5 Lies Insurance Companies Tell Homeowners in Florida – And How to Fight Back!
Owning a home in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, or any other Florida city comes with many responsibilities, including ensuring your insurance policy is there for you when disaster strikes. But what if your insurance company isn’t as trustworthy as you think? The truth is, insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying claims. They use sneaky tactics to deny, delay, or underpay homeowners just like you, costing you thousands of dollars in necessary repairs.
In this blog post, we expose the five biggest lies insurance companies tell homeowners and how you can fight back with the help of a licensed public adjuster like Panther Public Adjusting.
Lie #1: “Your Policy Doesn’t Cover That”
Many homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota hear this phrase after filing a claim. But did you know that most standard home insurance policies do cover storm damage, fire damage, and water damage?
What’s Really Happening: Insurance companies often misinterpret policy language or conveniently hide benefits to make you think you’re not covered. In reality, they hope you’ll just accept their word and move on.
✅ What You Should Do:
- Request the exact policy clause that excludes your claim.
- Get a second opinion from a public adjuster who can review the fine print.
- Never accept a verbal denial—always demand a written explanation.
Need help reviewing your policy? Email us today at Claims@PantherPA.com and let our experts ensure you’re not being misled.
Lie #2: “You Have to Use Our Preferred Contractors”
After a claim is approved, many homeowners in West Palm Beach, Naples, and Fort Myers are told they must use their insurance company’s preferred contractor.
The Truth: While some policies (such as Citizens Water claims or People’s Trust policies) may require you to use a network contractor, most homeowners have the right to choose any licensed contractor. Insurance companies push their own contractors because they often cut corners to save money, which could lead to poor repairs and even more damage later.
✅ How to Protect Yourself:
- Get an independent contractor’s estimate.
- Compare the insurance company’s bid with an outside contractor’s bid.
- If the insurance-preferred contractor lowballs the job, call us at 833-726-8437 and we’ll negotiate for the repairs you actually need.
Lie #3: “You Don’t Need a Public Adjuster”
One of the biggest red flags is when an insurance company tells homeowners in Miami, Boca Raton, and Key West that they don’t need a public adjuster. Why? Because homeowners who hire public adjusters receive 7.5 times more money on average for their claims!
Why This Happens: Insurance companies know that we understand their tricks and fight for what you deserve. The less you know, the more they can get away with underpaying your claim.
✅ How to Take Action:
- Ignore their advice and consult a public adjuster for free.
- Let us review your policy and claim before you accept their offer.
- If your claim was denied or underpaid, we can reopen it and fight for you.
📞 Call us today at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation.
Lie #4: “That’s Just Wear and Tear, Not Storm Damage”
After a major storm in Tallahassee, Pensacola, or Gainesville, your roof, siding, or windows might show signs of damage. But insurance adjusters are trained to classify storm damage as “wear and tear” so they don’t have to pay.
How to Prove Them Wrong:
- Get an independent inspection from a public adjuster or licensed contractor.
- Look for clear storm impact signs, such as missing shingles, dents, and cracks.
- If they still refuse, demand a re-inspection with your expert present.
For expert advice on protecting your property, check out this guide on regular inspections.
Lie #5: “This is the Best Offer You’ll Get”
One of the biggest scams insurance companies pull on homeowners in Hialeah, Lakeland, and Port St. Lucie is making them believe that the first offer is final.
The Truth: You always have the right to negotiate, submit additional proof, and challenge their decision. They expect most people to accept lowball offers without pushing back, but when you fight back, they pay more.
✅ How to Maximize Your Claim:
- Reject the first offer—it’s almost never the best they can do.
- Get an independent estimate to calculate what you actually deserve.
- If they refuse to negotiate, we’ll take it further and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
For more tips on handling home insurance claims, check out our expert advice here.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late!
Every day, homeowners lose thousands of dollars because they trust what their insurance company tells them. Now you know the truth—so don’t let them get away with it!
🚨 Was your claim denied, delayed, or underpaid? Contact us now: 📞 Call us at 833-726-8437 📧 Email us at Claims@PantherPA.com to submit your policy for review. 📍 Visit our website for expert help: pantherpa.com/#contact
🔗 Want more insights? Subscribe to our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert, for expert videos breaking down everything you need to know about insurance claims.
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Don’t wait—take action today and let us help you get the settlement you deserve!