TLDR: When a tornado damaged a Florida mobile home, the insurance company only offered $20,000. With the help of Panther Public Adjusting, the homeowner’s claim went through the appraisal process and ended with policy limits of $75,000. This post explains how public adjusters maximize mobile home claims, why the appraisal clause is powerful, and how homeowners in cities like Miami, Sarasota, and Tampa can protect themselves from insurance company lowball offers.
Why Mobile Home Insurance Claims Get Undervalued
Mobile homes are especially vulnerable to windstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Their lighter construction materials make them prone to structural damage that is often more expensive to repair than insurance companies want to admit.
Insurance adjusters often undervalue these claims, offering small settlements that don’t cover the real cost of restoration. In this case, the insurance company initially cut a check for only $20,000 ,ignoring contents, other structures, and major repair costs.
This is where a public adjuster makes all the difference. Unlike the insurance company’s adjuster, a public adjuster works only for you, the policyholder, ensuring every covered damage is documented and included in your claim.
How Panther Public Adjusting Turned $20K Into $75K
When the homeowner contacted Panther, we immediately sent our team to the property. Our evaluation went far beyond the insurance company’s quick inspection.
âś… We conducted 3D imaging and comprehensive photography
âś… We created a detailed estimate covering every aspect of damage
âś… We reviewed the insurance policy and found a one-party appraisal clause
Appraisal is a powerful tool. It allows policyholders to dispute the insurance company’s undervaluation without stepping into a courtroom.
Here’s how it works:
- The homeowner hires an appraiser.
- The insurance company hires their appraiser.
- Together, they can bring in a neutral umpire if needed.
- Any two of the three parties that agree on an amount set the final payout.
In this case, both appraisers agreed the damages clearly reached policy limits. The umpire wasn’t even needed ,saving the homeowner time and expense.
The result? An additional $55,000 payout, bringing the total settlement to $75,000.
Why Most Adjusters Avoid Mobile Home Claims
Many public adjusters shy away from mobile home claims, assuming they’re “too small” or “not worth the time.” At Panther Public Adjusting, we know better.
Because mobile homes use inexpensive materials, it’s nearly impossible to repair storm damage without leaving obvious patches. Insurance companies are obligated to restore your home to pre-loss condition, which often means full replacement or large-scale repair, not band-aid fixes.
That’s why mobile home claims frequently reach policy limits, making them some of the most important claims to handle properly.
Protecting Florida Mobile Homeowners
Florida homeowners, especially those in areas like Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Englewood, Venice, and Palmetto, face a high risk of storm and tornado damage every year. Insurance companies know this, and their first offer is almost always the lowest they can get away with.
A public adjuster ensures that lowball offers don’t stand. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, it’s time to fight back.
Why You Should Never Face Insurance Alone
Insurance companies design policies and processes to benefit themselves, not homeowners. From confusing policy language to recorded statements and examinations under oath, they use tactics to limit payouts.
That’s why it’s critical to have a public adjuster on your side. Panther Public Adjusting has helped thousands of homeowners across Florida maximize their claims.
👉 Learn more about why you should never face an Examination Under Oath alone.
👉 Discover how a public adjuster turned a $40,000 claim into $400,000 in a commercial insurance case.
Must-Know Tips for Homeowners Filing a Claim
- Document Everything 📸
Take photos and videos immediately after the damage. - Don’t Accept the First Offer ❌
Insurance companies rarely offer the true value upfront. - Know Your Rights đź“–
Florida policies often include clauses, like appraisal, that protect homeowners. - Call a Public Adjuster Early 📞
The sooner a public adjuster is involved, the better your chances of getting a fair payout.
👉 Avoid common traps by reading what you should never say in a recorded statement.
👉 Stay ahead of the next storm with these must-know hurricane claim tips.
Real Lessons From This Mobile Home Case
This case shows three big truths:
- Insurance companies undervalue claims.
- Mobile home damages often justify policy limits.
- Public adjusters level the playing field.
Panther Public Adjusting didn’t just help this homeowner. We’ve helped many others across Florida, from Venice to Ruskin, get the settlements they truly deserved.
👉 For more guidance, see what to do after a hurricane hits your home.
👉 Thinking of buying a new policy? Be cautious with surplus insurance policies.
Call to Action: Get the Help You Deserve
Don’t let your insurance company push you into accepting less than you’re owed. If you own a home in Florida, whether it’s a mobile home or not, you deserve full restoration.
📞 Call us now at 833-726-8437
đź“§ Email us at Claims@PantherPA.com
đź’» Submit your claim today at pantherpa.com/#contact
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âś… Watch more real claim stories on our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert
âś… Connect with other homeowners in our Facebook community, Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101
Final Thoughts
Insurance companies aren’t in business to pay you what you deserve—they’re in business to protect their bottom line. Mobile homeowners, especially across storm-prone Florida cities, are some of the most at-risk policyholders for underpayment.
With Panther Public Adjusting, you don’t have to settle for less. We fight for every dollar you’re owed so you can get your home—and your life—back to normal.
âś… Contact us today at PantherPA.com
âś… Email us your policy for review
âś… Call now: 833-726-8437
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why do insurance companies underpay mobile home claims?
Insurance companies often use the inexpensive materials of mobile homes as an excuse to lowball settlements. They may overlook contents, additional structures, or the full cost of restoring the home to pre-loss condition.
Q2: How does the appraisal clause help homeowners?
The appraisal clause is a powerful dispute resolution method. It allows both the homeowner and the insurance company to hire appraisers who evaluate the damages. If two parties agree on a number, the insurance company must pay that amount, often much higher than the initial offer.
Q3: Do public adjusters really make a difference in mobile home claims?
Yes. Public adjusters work exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies. They document damages thoroughly, prepare strong estimates, and use tools like appraisal to maximize payouts, often turning small settlements into policy-limit claims.