Did you ever break something and wonder if you can still get help from your insurance?
Can You Claim Even If It Was Your Fault?
You feel nervous. You think you might have caused the damage. You ask if your insurance will help. You want simple answers. You want clear steps. You want someone to speak for you.
How homeowner insurance works
Insurance protects your home from certain risks. You pay a premium. The insurer promises to pay for covered losses. The insurer pays when the loss fits the policy rules.
You must read your policy. You must know what is covered and what is not covered. The policy lists covered events and exclusions. The policy shows limits and deductibles.
Fault versus coverage
Fault means you caused the damage. Coverage depends on the policy, not only on fault. Some policies pay even if you caused the damage by accident. Some policies do not pay if you caused the damage on purpose.
You must know the difference between an accident and an intentional act. Insurers do not pay for intentional acts. Insurers may deny claims if you lied or tried to trick them.
Why your fault may not stop a claim
You spill milk and it ruins a floor. That is an accident. The insurer may pay if the policy covers water damage from accidental spills. You left a candle burning and it started a fire. The insurer might pay if the fire was accidental and the policy covers fire. You forgot to fix a small roof leak and the attic got soggy. The insurer may still pay for damage from a covered event like a storm. In many cases, simple mistakes or carelessness do not block payment.
When your fault can stop payment
You set fire to your own house on purpose. The insurer will not pay. You made a false claim. The insurer will deny and may cancel your policy. You ignored basic home care for years and the house fell apart. The insurer may deny part or all of the claim for lack of maintenance. You purposely damaged your home to get money. The insurer will refuse and may sue you.
Florida rules you should know
Florida uses laws that affect claims and lawsuits. Florida law allows claims for property damage under homeowner policies. Florida has specific hurricane rules. Florida also has licensing rules for public adjusters.
You must act quickly after damage in Florida. Many policies require you to report damage within a set time. Florida law gives you rights to appeal and to hire help. You should know these rules to protect your claim.
Types of claims and how fault matters
You will see different types of property damage. Each type may work differently with fault.
- Storm and hurricane damage: You did not cause the storm. You likely have covered damage from wind, rain, or flying debris. Your fault usually does not matter.
- Fire damage: Accidental fires often get covered. Intentional fires do not get covered.
- Water damage from pipe breaks: The insurer may pay if the break was sudden and accidental. The insurer may deny if the pipe broke because you failed to maintain the pipe.
- Mold: Insurers often limit mold claims. If the mold results from a covered event, the insurer may pay. If the mold grows because you ignored a leak, the insurer may deny payment.
- Roof leaks: If a hurricane or storm damaged the roof, the insurer may pay. If the roof leaked because you never fixed old damage, the insurer may deny parts of the claim.
Table: Typical scenarios and likely outcomes
| Scenario | Fault type | Likely outcome in Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Storm blew off shingles | No fault | Likely covered if policy lists wind/hail |
| You bumped a candle and caused fire | Accidental fault | Often covered if policy covers fire |
| You left a leak for years | Neglect | Insurer may deny or pay less |
| You intentionally burned house | Intentional | Denied and possible legal action |
| Pipe burst suddenly | Accidental | Often covered if due to sudden accident |
| Pipe froze because you left heat off | Neglect | Insurer may deny for failure to maintain |
How insurers decide fault
The insurer investigates. The insurer sends an adjuster. The adjuster looks at the scene. The adjuster checks photos, receipts, and records. The adjuster asks questions. The insurer may hire an expert like an engineer. The insurer tries to find the cause. The insurer looks for signs of neglect or intent.
You must provide records. You must show the insurer what you did to keep the home safe. You must be calm and honest. You should not say you did something on purpose. You should explain what happened.
Steps to take right after damage
Act fast. You stop more damage. You turn off main power or water if it is safe. You take photos and videos. You write what you saw. You call your insurer and report the claim. You keep receipts for emergency repairs. You do not throw damaged items away until the insurer asks or until you photograph them. You keep a list of lost items.
You may hire a public adjuster. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer. The public adjuster can inspect and help you file the claim. The public adjuster can negotiate with the insurer.
What a public adjuster does for you
A public adjuster evaluates damage. The public adjuster documents the loss. The public adjuster writes a proof of loss. The public adjuster negotiates with the insurer. The public adjuster knows policy language and Florida rules. The public adjuster uses experience to find items the insurer may miss.
A public adjuster helps when fault makes the claim hard. The public adjuster can show how the damage connects to a covered event. The public adjuster can argue why the insurer should pay even if you had some fault.
Why you might hire Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
You want an expert in Florida storms and property claims. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals works across Florida. Otero serves homeowners from Pensacola to the Keys. Otero inspects damage for free at first. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. Otero speaks to your insurer for you. Otero helps you get fair money for repairs.
You can call Otero at (850) 285-0405. You can visit Otero at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526. You can find Otero online at https://oteroadjusting.com/. You should use Otero for help with roof leaks, hurricane damage, water leaks, mold, or fire. You should use Otero if you feel the insurer treated you unfairly.
How fault affects the payout
You may still get money after a claim even if you had some fault. The insurer may subtract the deductible. The insurer may not pay for damage that happened from long-term neglect. The insurer may pay to repair damage from a covered event and not pay for part caused by neglect.
Your policy may say you have to maintain your home. If you ignore maintenance, the insurer can reduce payment. If you accept a low settlement, you may lose the right to seek more money later.
What you must document to fight fault claims
You must gather proof. You take photos before and after. You keep repair receipts. You keep maintenance logs. You keep invoices for inspections. You keep witness statements if someone saw the event.
You should make a timeline. You write when you first saw the damage. You write when you called the insurer. You show you acted to stop more damage. These items help your case.
How to talk to the insurance adjuster
You should speak clearly. You should answer questions with short facts. You should not guess. You should not say you caused the damage on purpose. You should not sign anything until you understand it.
You can ask for time to read documents. You can ask for an explanation of why they deny or reduce payment. You can ask for copies of their notes and photos.
Common mistakes homeowners make
You file a claim and then forget to check it. You admit blame without thinking. You throw away damaged items before the insurer sees them. You sign a quick payment and lose the right to more money. You fix things too fast and then cannot prove the damage.
You wait too long to call for help. You try to manage alone when the claim is large. These mistakes can reduce the money you get.
How a public adjuster helps with those mistakes
A public adjuster helps you avoid mistakes. The adjuster tells you what to keep and what to fix. The adjuster collects proof. The adjuster writes a strong claim. The adjuster negotiates with the insurer. The adjuster fights unfair denials.
You can call Otero for a free inspection. Otero can show you what to keep and what to photograph. Otero can speak for you so you do not say the wrong thing.
How insurers use depreciation and replacement cost
Your policy may pay actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). ACV pays for current value after wear and age. RCV pays to replace with new items, less a deductible and subject to policy rules.
You must check your policy type. If you have RCV, the insurer may pay in two steps. The insurer often pays the ACV first. The insurer pays the rest after you fix the damage and give receipts.
A public adjuster knows how to demand proper depreciation and replacement amounts. The adjuster can help you get more money when the insurer undervalues items.
Deductibles and how they work
A deductible is your share of the loss. You pay it first. The insurer pays the rest, up to policy limits. Some policies use separate deductibles for hurricanes. Some use percentage deductibles based on home value.
You should know your deductible. You should plan how to pay for repairs until the insurer pays their share.
What to do if the insurer denies your claim
You must read the denial letter. You should find the reason for denial. You should gather proof that the event was covered. You should ask the insurer to explain their evidence. You should file an appeal if you have proof.
A public adjuster can help appeal. The adjuster can hire experts to write reports. You can file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation or the Florida Department of Financial Services. You can also hire a lawyer for lawsuits.
Table: Quick action checklist after damage
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Stop more damage | Keeps loss small and claim valid |
| Take photos and video | Shows the damage and cause |
| Call your insurer | Starts your claim |
| Call a public adjuster | Gets expert help for claims |
| Keep receipts | Proves expenses for repairs |
| Do temporary fixes | Prevents extra loss, keep receipts |
| Do not admit fault on phone | Protects your legal position |
Real examples you can understand
Example 1 — Candle fire:
You lit a candle. You left the room. The candle tipped and started a small fire. The smoke damaged the ceiling and some furniture. You call your insurer. The insurer sends an adjuster. The adjuster checks the scene and sees the fire was accidental. The insurer pays for repairs under the fire coverage. You may pay the deductible. A public adjuster can help if the insurer tries to reduce the payout.
Example 2 — Pipe burst:
You live in Florida and a sudden cold snap makes a pipe burst. Water floods the floor. You stop the water. You call the insurer. The insurer checks the cause. If the pipe burst was sudden and accidental, the insurer often pays. If the pipe broke because you never fixed a slow leak for years, the insurer may deny that part of the damage.
Example 3 — Roof leak after storm:
A storm hits and knocks a branch through your roof. You see a new hole and water in the attic. The insurer often pays for storm damage. If you ignored a long-term roof problem, the insurer may reduce the payout for parts that the old problem caused. A public adjuster will separate the storm damage from the old wear.
When you should call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
Call Otero when the claim is large. Call Otero when the insurer pays too little. Call Otero when the insurer denies the claim and you disagree. Call Otero when you need help proving the cause was a covered event. Call Otero when you feel confused.
Otero representatives know Florida rules and hurricane claims. Otero inspects homes for free. Otero works on contingency. This means Otero gets paid only if you get paid. That setup helps you when you worry about extra costs.
How Otero helps step by step
- You call Otero or visit the website.
- Otero schedules a free inspection.
- Otero inspects the damage and records proof.
- Otero prepares a claim and a proof of loss.
- Otero negotiates with the insurer for a fair payment.
- You get the settlement.
- Otero collects a fee only from the money you receive.
You get help with paperwork and negotiations. You avoid common mistakes. You gain a skilled negotiator on your side.
Costs and fees for public adjusters
Public adjusters charge a fee for their work. Many work on contingency. That means you pay a percentage of the settlement. You pay nothing if you do not get money. You should ask about the fee before you sign.
Otero only gets paid when you get paid. Otero offers a free initial inspection. You should ask Otero for their fee schedule and contract terms before work starts.
Tips to protect your claim if you think you caused the damage
- Stay calm and act fast.
- Stop more damage if you can do it safely.
- Take many photos and videos.
- Save receipts for any work you pay for.
- Call your insurer and report the claim.
- Do not admit intent or lie.
- Call a public adjuster if the claim is confusing or big.
These steps help you even if you had some fault.
How to prove an event was accidental
You need facts. You collect photos, witness statements, and receipts. You show the timeline. You show the normal condition before the event if you have photos. You show that the event was sudden or unexpected.
Experts can help. You can hire an engineer, a contractor, or a building inspector. A public adjuster can find the right expert and add their report to your claim.
What if the insurer says you were negligent?
Negligence means you failed to act as a reasonable homeowner would. The insurer may argue that neglect caused the loss. You should show the steps you took to maintain the home. You should present receipts for repairs and inspections. You should show the event was sudden or caused by a covered peril. A public adjuster can build this case for you.
When you might need a lawyer too
You may need a lawyer if the insurer refuses to pay and you have strong proof. You may need a lawyer if the insurer accuses you of fraud. You may need a lawyer if the insurer delays for months without reason.
A public adjuster can work with a lawyer. The adjuster helps prove the loss. The lawyer helps with legal action when needed.
Why small claims still matter
You might think a small damage is not worth help. Small claims can add up. You may miss hidden damage like mold or structural issues. A public adjuster can spot these problems and show why they matter. Even small wins matter when you rebuild your home.
How to avoid problems that lead to denied claims
You repair small issues early. You keep a home maintenance log. You inspect your home after storms. You keep records of repairs and upgrades. You keep receipts. You buy proper coverage for your area. You read your policy and ask questions if you do not understand it.
Questions you should ask your insurer and your public adjuster
- What is the cause of loss you think happened?
- What policy section covers or denies this loss?
- What documents do you need to support the claim?
- What parts of the loss do you think are due to neglect?
- How did you calculate the offer amount?
- What steps will the public adjuster take to increase the claim?
These questions keep the process clear.
How to keep the process calm and fair
You will feel strong emotions after damage. You may feel guilty or scared. You should take breaks and rest. You should get help from friends or family. You should let a public adjuster handle the tough talks with the insurer. You should read every document before you sign.
Calm actions help your claim.
Final thoughts and what to do next
You can often claim even if you caused the damage by accident. You should not hide the facts. You should document and act quickly. You should call a public adjuster when the claim is large, when you see a denial, or when you feel unsure.
For trusted Florida help, contact Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero offers a free initial inspection and works on contingency. You can reach Otero at (850) 285-0405. You can visit Otero at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526. You can find them online at https://oteroadjusting.com/.
You do not have to face the insurer alone. You can get help to prove your claim and to get fair money for repairs. Call Otero and get a free check of your damage today.
