Filing a Property Claim in Orlando: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with property damage is stressful enough without the added confusion of filing an insurance claim. Whether your Orlando home has suffered from a hurricane, fire, or water leak, understanding the claims process is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. This guide breaks down the essential steps for filing property claims in Orlando, FL, helping you navigate the system with confidence.

Knowing what to do immediately after discovering damage can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. From documenting the scene to negotiating with your insurance company, each step requires careful attention. This article will walk you through the entire process, offering practical advice to help you secure a fair settlement and begin the road to recovery.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Prevent Further Damage

Your first priority after any property damage event should be the safety of you and your family. If the damage poses an immediate threat, such as from a fire, gas leak, or severe structural issue, evacuate the premises immediately and contact emergency services.

Once the area is safe to re-enter, your next responsibility is to mitigate further damage. Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent the problem from worsening. This is often called the "duty to mitigate."

What does mitigating damage look like?

• Water Damage: If the source is a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply. For flooding, try to remove standing water with mops, buckets, or a wet-dry vacuum if it's safe to do so.
• Roof Damage: Cover a damaged roof with a tarp to prevent rain from entering and causing further interior damage.
• Fire Damage: Board up broken windows and doors to secure the property from theft or vandalism.
• Broken Windows: Securely cover any broken windows to protect the interior from weather and unauthorized entry.

Failing to take these preventative measures could lead your insurance provider to deny coverage for any additional damage that occurs as a result. Be sure to keep all receipts for materials you purchase for these temporary repairs, as they are often reimbursable as part of your claim.

Step 2: Document Everything Thoroughly

Comprehensive documentation is the foundation of a successful property claim. Before you move or clean anything (beyond what's necessary for mitigation), you need to create a detailed record of the damage.

How to Document Property Damage

• Take Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to capture extensive visual evidence. Take wide shots of the affected areas and close-ups of specific damages. Narrate your videos to explain what you're recording and the extent of the damage you see.
• Create an Inventory List: Make a detailed list of all damaged, destroyed, or lost personal belongings. For each item, include a description, its estimated age, the original cost, and the approximate replacement cost. If you have receipts, warranties, or credit card statements for these items, gather them as proof of ownership and value.
• Keep a Communication Log: Start a notebook or a digital document to track every interaction related to your claim. Note the date, time, the name of the person you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation. This applies to calls with your insurance agent, adjusters, contractors, and anyone else involved in the process.

This evidence will be invaluable when your insurance adjuster assesses the damage and will help ensure that nothing is overlooked. The more detailed your records are, the stronger your position will be during negotiations.

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy

Your homeowner's insurance policy is a legal contract that outlines what is covered, what is excluded, and the obligations of both you and the insurance company. Before you formally file a claim, take the time to read through your policy carefully.

Key Sections to Look For:

• Declarations Page: This page summarizes your coverage, including policy limits for the dwelling, personal property, and other structures. It also lists your deductible amount.
• Coverages: Understand the types of perils your policy covers. Most standard policies cover events like fire, windstorms, and theft, but flood and earthquake damage often require separate policies.
• Exclusions: Pay close attention to what your policy does not cover. This will help you manage expectations from the start.
• Duties After a Loss: This section details the specific steps you must take after sustaining damage, such as providing prompt notice and protecting the property from further harm.

Understanding your policy helps you communicate more effectively with your insurer and ensures you are aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Step 4: File Your Property Claim Promptly

Most insurance policies require you to provide "prompt notice" of a loss. Delaying the filing process can give the insurance company a reason to question the validity of your claim or even deny it.

Contact your insurance agent or the company’s claims department as soon as possible. You can usually do this online, over the phone, or through a mobile app. When you file, you will be assigned a claim number—keep this number handy for all future communications.

During the initial call, provide the basic details of the incident: what happened, when it happened, and the general extent of the damage. Avoid speculating on the cause of the damage or giving a recorded statement until you are fully prepared and have reviewed your documentation.

Step 5: Work with the Insurance Adjuster

After you file your claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. The adjuster's job is to investigate the claim, assess the damage, and determine the amount the insurance company will pay.

The adjuster will schedule a time to inspect your property. Be present during this inspection to point out all the damage you have documented. Provide them with copies of your photos, videos, and inventory lists.

It's important to remember that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to settle the claim for the lowest amount possible under the terms of the policy. While many adjusters are fair, it is wise to be prepared and advocate for your own interests.

Step 6: Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster

Filing property claims in Orlando, FL, can be a complex and overwhelming process, especially for large or complicated losses. While the insurance company has its own adjuster, you have the right to hire your own expert: a public adjuster.

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works exclusively for policyholders—not insurance companies. They handle every aspect of your claim, from documenting the damage and preparing estimates to negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. Their expertise can be particularly valuable in maximizing your settlement and ensuring you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under your policy.

Ready to Get the Help You Deserve?

Navigating property claims in Orlando, FL, requires patience, diligence, and a thorough understanding of the process. By following these steps, you can position yourself for a more successful outcome. Remember to prioritize safety, document everything, and understand your policy before you file.

If the process feels overwhelming or you believe your insurance company is not treating you fairly, you don't have to go through it alone. The team at Ultra Property Damage is here to help. Our experienced public adjusters can manage your claim from start to finish, fighting to get you the maximum settlement you are owed.

Contact Ultra Property Damage today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the stress of the claim so you can focus on rebuilding.