If your insurance company is sending out an engineer to investigate your claim, you might think that’s a good sign. Unfortunately, in many cases, this is not for your benefit. At Panther Public Adjusting, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies use engineers to dispute or minimize claims, often through selective reporting and misleading data.
Why Is an Engineer Being Sent?
When your insurance company hires an engineer, they typically claim it’s to conduct an “independent assessment” of the damage. However, the reality is often different:
- Engineers hired by insurance companies work for them, not for you.
- Their reports are often worded vaguely to justify denying or underpaying claims.
- They may selectively document evidence to support the insurer’s position while ignoring proof that supports your claim.
- Engineers are sometimes used to delay the claim process, allowing insurance companies to prolong the payout timeline.
- Many engineers provide reports that dispute the cause of damage, attributing it to “wear and tear” rather than a covered event.
đź”— Want to learn more about protecting your claim? Read: How a Public Adjuster Turned $40K into $400K for a Commercial Claim
Real-Life Example: Hurricane Sally in Pensacola
One of our clients in the Pensacola area experienced severe damage after Hurricane Sally. The insurance company sent an engineer who stated in his report that wind speeds did not exceed 40 mph near the property.
✅ What he didn’t mention? The weather stations he used for reference had been knocked offline by the storm—meaning they weren’t even recording the strongest winds! The truth was that wind speeds in the area were closer to 100 mph.
Was the engineer technically lying? No. But was he misleading? Absolutely. This kind of selective reporting is why homeowners need expert representation during the claims process.
Another case involved a homeowner whose insurance company argued that their roof damage predated the storm. They sent an engineer who selectively photographed a few shingles that appeared intact while ignoring the torn and lifted shingles in surrounding areas. This tactic is called selective documentation—showing only what benefits the insurer.
How Engineers Can Manipulate Reports to Undermine Your Claim
Insurance engineers often use tactics designed to downplay or dispute damage. Here’s how they do it:
📉 Misleading Wind Speed Data – They may reference wind speeds from faulty or incomplete weather stations. đź“· Selective Photography – Engineers may only take photos of undamaged areas to misrepresent the overall condition. ✍️ Vague Report Wording – Language like “minor damage” or “no structural compromise” can be used to justify denying a full payout. ⏳ Delaying Tactics – Sending an engineer often extends the claims process, wearing homeowners down in hopes they’ll settle for less. 🛠️ Blaming Wear and Tear – Engineers often attribute damage to “pre-existing conditions” rather than storm damage. 🚧 Questioning Construction Methods – They may argue that damage resulted from faulty construction rather than a covered event.
đź”— Learn how insurance companies manipulate depreciation: What Is Depreciation & How It Affects Your Claim
Why You Need Representation When an Engineer Is Involved
If your insurer has sent an engineer, it’s a red flag that your claim may be under attack. Here’s why hiring a public adjuster is crucial:
✅ We Hold Engineers Accountable – We document their process, ensuring they don’t manipulate findings. ✅ We Counter Misleading Reports – If their report is inaccurate or biased, we challenge it with factual evidence. ✅ We Ensure a Proper Settlement – Insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible. We fight to get you what you deserve. ✅ We Provide Alternative Engineering Reports – If necessary, we can bring in an independent engineer to assess the damage fairly. ✅ We Expedite the Process – Without expert representation, claims can be delayed indefinitely by unnecessary engineering reports.
đź“© Worried about your claim? Submit your policy for a free review to protect your payout.
Caught in the Act: Selective Photography on a Roof Inspection
During another case in Pensacola, we accompanied an insurance engineer onto a roof damaged by Hurricane Sally. While inspecting, we noticed:
🔎 The engineer found a lifted shingle that was no longer glued down. 🔎 He then checked a different shingle that was intact and took a photo of it instead. 🔎 When asked why he took that photo, he said, “To show that the shingles are not damaged.”
🚨 This is fraud. By cherry-picking photos, the engineer was trying to make it seem like the roof was undamaged—despite clear evidence to the contrary.
📞 Don’t let this happen to you! Call us at 833-726-8437 to discuss your claim.
How to Protect Yourself If an Engineer Is Sent to Your Property
If an engineer is coming, here’s what you should do:
📸 Document Everything – Take your own photos and videos before, during, and after the inspection. 🗒️ Ask for Credentials – Request the engineer’s name, employer, and qualifications. 👀 Watch Closely – Be present during the inspection and note any selective testing or photography. 📢 Challenge the Findings – If their report downplays damage, get a second opinion from a public adjuster. 📜 Request a Copy of the Report – Your insurance company is required to provide you with a copy of any engineering report used in your claim decision.
đź”— Want to avoid claim pitfalls? Read: Avoid This Common Insurance Check Trap
Why Panther Public Adjusting?
🏠We Fight for Homeowners, Not Insurance Companies – Unlike engineers paid by insurers, we work for YOU. 📊 We Provide the Evidence You Need – Our documentation strengthens your claim and protects against unfair denials. ⚖️ We Know the Laws – We hold insurers accountable to state regulations and fair claim practices. 🚀 We Have a Proven Track Record – Our team has helped thousands of homeowners recover the full value of their claims.
đź“ž Want a professional on your side? Call us at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation.
Take Action Now: Protect Your Insurance Claim
🚨 If your insurance company is sending an engineer, don’t wait—get expert help now.
đź“ž Call us at 833-726-8437 for immediate assistance.
đź“© Submit your policy for review at Claims@PantherPA.com.
📢 Visit PantherPA.com to learn more.
Your home and your claim deserve proper representation—don’t let misleading engineering reports cost you thousands!