind and hurricane insurance claims dating back to the 2004-2005 season. Over the years, we’ve worked hurricanes Charley, Ivan, Frances, Jeanne, Dennis, Wilma, Irma, Michael, Matthew, Sally, Ian, and Idalia. If you have questions about a property insurance claim in Florida, turn to one of our claims advisors in Miami to begin asking your questions.
