How Pensacola Public Adjusters Help Homeowners Maximize Hurricane Damage Claims

In 2024, Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused over $5.2 billion in damages. Over 400,000 insurance claims were filed, and 72 percent were approved and paid. However, whether these policyholders received an accurate settlement from their insurers remains unknown.

The Role of the Public Adjuster

That's where Florida public adjusters play a vital role: to prepare and file evidence and other insurance documents that maximize a policyholder's claim. Here's how they work:

• They conduct property inspections and document damage to create a complete damage assessment.
• They review your policy to identify all available coverage and exclusions that could affect your claim value.
• They communicate with your insurer, attend inspections, and negotiate your settlement.
• They may coordinate with structural engineers, mold specialists, and general contractors to substantiate damage claims with expert opinions.

How Public Adjusters Support Homeowners

Scope of Services

Roof, water, structural, and exterior damage fall within the scope of the firm's hurricane damage adjustment services.

In the aftermath of a storm, it can be challenging to take photographs and videos of the damage, request repair estimates from licensed contractors, and organize all estimates and receipts before contacting your insurer. An insurance adjuster may perform these tasks for you, but any first-hand evidence you gather will help them support your claim.

Core Services

• Public adjusters, such as Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals, negotiate with insurers on your behalf to maximize your final settlement amount.
• After a detailed claim review, the firm presents insurers with a clear case based on professionally prepared documentation.
• The public adjuster's role also involves interpreting complex insurance jargon, complying with filing deadlines, challenging unfair claim denials, and addressing coverage disputes.

Paying for an Insurance Adjuster

Most insurance adjusters in Florida work on contingency, and they're paid when your settlement comes through. Florida law caps the fee at 20% for standard claims and 10% for claims during declared emergencies within the first year.

A Silver Lining

The devastation caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024 led to regulatory changes that bar insurers from arbitrarily altering the adjuster's initial estimations. New transparency mandates require original estimates to be submitted with any revisions, aligning with Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals' mission to make the insurance claims process more policyholder-centric.

These recent changes have a silver lining and reflect a renewed focus on consumer protection and market stability. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals joins other voices in Florida's insurance adjusting industry in advocating for greater transparency, accuracy, and speed in the claims process.

If your home in Pensacola has been damaged by hurricanes, flooding, fire, vandalism, roof leaks, mold, or any disaster that your insurance policy must cover, contact a reliable Florida insurance adjuster who will advocate for you throughout the process.

For more information about insurance adjusters, you can call us at (850) 285-0405, visit https://oteroadjusting.com/, or swing by our Pensacola Office by clicking here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ezvFjT1WrVRfgLsR9