?What kind of damages can you get after your home gets damaged?

Table of Contents

Introduction

You want to know what money you can get from your insurance when your home gets hurt. You want clear words and simple steps so you can act.

You live in Florida. You face storms, wind, water, and sometimes fire. You want help that works. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you. They serve homeowners across Florida. They give a free initial inspection. They only get paid when you do. Their address is 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526. Call (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/.

What does “damages” mean in an insurance claim?

Damages mean money that your insurer may have to pay you for losses. Damages pay to fix or replace things the loss broke. Damages also pay for the cost to live somewhere else while your home gets fixed.

You will see many names for damages. You will hear words like “replacement cost”, “actual cash value”, “loss of use”, and “depreciation”. You will also hear about added fees, fees for code upgrades, and possible penalties if the insurer wrongs you.

Who decides what damages you get?

You and your insurer start the claim process. You can hire a public adjuster to help. A public adjuster acts for you, not the insurer. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals is a public adjuster. Otero inspects, documents, and negotiates with the insurer for you.

You file a claim with your insurance company. The insurer sends their adjuster. You can have Otero come too. Otero helps you gather proof. Otero makes sure you ask for every dollar you deserve.

Main categories of damages you can be awarded

You can get money for many things. The main types are:

Repair or replace your home structure.
Repair or replace your personal things.
Pay your living costs while your home is not livable.
Pay for work to meet current building rules.
Pay for lost income if your home or business cannot earn money.
Pay for cleanup and emergency fixes.
Pay other special costs set by law or your policy.

You must read your policy to know the exact rules. Otero will help you read your policy and make a plan.

Table: Quick view of damage types

Damage Type	What it pays for	Short note for you
Dwelling repair/replacement	Fixing or rebuilding walls, roof, floors	Policy may pay replacement cost or actual cash value
Personal property	Things inside your home: clothes, furniture	May get cash to buy new items
Additional living expenses (ALE)	Hotel, food, storage while home is unlivable	You must show receipts and proof
Ordinance and law	Cost to meet current building codes during repair	This can add a lot to repair cost
Diminished value	Loss in market value after damage and repair	Hard to prove; need appraisals
Debris removal	Clean up and removal costs	Insurer may limit amounts
Mitigation and emergency repairs	Stop further damage, like tarping a roof	You should act fast to limit loss
Business interruption	Lost income for a business or rental	Requires good records and proof
Extra-contractual and bad faith damages	Penalties where insurer acted wrongly	Florida law has rules; rare but possible

Dwelling repair and replacement

You can get money to fix or rebuild your home structure. The insurer will look at the damage. The insurer will decide how much to pay based on your policy terms.

You will see two big ways insurers value your loss. One is actual cash value (ACV). ACV pays to replace the item minus age and wear. The other is replacement cost value (RCV). RCV pays the cost to replace with new items, without accounting for age. If your policy has RCV, you may first get ACV and later get the recoverable depreciation after you repair.

Personal property (your things)

Your clothes, toys, furniture, and electronics are personal property. You can get money to replace these things. Your policy lists covered perils and limits for your personal property.

You must list your damaged items. You must show receipts, photos, or other proof. If you do not have proof, you can give an estimate and explain how you used the item. Otero helps you document your items and value them fairly.

Some policies give more money for certain items like jewelry or art. You may need a special rider for high-value items. Check your policy or ask Otero.

Additional living expenses (ALE) / Loss of use

If your home is not livable, you can get money to live somewhere else. This covers hotels, rent, food, and storage. The policy sets limits and the time you can use ALE.

You must keep your receipts. You must show that staying elsewhere was necessary because of the covered damage. Otero will help you track these costs and add them to the claim.

Recoverable depreciation

If you have replacement cost coverage, the insurer may hold back money for depreciation. Depreciation lowers the value of old items. After you repair or replace the item, you can ask for the recoverable depreciation.

You must show proof of the repair or replacement. You must submit receipts and invoices. Otero helps you prepare and submit that proof to the insurer.

Ordinance and law coverage

Local building rules change over time. You may need extra work to meet new codes. Ordinance and law coverage pays for that extra work. This can include raising electrical panels, using new roofing standards, or adding hurricane straps in Florida.

You must check your policy for ordinance limits. Many policies limit this coverage. Otero reviews your policy and finds if you have this coverage and how much.

Diminished value

Diminished value means your home may be worth less after damage, even after repairs. You can seek payment for this loss in value in some situations.

This claim is often hard to prove. You need appraisals and market data. Otero can help you show the loss and present it to your insurer.

Debris removal and cleanup

You can get money to remove rubble and damaged trees around your home. Debris removal pays for trucks, labor, and waste fees. Insurers may limit how much they will pay.

You must document the debris and keep receipts. Otero will help you itemize these costs so the insurer pays what it should.

Emergency repairs and mitigation

You must act to stop more damage after a loss. Emergency repairs include roof tarping, boarding windows, and pumping out water. The insurer will usually pay for reasonable, necessary emergency work.

Keep all bills and photos. Do not remove fixed items that might show the cause of damage. Otero guides you on what to do and how to document the work.

Temporary repairs and protection

You can get money to secure your home. This covers temporary doors, windows, and fences. The insurer will pay for reasonable costs to protect your home. Keep receipts and photos of the temporary work.

Mold, mildew, and water remediation

Water can cause more damage if you do not act. Insurers may pay for water extraction and mold cleanup when the damage comes from a covered cause. Some policies limit mold coverage. You must check your policy details.

Otero will help you show that the water damage came from a covered event. Otero will help you prove the cost of cleanup and remediation.

Roof damage and roof replacements

Roof damage is a common loss in Florida. You can get money to repair or replace your roof. The insurer will inspect and estimate damages. Roofs often have special hurricane or wind deductibles in Florida.

You must document damage with photos and an inspection report. Otero will inspect your roof and help you get a fair amount for repair or replacement.

Flood vs. wind and hurricane coverage in Florida

Flood damage is not covered by most home policies. Flood insurance comes from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood policies. Wind and hurricane damage may be covered by your homeowners policy, but your policy may have a hurricane deductible.

You must check your policy or contact Otero to know which damage is covered. Otero can help you file claims with both insurers where needed.

Sinkhole and ground movement

Florida has sinkhole risk. Some policies cover sinkhole damage. Other policies exclude it. You can also buy separate sinkhole coverage.

You must document the sinkhole with engineers and photos. Otero will help you collect the right proof and present the claim.

Business interruption and lost rental income

If you rent a home, run a business, or rent rooms, you can claim lost income after a covered loss. Business interruption pays for lost earnings while you repair. Lost rental income covers rent you cannot collect.

You must show your normal income with tax records, rent rolls, and bank records. Otero helps you gather this proof and calculate the lost income.

Extra living costs for long repairs

Sometimes repairs last many months. Insurers may pay for long-term housing and storage. You must show ongoing costs and why the repairs take so long.

Otero will help you update costs and make sure the insurer pays for each month of need.

Professional fees and appraisal costs

You can get money for some professional fees. This can include fees for a public adjuster and an appraisal in some cases. Policies differ on whether they pay for your professionals.

In many situations, a public adjuster like Otero will charge a fee from the settlement. Otero only gets paid when you get paid, and Otero will explain fees up front.

Attorney fees and legal costs

In some cases, the insurer may owe attorney fees if you win a court case or structured settlement. Florida law has specific rules about attorney fees. These awards are rare and depend on the facts and laws.

You should not delay a claim while you wait for these fees. Otero can help you decide if you need a lawyer.

Bad faith, penalty, and statutory damages

If an insurer acts in bad faith, Florida law can allow extra damages, interest, or penalties. These damages go beyond the contract amount. Courts examine if the insurer unfairly denied or delayed payment.

These claims are complex. Otero can help you spot signs of bad faith and work with counsel if needed.

How a public adjuster like Otero helps you get all damages you deserve

You call Otero. Otero inspects your home for free. Otero documents the loss with photos, notes, and measurements. Otero prepares a detailed proof of loss and a repair estimate.

Otero negotiates with the insurer on your behalf. Otero makes sure the insurer pays for every covered cost. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. Otero works across Florida.

What you must do after damage occurs

You must act quickly to limit damage. You must keep records and receipts. You must file a claim with your insurer soon. You must keep damaged items safe for inspection when possible.

You must call Otero for a free inspection. Otero will tell you what to save and what to replace.

Documents and proof you should collect

You should collect these items:

Photos and videos of damage.
A list of damaged items with age and price.
Repair estimates or contractor bids.
Receipts for temporary housing, meals, and storage.
Proof of ownership or purchase receipts if you have them.
Any police or fire reports.

Keep copies and give them to Otero. Otero will use them to build your claim.

How insurers calculate your payout

Insurers inspect and estimate. They check your policy limits and deductibles. They apply depreciation if your policy uses ACV. They add payments for covered extras like ALE or ordinance.

You will often get an initial payment and later a final settlement. Otero will help you challenge low estimates and seek more money when needed.

Common reasons insurers deny or underpay claims

Insurers may deny claims for many reasons:

The cause of damage is not covered.
You missed a deadline.
You lack proof or receipts.
Your policy has an exclusion for the event.
The insurer says the damage was pre-existing.

You should document everything and call Otero if the insurer denies or pays too little.

How to challenge a low offer

You must gather more proof. You can get independent estimates or hire an appraiser. You can ask for an appraisal clause if your policy has one. You can open a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation if needed.

Otero can present better estimates and argue for a higher amount. Otero uses industry-standard pricing to show your true loss.

Examples you can understand

Example 1: Hurricane roof damage.
A hurricane rips shingles from your roof. Wind tears a hole. Rain leaks inside. You stay in a hotel for three nights. The insurer pays for the roof repair and the hotel. You keep the receipts. Otero helps you get the right roof price and the hotel days covered.

Example 2: Pipe burst in winter.
A pipe bursts and floods your kitchen. The water ruins cabinets and carpet. You hire a cleanup crew. You have to stay with family for four weeks while repairs happen. The insurer pays for cleanup, new cabinets, carpet, and the hotel or temporary housing. Otero helps you list the items and recover all costs.

Example 3: Fire in the kitchen.
A small grease fire damages the kitchen and makes the home smoky. You need to replace appliances and repaint. You also lose some clothes and dishes. You can claim personal property and ALE. Otero helps you prepare the list and the repair costs.

Policy limits and deductibles matter

Your policy sets limits for each category. You may have a roof limit, a contents limit, or a special sub-limit. Your policy also has a deductible. For storms, you may have a hurricane deductible that is a percentage of your dwelling limit.

You should read your policy and ask Otero to review it. Otero finds coverage and limits that apply to your loss.

Time limits and filing deadlines

Your policy and Florida law set time limits. You must file a claim within the time your policy requires. You must act quickly to collect evidence. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover.

Call Otero right away. Otero will start a free inspection and help you file the claim on time.

Costs you may have to pay

You will pay your deductible. You may pay for temporary repairs before the insurer pays. You may pay for a public adjuster fee if you hire one. Otero only gets paid when you get paid and will explain fees before you agree.

You must keep receipts for all the costs you pay. Otero will help you include these costs in your claim.

Why you should use a public adjuster in Florida

You may not know how to value each item. You may not know policy language. You may not have time to do the paperwork. A public adjuster works for you. A public adjuster speaks with the insurer for you.

Otero knows Florida claims. Otero knows common storm damage and Florida building rules. Otero makes sure you ask for everything covered by your policy. Otero works across the state for homeowners.

How Otero handles your claim step by step

You call Otero for a free inspection.
Otero inspects your property and takes photos.
Otero creates a detailed estimate of repair and loss.
Otero files a proof of loss and submits it to the insurer.
Otero negotiates with the insurer and provides support documents.
Otero helps collect recoverable depreciation and supplements.
Otero finalizes the settlement and gets paid only when you do.

Otero explains each step in plain words. Otero answers your questions.

How much can you expect to recover?

The amount you recover depends on the damage, your policy, and proof. Some losses pay full replacement cost. Some losses pay ACV. Some items have limits.

Otero will review your policy and the loss. Otero will make a realistic estimate of what you can recover and will try to get that amount.

Special Florida issues

Hurricanes and tropical storms cause major claims.
Flood damage usually needs a separate NFIP or private flood policy.
Sinkhole claims require special tests and reports.
Roof claims may face special windstorm deductibles.

Otero knows these Florida issues. Otero helps you prepare claims that fit Florida rules.

How to talk to your insurer

Speak calmly. Stick to facts. Give dates, photos, and receipts. Do not sign a final release until you are sure the payment is fair.

Call Otero before you accept a final offer. Otero can review the offer and tell you if you should accept.

What if you disagree with the insurer after the claim?

You can ask for an independent appraisal if your policy has that clause. You can hire a public adjuster or an attorney. You can file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Otero will help you decide the next step. Otero can work with your lawyer if that becomes necessary.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting too long to file.
Throwing away damaged items too soon.
Accepting the first offer without proof.
Not keeping receipts for temporary living costs.

Otero will guide you to avoid these mistakes.

Questions you can ask Otero

Do I have replacement cost or actual cash value?
Do I have ordinance and law coverage?
How much is my deductible for hurricane damage?
What documents should I gather?
How will you charge for your services?

Otero will answer in clear words and help you act.

Small claims and minor repairs

Even small losses matter. A small kitchen fire or a minor roof leak can cause hidden damage. You should still document the loss and consider a public adjuster if the insurer pays too little.

Otero handles small and large claims across Florida. Otero will check your loss and tell you if a full review is worth it.

How to estimate repair costs

Get contractor bids. Use trusted pricing guides. Use photos and measurements. Have Otero assemble a formal estimate that matches industry standards.

Otero will create a line-by-line estimate you can present to the insurer. This helps you avoid low offers.

How to document personal property losses

Make a list room by room. Note brand, model, date bought, and price when you can. Show photos or videos of items. Keep receipts if you have them.

Otero helps you build a solid inventory that proves the loss.

What if your policy includes depreciation clauses

Depreciation lowers payout for older items. If you have RCV, you can get recoverable depreciation after repairs. Keep your receipts for repair work and replacement.

Otero will track recoverable depreciation and press the insurer to pay it.

How supplements work

As you repair, you may find more damage. You can submit supplements to the claim. Supplements add cost for new repairs and work not in the original estimate.

Otero will prepare and file supplements to get extra money for newly found damage.

How to handle disputes over cause of loss

Insurers sometimes say the damage had another cause. You must show facts with photos, expert reports, or contractor opinions. Otero helps you gather expert support and present the proof.

If needed, Otero coordinates with engineers or building experts to show the correct cause.

Final thoughts

You deserve a fair payout after your home suffers damage. You should know what types of damages your policy covers. You should act quickly and collect proof. You should call a public adjuster if you feel lost or if the insurer pays too little.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you. Otero offers a free inspection across Florida. Otero only gets paid when you do. Visit or call today: 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526. Phone (850) 285-0405. Website https://oteroadjusting.com/.

You have rights. You can ask for repair costs, living expenses, and more. You can ask for building code upgrades, mitigation costs, and lost income. You can get help to make the insurer pay what the policy promises.

Call Otero if your home has damage. Otero will inspect, document, and fight for your money. Otero works so you get what you deserve.

What Kind Of Damages Can Be Awarded?