TLDR:
When an insurance carrier told a Florida homeowner their damages were “below deductible” and offered them nothing, Panther Public Adjusting stepped in. By documenting the real damages, negotiating directly with higher-ups at the carrier, and refusing to accept lowball offers, we secured a $101,000 payout for our client. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, don’t give up ,our team can help you fight back and get paid what you deserve.
The Shocking Truth About Underpaid Insurance Claims
Far too many Florida homeowners are told by their insurance company that their damages are minor, not covered, or below deductible. It’s a tactic used to discourage policyholders from pursuing what they’re truly owed.
This is where a public adjuster becomes your strongest ally. Unlike the insurance company’s adjuster, whose job is to protect the carrier’s bottom line ,a public adjuster represents you, the homeowner. Our role is to uncover the full extent of damages, prepare a detailed claim, and fight to maximize your payout.
At Panther Public Adjusting, we’ve seen hundreds of cases where homeowners were offered pennies on the dollar compared to what their policies actually promised. One recent case stands out as a perfect example.
Case Study: From “Below Deductible” to $101,000
A Florida homeowner filed a claim on their own after their property suffered damage. The carrier initially acknowledged the loss but claimed the damages were less than the deductible. Translation: they weren’t going to pay anything.
The frustrated homeowner reached out to us for help. After being hired, our team immediately inspected the property. What we found was shocking:
- Roof damage far more extensive than what was noted
- Window and sliding door issues caused by the storm
- Interior leaks that were completely ignored by the insurance company
We put together a professional estimate covering the full scope of the damages. Armed with documentation and evidence, we demanded a new inspection.
Carrier’s Response
After our pushback, the carrier sent an inspector back out. This time, they came back with an offer of $6,000. While it was better than nothing, it was nowhere near what was needed to restore the property.
Panther’s Negotiation
Instead of sending this case straight to litigation (which can take years), we used our professional network to negotiate with a higher-level representative at the carrier. By showing clear evidence of the loss, along with our detailed estimate, we were able to resolve the claim for an additional $95,000.
Final Settlement: $101,000.
What started as a “below deductible” claim turned into a six-figure payout all because the homeowner chose to hire a public adjuster.
Why You Should Never Settle for the First Offer
Insurance companies often hope you’ll accept their first offer out of frustration or lack of knowledge. But the truth is, their first estimate is almost never accurate.
- They may undervalue roof damage by ignoring soft spots, flashing issues, or hidden leaks.
- They often skip interior water damage, especially if it looks minor.
- They frequently claim damages are “maintenance issues” instead of covered perils.
By working with a public adjuster, you level the playing field. You don’t have to accept lowball offers. You don’t have to navigate the confusing claims process alone. You can put experts on your side who know how to uncover damages and negotiate payouts.
For more strategies, check out our guide on how to maximize your insurance payout and avoid major mistakes.
Florida Cities Where We Fight for Homeowners
Whether you live in Sarasota, Venice, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, or smaller cities like Ruskin, Englewood, and Palmetto, insurance companies use the same tactics everywhere.
That’s why Panther Public Adjusting has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for Florida homeowners. In fact, if you’re searching for Tampa’s #1 public adjusters or Sarasota’s premier public adjusters, you’ve come to the right place.
For example, if you’re a homeowner in Palmetto looking for public adjusters who fight for maximum settlements, you’ll see how local expertise matters.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Every day you delay action on your insurance claim, you risk further damage, stricter deadlines, or even claim denial. If you suspect your claim was underpaid, denied, or delayed, don’t hesitate.
👉 Call us now at 833-726-8437
👉 Submit your policy for a free review at Claims@PantherPA.com
👉 Contact us directly at pantherpa.com/#contact
Your insurance company has experts working for them. Shouldn’t you?
Stay Informed and Protected
We believe in educating homeowners so they’re never blindsided by the insurance process. That’s why we share free resources on our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert, and encourage homeowners to join our supportive Facebook community, Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101, where thousands of Floridians share experiences, advice, and success stories.
Knowledge is power. And when it comes to insurance claims, the right knowledge can mean the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure settlement.
Conclusion
This case proves one thing: insurance carriers don’t always play fair. Without Panther Public Adjusting, our client would have received nothing for their damages. Instead, they walked away with $101,000 to repair their home and move forward with peace of mind.
If your claim has been denied, underpaid, or delayed, don’t give up. Call 833-726-8437, email Claims@PantherPA.com, or visit pantherpa.com/#contact today. Let us fight for the settlement you deserve.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if my claim was marked as “below deductible”?
A: Don’t accept it as final. Contact a public adjuster immediately. We can review your policy, inspect your damages, and build a case to prove the carrier’s assessment is wrong.
Q: Can a public adjuster really get me more money?
A: Absolutely. Insurance companies are known for lowball offers. Public adjusters know how to document damages, negotiate, and maximize payouts—often getting clients tens of thousands more.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a public adjuster?
A: In Florida, public adjusters work on contingency. That means we only get paid if we win you more money. If you don’t get paid, neither do we.