Filing an insurance claim after experiencing damage to your property can be a stressful and complicated process. Unfortunately, one wrong statement to your insurance adjuster could cost you thousands of dollars or even result in a complete denial of your claim. At Panther Public Adjusting, we’re here to make sure homeowners in cities like Miami, Sarasota, and Tampa get every dollar they deserve.
In this blog post, we’ll reveal the five things you should NEVER say to your insurance adjuster and what you should say instead to protect your claim and secure the settlement you rightfully deserve.
Need immediate assistance? Contact us now at 833-726-8437 or visit PantherPA.com.
Mistake #1: Downplaying the Damage
Saying things like “It’s not that bad,” or “We can probably live with it,” can severely undermine your claim. When you downplay damage, your insurance adjuster may use your words against you to justify a lower payout or denial. Even minor damages that seem harmless at first could be masking more severe underlying issues that could worsen over time.
✅ What to Say Instead:
“I want a full assessment to determine the extent of my damages. We need a proper inspection to see what needs to be fixed.”
Your job is not to determine the severity of the damage; that’s what inspections and experts are for. By requesting a thorough assessment, you’re not only protecting your claim but also ensuring that no damage goes unnoticed. Whether it’s roof damage, water damage, or structural issues, proper documentation is key.
Speaking of inspections, if you’re in Sarasota or Tampa, check out our Premier Public Adjusters Service.
Mistake #2: Admitting to Pre-Existing Damage
Statements like, “I think the roof already had some issues,” or “Maybe the water damage started before the storm,” can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim, even if new damage occurred during the event. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that being overly honest about potential pre-existing conditions is helpful, but this can backfire spectacularly.
✅ What to Say Instead:
“This damage appeared after the event. A professional needs to inspect and determine the cause.”
When filing an insurance claim, you are not responsible for making determinations about the cause of the damage. Leave that to the professionals. If you’re not sure about the cause of the damage, it’s best to have a public adjuster evaluate it. For more information on avoiding pitfalls in recorded statements, read our article: How You Can Avoid Common Pitfalls In Your Insurance Recorded Statement.
Mistake #3: Accepting the First Offer
Insurance companies often make lowball offers, counting on homeowners to accept them without review. Accepting the first offer may close your claim and prevent you from receiving what you truly deserve. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and the first offer is rarely the best you can get.
✅ What to Say Instead:
“Please provide a full breakdown of how you calculated this payout.”
Always compare the insurance company’s estimate with others and consult a public adjuster. Homeowners who work with public adjusters receive significantly higher settlements. Lowball settlements can be particularly common in places like Miami and Englewood, where severe weather events are more frequent.
Ready to take action? Call us now at 833-726-8437 or email us at Claims@PantherPA.com for a free review.
Mistake #4: Not Hiring a Public Adjuster
If your insurance adjuster tells you that you don’t need a public adjuster, that’s a sign you DEFINITELY need one. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company; public adjusters work for YOU. The difference can be thousands of dollars.
✅ What to Say Instead:
“I’d like my own expert to review this before I make a decision.”
Hiring a public adjuster can increase your payout by over 700%! In cities like Miami and Englewood, where homeowners face a higher risk of damage due to hurricanes and other natural disasters, hiring a public adjuster is a smart investment. If you’re located in Miami or Englewood, make sure to check out our Public Adjuster Services.
Mistake #5: Not Documenting Everything
Lack of proper documentation is a common reason why homeowners miss out on their rightful settlements. Every conversation, damage assessment, and agreement should be documented thoroughly. Photographs, videos, written statements, and third-party inspections are all critical components of a successful claim.
Want to protect your claim? Contact us at 833-726-8437 or visit PantherPA.com.
Why Choose Panther Public Adjusting?
We fight for you, not the insurance company. Homeowners across Florida, from Palmetto to Saint Petersburg, trust us to secure the maximum settlement possible. Learn more about How To Survive A Storm and how our experts can help.
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Final Thoughts & CTA
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Whether you’re in Venice, Ruskin, or anywhere else in Florida, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us now at 833-726-8437 or email us at Claims@PantherPA.com to submit your policy for a free review.
✅ Ready to maximize your insurance payout? Visit PantherPA.com to get started today.