If you’ve noticed any water damage or signs that your roof needs repair, the time to get it looked at is prior to the heat of the hurricane season. Especially if you think that the damage was a result of a thunder or hail storm. The failure to do so could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
The reason is simple. Most storm-related roof damage is covered in a homeowner policy at your standard deductible. However, if that pre-existing damage doesn’t get addressed until it is part of the hurricane damage, all repairs now go to your hurricane deductible.
Areas in Brevard that may have damage from documented storms before the next hurricane include Stuart, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Suntree, Viera, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Titusville, and almost all the beachside communities from Cape Canaveral down to Melbourne Beach.
In Florida, hurricane deductibles—typically ranging from 1% to 5% of the home’s insured value—are applied when damage occurs during a National Hurricane Center-declared hurricane. For a $400,000 home with a 5% hurricane deductible, this means a $20,000 out-of-pocket cost before insurance kicks in. However, damage from non-hurricane storms, such as tropical storms or thunderstorms, falls under the standard “All Other Peril” deductible, which is often lower—sometimes as little as $500.
Public adjusters recommend documenting pre-storm damage to siding, roofing, or windows caused by non-hurricane events. “Taking pictures of your property before the storm can serve as proof that the damage occurred due to a prior event, rather than the hurricane,” notes Kevin Downs of Ask An Adjuster. “By filing a claim for pre-existing damage under the lower standard deductible, homeowners can save tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs.”
For instance, a homeowner in Cocoa Beach, with roof shingles damaged by a tropical storm, could file a claim under their standard deductible before a hurricane exacerbates the damage. A public adjuster can assess and document this damage, ensuring the claim is filed correctly and maximizing the settlement. This proactive approach not only reduces financial strain but also strengthens the case for hurricane-related claims by establishing a clear baseline of pre-storm conditions.
After The Hurricane Strikes
In Florida, where hurricanes pose a perennial threat, homeowners face significant challenges when filing insurance claims for storm-related property damage.
One of the first challenges is time. Did you know there is a filing window for claims? We are nearing the one-year deadline to file any claim related to damage caused by Hurricane Milton, Helene, or Debbie? You should document any damage related to these storms as soon as possible.
Another challenge is simply navigating the complex claims process, understanding policy details, and securing fair settlements can be daunting, especially after a devastating event like a hurricane. This is where public adjusters step in, offering expertise and advocacy to ensure homeowners receive the compensation they deserve.
With hurricane season in full swing, understanding the value of public adjusters—particularly for hurricane-related claims and pre-storm damage assessments—has never been more critical. Most homeowners don’t realize or understand the role of public adjusters when dealing with their insurance companies.
Unlike insurance company adjusters, who represent the insurer’s interests, public adjusters are licensed professionals hired by policyholders to advocate on their behalf. They assess property damage, interpret insurance policies, prepare detailed claim documentation, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize settlements. In Florida, where hurricanes like Ian, Milton, and Helene have left trails of destruction, public adjusters play a pivotal role in helping homeowners recover financially.
Public adjusters provide immediate claims handling assistance and guide policyholders through their obligations under the insurance policy. Without their expertise, consumers are often at a disadvantage.
Increased Claim Value with Public Adjusters
Recent data underscores the financial benefits of hiring a public adjuster, especially for hurricane-related claims in Florida. According to a report by the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), policyholders who hired public adjusters for hurricane-related claims received 747% more money than those who did not. For non-catastrophic claims, the increase was still significant, with policyholders recovering 574% more on average.
For example, a homeowner in Palm Bay, Florida, whose shingle roof was damaged by a thunderstorm initially received a below the deductible settlement from their insurer when they filed the claim on their own. After hiring Ask An Adjuster as their licensed Public Adjuster, the claim was reevaluated, resulting in a brand new roof and monies for interior damages.
Similarly, after Hurricane Ian, a condo association was told their damages were below their deductible, only to be awarded several Million Dollars for roofs and window replacements after hiring Kevin Downs from Ask An Adjuster. These cases highlight how public adjusters uncover hidden or undervalued damage, ensuring comprehensive settlements that reflect the true cost of repairs.
Easing the Burden of Dealing with Insurance Companies
The insurance claims process can be overwhelming, particularly after a hurricane when homeowners are grappling with emotional and financial stress. Insurance companies often deploy teams of adjusters, engineers, and claims managers to protect their interests, leaving policyholders at a disadvantage. Public adjusters level the playing field by handling the tedious aspects of the process, from filing paperwork to negotiating settlements.
“Our public adjusters ensure you receive the maximum settlement afforded under your policy,” says Kevin Downs. “We handle everything at Ask An Adjuster—paperwork, inspection, tracking claim progress, meeting deadlines—so you can focus on recovery.”
Homeowners like Jack and Marian in Cape Coral, Florida, whose property was damaged by Hurricane Ian, praise public adjusters for their professionalism and tenacity.
Because of their experience dealing with other claims, they felt that a public adjuster was able to identify more damage. Some of those items may not be visible to the naked eye right now, but will emerge later. “Our insurance company offered us a total of $31,000, including the roof and everything. When we got done with the process with Ask An Adjuster, we got just close to $200,000, which covered our damage. I don’t know where we would be today if it weren’t for Ask An Adjuster.” Public adjusters also expedite claims by preparing meticulous documentation, reducing delays caused by incomplete or disputed claims. In Florida, where insurers must acknowledge claims within seven days and confirm coverage within 30 days, this efficiency can make a significant difference. [CLICK TO WATCH]
Cost Considerations and Consumer Protections
Hiring a public adjuster involves a fee, typically 10% to 20% of the claim settlement, with a cap of 10% for residential claims filed within one year of a state of emergency in Florida. While this cost may deter some, the significant increase in claim payouts often outweighs the fee. For example, a $100,000 settlement with a 10% fee yields $90,000 for the homeowner—potentially far more than they would recover without assistance, especially considering an overage of 747% increase with a public adjuster! (source: State of Florida OPPAGA Analysis)
Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) regulates public adjusters, requiring licensure and adherence to a Code of Ethics. Homeowners can verify an adjuster’s license at licenseesearch.fldfs.com and cancel contracts within 10 days (or 30 days post-emergency) without penalty. These protections ensure accountability and transparency. The FLDFS helps ensure unlicensed people do not offer nor attempt to assist with claims illegally.
“When you’re faced with adversity, we’re here to provide expert guidance,” says Downs at Ask An Adjuster. “From the moment you contact us until your property is restored, we fight for you.”
