The Top 3 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Filing Insurance Claims—And How Adjusters Fix Them

When disaster strikes your Florida property, whether it's a hurricane, plumbing leak, or house fire, filing an insurance claim shouldn't make things worse. Unfortunately, for many Florida homeowners, it does.

As public adjusters serving Orlando, Winter Haven, Tampa, and beyond, we’ve seen countless cases where honest homeowners unknowingly make costly mistakes that delay, reduce, or even deny their insurance payouts.

The good news? These mistakes are preventable, and with the right guidance, you can secure the full value you’re entitled to. Here's what to avoid, and how Harrell Adjusting Services can help.

Mistake #1: Trusting the Insurance Company’s First Offer

After a loss, most policyholders assume their insurer will do the right thing. They accept the first payout without question, only to realize months later that it barely covered repairs.

But here’s the truth: insurance companies are businesses, and their adjusters work to minimize claim costs, not maximize your recovery.

In fact, a report by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation revealed that claim underpayments are a frequent issue in post-hurricane cases across the state.

At Harrell Adjusting Services, we represent you, not the insurance company. We perform our own independent inspection, document every inch of damage, and negotiate aggressively to ensure you're compensated fairly.

Mistake #2: Failing to Document Damage Thoroughly

Insurance claims are only as strong as the evidence behind them. One of the biggest missteps we see? Homeowners cleaning up before taking proper photos, throwing away damaged materials, or submitting vague documentation.

Without before-and-after images, itemized losses, or expert repair estimates, insurance companies often argue the damage was pre-existing or cosmetic.

As licensed public adjusters, we ensure every inch of damage is logged, timestamped, and professionally reported. We even use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and drone photography when necessary to make your case airtight.

This level of detail isn’t just helpful, it can be the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure settlement.

Mistake #3: Missing Policy Deadlines or Filing the Wrong Claim Type

Florida insurance policies are packed with fine print, filing windows, required forms, exclusions, and more. Miss a single deadline or file under the wrong category (e.g., water damage vs. flood), and your claim could be voided altogether.

Following Hurricane Ian, tens of thousands of Florida claims were delayed or denied due to policyholder confusion over timelines and terminology.

That’s why our job goes beyond paperwork. Harrell Adjusting Services helps you:

• Understand your policy limits and rights

• Submit claims under the correct cause of loss

• Avoid traps like appraisal waivers or lowball “final” offers

• Navigate denied or underpaid claims with legal accuracy

We speak the insurer’s language, so you don’t have to.

The Bottom Line: You’re Not Alone in This

When your home is damaged, the last thing you should be doing is fighting a giant insurance company on your own.

Harrell Adjusting Services is licensed, experienced, and local. We’ve helped hundreds of Central Florida homeowners recover faster and more fully, especially those who thought they had no options left.

If you’ve recently experienced property damage get in touch today. Your consultation is free, and it could save you thousands.