TLDR:
A Florida condo owner narrowly avoided financial disaster after a hidden shower pan leak caused major damage. Thanks to a last-minute condo insurance policy and the help of Panther Public Adjusting, he received the full $68,000 policy limit—plus $85,000 in legal fees—after the insurance company lowballed and delayed the claim. This blog explains what happened, why hiring a public adjuster was essential, and what every condo owner in Florida needs to know.
It Started with a Warning and a Quick Call
Just days before a hurricane was projected to hit South Florida, Mendy was speaking with a friend at an event. When he asked if the friend had proper insurance coverage, the answer was shocking:
“I live in a condo. I don’t need it. The association has a policy.”
This is one of the most dangerous assumptions condo owners can make.
While the condo association’s policy typically covers the building’s main structure, it does not cover the interior of individual units—things like floors, paint, cabinets, vanities, toilets, bathtubs, or even your kitchen.
Thankfully, Mendy convinced his friend to call an insurance agent and get a personal condo HO6 policy in place just in case. A hurricane didn’t hit that week, but disaster struck just a month later.
The Leak That Changed Everything
While on vacation, Mendy got a message from that same friend:
“Mendy, help. My downstairs neighbor says water is leaking from my unit into his.”
After inspection, the source was clear: a shower pan leak. Water had seeped not just downward into the unit below, but also sideways—into a closet, under the tile, and behind the baseboards. Luxury shoes in the closet were covered in mold, and the tile which ran throughout the condo would need to be completely replaced due to matching issues.
The homeowner made the smartest move possible:
âś… He hired Panther Public Adjusting to manage the entire claim process.
What Panther Public Adjusting Did
As your public adjuster, we handle everything:
- Inspecting and documenting the damage
- Preparing a detailed estimate
- Communicating with the insurance company—always in writing
- Negotiating for your maximum settlement
When the insurance company’s adjuster inspected the unit, their estimate came in at only $32,000—a far cry from what it would take to truly restore the property.
📞 If your claim has been lowballed, don’t settle. Call Panther now at 833-726-8437 !
From $32K Offer to Full Policy Payout
The policy limit on the claim was $68,000, and Panther’s estimate justified that full amount. The homeowner told Mendy:
“I’ll settle for $50,000 but not a penny less.”
The insurance company made one final offer: $48,500. They refused to go higher.
So Mendy sent an email requesting the “undisputed amount” of $32,000—the amount the insurer had already acknowledged as valid. Under Florida law, insurance companies must release this amount immediately.
They paid it.
Then, Panther brought in an attorney and filed a Civil Remedy Notice CRN—a legal signal that a lawsuit may follow if the insurance company fails to fulfill its obligations.
The Insurance Company Made a Costly Mistake
Instead of responding properly, the insurer’s desk adjuster replied:
“We’re not going to pay. You filed a CRN. We’ll settle when we’re ready.”
That’s illegal in Florida.
The attorney filed a lawsuit, and when the judge saw the insurance company’s behavior, he was furious. Not only did the insurer have to pay the full $68,000, but they also had to cover $85,000 in legal fees.
đź’Ą Total amount paid? $153,000
💡 Could’ve settled for $50,000
❌ They chose to be difficult and paid over three times more
Why Every Florida Condo Owner Needs Their Own Policy
If Mendy’s friend hadn’t taken action and secured his own condo policy, he would’ve been stuck with tens of thousands in uncovered damage. The HOA’s master policy wouldn’t have helped.
Every condo owner in Florida should:
- Have an HO6 policy with proper coverage
- Understand their policy details
(Learn more about this in What does my insurance policy actually cover) - Hire a licensed public adjuster to represent their interests
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Win
Sadly, this kind of behavior is common among insurance companies. Whether they’re underpaying claims, delaying payments, or outright denying coverage, their goal is to save money—not help you
With Panther Public Adjusting, you get:
âś… Experienced representation
âś… Strategic negotiation
âś… Full documentation and legal support when needed
Think Your Claim Was Underpaid or Denied
Contact Panther now to review your policy or dispute an unfair claim:
đź“ž 833-726-8437
📧 Email Claims@PantherPA.com
đź“© Reach out via our contact form
Learn More and Stay Informed
🎥 For more real stories like this, visit our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert, where Mendy breaks down complex claims in a way every homeowner can understand.
đź’¬ Join our thriving Facebook community: Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101, where Florida homeowners share tips, ask questions, and get support during their claims journey.
More Resources from PantherPA.com
- Are insurance carriers committing fraud in handling Hurricane Ian claims
- What is Additional Living Expense ALE
- United Property and Casualty enters insolvency—what does this mean for your claim
Serving Homeowners Across Florida
Whether you’re in Venice, Miami, or Palmetto, Panther Public Adjusting is here to fight for your maximum payout. Learn more about our local services:
Don’t Face the Insurance Company Alone
If your home or condo has suffered damage, don’t leave your financial future in the hands of your insurance company. Hire Panther Public Adjusting—Florida’s trusted public adjusters
đź“ž 833-726-8437
📧 Email us your policy at Claims@PantherPA.com
đź“© Submit your claim today
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my condo association’s insurance cover everything in my unit
A: No. HOA policies typically only cover the building’s exterior and shared areas. You need an HO6 policy to protect your interior space and belongings.
Q: Can a public adjuster really get me more money than handling the claim myself
A: Absolutely. Public adjusters like Panther specialize in maximizing your payout, managing all documentation, and negotiating directly with insurance companies on your behalf.
Q: What should I do if my insurance company is ignoring my claim or delaying payment
A: Contact a public adjuster immediately. We’ll review your case and, if necessary, bring in legal support to file a Civil Remedy Notice or take legal action to force compliance.