Hurricane Helen is expected to cause widespread damage throughout Florida & Georgia. If your home is affected, knowing how to handle your insurance claim correctly can make all the difference. At Panther Public Adjusting, we ensure homeowners maximize their insurance payouts and avoid costly mistakes.
Step 1: Assessing Damage – Should You File a Claim?
Once the hurricane has passed, the first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Not all damage requires a claim—filing one for minor issues may not be worth it if the costs are below or barely above your deductible.
✅ If your damage is minor (e.g., a missing gutter or slight cosmetic damage), it may not be worth filing a claim. ✅ If your damage is significant (e.g., structural damage, extensive roof issues, flooding), filing a claim is likely necessary. ✅ Even if the damage seems small, your insurer may owe you much more—for example, a few missing shingles could mean your entire roof qualifies for replacement under your policy.
🔗 Learn how insurance policies handle claims: What Happens to My Policy When I File a Claim?
Step 2: Documenting Damage – Photos, Videos & Evidence
Proper documentation is essential for a successful claim. Here’s what you should do:
📸 Take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all damages. 📍 Capture time-stamped evidence (many smartphones do this automatically). 🏠 Document damage to neighboring properties to establish the severity of the storm’s impact. 📝 Create a detailed inventory of all damaged contents, including furniture, electronics, and appliances.
📩 Need help with claim documentation? Submit your policy for review to ensure you’re fully covered.
Step 3: Preventing Further Damage – Your Responsibility
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This includes:
✔️ Tarping your roof to stop water intrusion. ✔️ Boarding up broken windows to secure your home. ✔️ Drying out flooded areas to prevent mold growth.
⏳ What’s a reasonable timeframe? Typically, you have 7-14 days to mitigate damage, but delays due to contractor shortages after a hurricane are generally understandable.
🚫 Do NOT dispose of damaged items yet! Your insurer may need to inspect them first. Store damaged belongings in a safe place until the adjuster sees them.
🔗 Learn more about post-hurricane property protection: Tarping Your Roof After a Hurricane
Step 4: Contacting Your Insurance Company – Filing the Claim
Once you’ve assessed and documented damages, file your claim:
📞 Call your insurance company and report the claim. 📝 Provide an overview of the damage, but don’t assume you know the full extent. 📌 Emphasize that you are not an expert and damages may be more extensive than they appear. 🗂️ Get a claim number and keep all communication in writing (email is best).
🔗 Avoid common claim mistakes: Protect Your Claim with These Tips
Step 5: The Adjuster’s Inspection – What You MUST Do
Your insurance company will send a field adjuster to inspect your home. Here’s how to ensure they conduct a thorough assessment:
🔍 Be present during the inspection to guide them through all damages. 📢 Ask them to check everything—roof, walls, windows, interior rooms, and garage. 🗒️ Keep a log of their visit—time of arrival, time spent inspecting, and what they checked. 📸 Take photos during the inspection in case you need to dispute their findings.
🚫 Do NOT tell the adjuster there’s no damage inside if you haven’t thoroughly checked! Inspections should cover both interior and exterior areas.
Step 6: Following Up – Get the Insurance Estimate & Decision
After the adjuster submits their findings, follow up regularly:
📅 By Florida law, insurers must provide an estimate within 7 business days of it being created. 📞 Call weekly for claim updates. 📩 Request a copy of the field adjuster’s original estimate to ensure nothing was removed by the desk adjuster. 📜 Insurance companies have 60 days from claim filing to issue a decision and payment.
If your insurer delays payment, denies your claim, or underpays, don’t accept it without a fight! Contact a public adjuster for a second opinion.
🔗 Learn how to handle claim delays: Will Your Insurance Policy Be Cancelled for Filing a Claim?
Step 7: Final Steps – Maximizing Your Payout
Once you receive your insurance offer:
💰 Review the estimate carefully to ensure all damages are accounted for. 📞 If underpaid, request a reinspection or dispute the amount. ⚖️ Consult a public adjuster to negotiate a higher settlement.
🚨 Don’t let your insurance company dictate what they owe you—fight for a fair payout!
📞 Need expert help? Call us at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Panther Public Adjusting?
✅ We Handle Your Claim from Start to Finish – No stress, no hassle. ✅ We Maximize Your Settlement – You deserve every dollar you’re owed. ✅ We Work for You, Not the Insurance Company – Their job is to pay less; our job is to fight for more. ✅ We Provide Expert Claim Documentation – Ensuring a thorough and accurate claim submission. ✅ We Advocate for Faster Payouts – No unnecessary delays.
🔗 Want to ensure you get the most from your claim? Read: The 100K Insurance Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make
Take Action Now
🏠 Need help handling your hurricane claim? Contact us today:
📞 Call us at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation.
📩 Submit your policy for review at Claims@PantherPA.com.
📢 Visit PantherPA.com to learn more.
Don’t wait—protect your home, your claim, and your financial future today!