When the Insurance Adjuster Visits: What to Do

Filing a water damage insurance claim in Florida can feel like navigating a maze. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not you. Their job is to pay out claims, but also to keep costs as low as defensible. Here's how to protect yourself and keep your claim well documented.

Understand Who Your Adjuster Works For

When you file a claim, your insurance company sends one of two types of adjusters:

• Staff adjuster: An employee of your insurance company. Their pay comes from the insurer.
• Outside adjuster: A contract adjuster hired by the insurance company when it is overwhelmed (common after hurricanes). Still working for the insurer.

Neither type of adjuster represents you. That's why your own documentation matters.

Do NOT Clean Up Before the Adjuster Visits

The single biggest mistake homeowners make is cleaning up water damage before the insurance adjuster sees it. Your adjuster needs to see the full, original scope of damage to write an accurate estimate. Document everything with video and photos, then call a restoration company and ask whether it can be there when the adjuster arrives to explain its estimate.

Get a Restoration Company to Review Their Estimate

Initial insurance estimates are almost always incomplete. Common items that get underestimated or omitted:

• Drying equipment charges (adjusters often use lower equipment counts)
• Secondary damage not immediately visible (behind walls, under floors)
• Contents that need cleaning or replacement
• Code upgrade costs (current building code may require upgrades during reconstruction)
• Temporary housing / additional living expenses
• Debris removal and haul-away

Network pros write Xactimate estimates using the same software and price database as insurance adjusters. If the scope changes once walls are opened, your restoration company can document the additional damage with photos and moisture readings; you or a public adjuster you hire (who must be licensed) file any supplemental claim, which must be noticed within 18 months of the date of loss (s. 627.70132).

Know Your Rights as a Florida Policyholder

• You have the right to a second opinion: You can hire a licensed public adjuster, or ask your restoration company to explain its own estimate to the adjuster
• You have the right to an appraisal: Most Florida policies include an appraisal clause that allows both sides to hire an appraiser if they disagree on the settlement amount
• You have the right to a copy of your full policy: Request it in writing if you don't have it — you can't evaluate what you haven't read
• You have time: Florida sets deadlines: notice of a claim within 1 year of the date of loss and of a supplemental claim within 18 months (s. 627.70132), so don't wait

What to Do When the Adjuster Arrives

1. Be present — never allow an adjuster to inspect alone
2. Walk them through every area of damage, including areas they might miss
3. Have your documentation (photos, video, receipts) ready
4. Ask for a copy of their written report
5. Do not sign any "proof of loss" documents without reviewing them carefully
6. Ask whether your restoration company can be present to explain its estimate

Have a claim in progress? Call or text Ryan at 321-420-7274 and he matches you with a restoration company that documents the loss for your claim. In Florida, only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney may be paid to negotiate a claim for you (s. 626.854). (s. 626.854). See also Florida claim deadlines.