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(888) 979-7969
Dealing with property damage is stressful enough without the headache of confusing insurance paperwork. Whether it's storm damage in Winter Park or a burst pipe in Lake Nona, understanding the rules here in Central Florida makes all the difference. We'll walk you through exactly what happens from the moment you find damage to the day repairs finish.
Before you clean up a single thing, take pictures of everything. In Florida, your ability to get a fair payout relies heavily on the proof you provide right at the start. Walk through every affected room and take wide shots of the area and close-ups of specific ruined items.
If you have a burst pipe, keep the damaged pipe segment. If a tree hits your roof, photograph the limb before it's removed. We typically see homeowners throw away ruined carpet or drywall too early, which makes it harder for the adjuster to approve that part of the claim. Make a list of every damaged item, including the brand name and roughly when you bought it.
Call your insurance carrier as soon as possible to report the loss. Most policies in Florida require "prompt notice," which usually means filing within days of discovering the issue. When you call, give them the facts: what happened, when it happened, and the extent of the damage you can see.
Ask specifically if your policy covers insurance restoration services to bring your home back to pre-loss condition. They will assign a claim number and an adjuster to your case. Write this claim number down and keep it on your fridge or in your phone—you'll need it every time you talk to them.
You must take reasonable steps to stop the damage from getting worse. This is a requirement in almost every Florida insurance policy. If you have a hole in your roof from a storm, tarp it. If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water valve.
If you ignore this step and rain ruins your wood floors because you didn't cover the broken window, the insurance company likely won't pay for the floors. Keep receipts for any materials you buy, like tarps ($20-$50) or plywood, because these are reimbursable expenses. However, don't start permanent repairs yet. Just stop the bleeding.
The insurance adjuster inspects your home to determine the cause of loss and calculate how much the repairs will cost. In Central Florida, this meeting usually happens within 7 to 14 days after you file. They will take photos, measure rooms, and inspect the damaged areas to build their estimate.
Be there when they arrive. Walk them through the damage you found in Step 1. Don't assume they will see everything on their own. For property claims Orlando residents file, we often see adjusters miss hidden moisture behind baseboards or damage in the attic. Point out everything.
While waiting for the adjuster's report, pull out your policy. You need to know your deductible and your coverage limits. In Florida, you likely have two different deductibles: one for hurricanes (often 2% or 5% of your home's insured value) and one for "All Other Perils" (usually $1,000 or $2,500).
If your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you're responsible for the first $8,000 of damage from a named storm. Knowing these numbers helps you manage your budget before the settlement check arrives.
Don't rely solely on the insurance company's estimate. Their numbers are often based on regional averages that might not match current labor rates in Orange County. Call licensed local contractors to get written estimates for the work.
If the insurance offer is much lower than your contractor's bid, you have options. This is where public adjusting services can help bridge the gap. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company, and handles the negotiations to get you a fair amount. They typically charge a fee of 10% to 20% of the settlement, but the increase in the payout often covers this cost.
A "Proof of Loss" is a formal, sworn statement where you detail exactly how much money you're requesting. Your insurance company might send you a blank form to fill out. In many cases, you have 60 days from the time they request it to submit this document.
Be careful here. If you sign this form stating the damage is $10,000, it's very difficult to come back later and say it was actually $30,000. For complex property claims Orlando homeowners deal with, it's smart to have a professional help you prepare this document so you don't accidentally undervalue your loss.
Once you agree on a number, the insurance company issues payment. You typically receive two checks. The first is for the Actual Cash Value (ACV), which is the replacement cost minus depreciation (wear and tear). Once repairs are done and you prove you spent the money, they release the second check for the Recoverable Depreciation.
If you have a mortgage, the check will likely have your bank's name on it, too. You'll need to send it to them for endorsement, which can take weeks. Plan for this delay when scheduling contractors.
If you find more damage after work starts, stop and contact your adjuster immediately. This happens frequently with water damage, where mold is discovered behind a wall during demolition. You will need to request a "supplement" to your claim.
Florida law allows for mediation if you and the insurer can't agree on the settlement amount. This is a state-sponsored program that costs the insurance company money but is usually free or low-cost for the homeowner. It's a faster alternative to a lawsuit.
You have the right to choose your own contractor. The insurance company might suggest their "preferred vendors," but you're not obligated to use them. We typically advise choosing a local restoration expert who understands local codes, like the specific roofing requirements in Altamonte Springs or permitting rules in downtown Orlando.
Managing property claims Orlando style means knowing that you hold the cards. You pay your premiums, and you deserve to be paid what is owed to fix your home correctly.
We know the insurance game inside and out because we've been helping folks in Central Florida for years. If you're staring at a denied claim or an unfair offer, don't fight them alone.
Call Ultra Property Damage today at (888) 979-7969 or Contact Us online. We'll review your damage and help you get the maximum recovery you deserve.
