What Your Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know About Property Damage Claims

When disaster strikes (it could be a hurricane, pipe burst, roof leak, etc.) your first instinct is to call your insurance company. After all, that’s what you’ve been paying them for, right? But here’s the uncomfortable truth: many insurance companies are not in a rush to pay you what you're owed. In fact, their goal is often to minimize payouts, not maximize your coverage.

At Harrell Adjusting Services, we work for you, not the insurance company, and what we’ve seen over the years is clear: most homeowners and property owners aren’t getting the full story.

1. Your Initial Settlement Offer Is Likely Too Low

Insurance companies know that when you're stressed, overwhelmed, and unfamiliar with the claims process, you're more likely to accept the first number they give you. But studies show that initial insurance offers can be 30–70% below actual repair costs.

What’s worse? Once you cash that check, you may be legally bound to accept it even if it’s not enough to cover the damage. That’s why you should always review the settlement with a licensed public adjuster before agreeing to anything.

2. Insurance Policies Are Written in Their Favor

Ever tried reading your full homeowners insurance policy? It’s dense for a reason. The language is often vague, filled with exclusions, and designed to protect the insurer, not you. In fact, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation has issued multiple bulletins warning policyholders to read the fine print, especially regarding things like depreciation, water damage, and roof exclusions. Many policyholders only learn these details after their claim is denied or underpaid.

3. You Don’t Have to Accept Their Estimate

It’s common for insurers to send out their own adjusters or “preferred vendors” to inspect damage. What they don’t tell you is that you have the legal right to hire your own public adjuster to do an independent inspection.And when you do, the numbers often tell a different story. The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters strongly recommends getting a second opinion for any major claim, especially for hurricanes, fire, or plumbing-related losses.

4. Time Is Not on Your Side

Florida law limits how long you have to file or reopen a claim. After Hurricane Ian, many homeowners discovered that delays in filing led to outright denials, even when the damage was legitimate. Some insurers even use delay tactics to wear you down. They’ll ask for endless documentation, push back repair estimates, or “lose” photos and forms. Don’t let time work against you. A licensed public adjuster can track every communication and keep your claim on schedule.

5. You Have More Power Than You Think

The truth is, you’re not powerless in the claims process, but you may need help to level the playing field. Florida allows property owners to work with licensed public adjusters who represent your best interests, not the insurance company’s.

In many cases, our team at Harrell Adjusting Services has helped clients receive 3 to 5 times more than what they were initially offered. And we do it at no upfront cost, you don’t pay us unless we recover more for you.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Insurance companies are counting on you not knowing your rights. But now you do.

If you’ve suffered property damage in Florida don’t rush into a settlement. Let Harrell Adjusting Services review your policy, inspect the damage, and fight for the full amount your coverage entitles you to.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today and let us help you get every dollar you deserve. Because your home and your peace of mind are worth it.

At Harrell Adjusting Services, we can help!

(863-845-0759)