? Do you want a fair payout from your insurance claim and a clear plan to get it?
What this guide will do for you
You will learn how to talk with an insurance claims adjuster. You will learn how to prepare your claim. You will learn when to hire a public adjuster. You will get simple scripts and checklists. You will get tips that work in Florida. You will see how Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you.
Why this matters to you
You need money to fix your home. You need the insurer to pay what your policy says. You may feel small in front of an adjuster. You can change that by being ready. You can use your rights. You can hire help.
What an insurance claims adjuster does
An adjuster checks damage. An adjuster reports to the insurance company. An adjuster decides how much the company will offer. A company adjuster may try to lower the payout. A public adjuster works for you. A public adjuster helps you get a full settlement.
Company adjuster vs public adjuster
You will meet two main types of adjusters. You will want to know the differences. The table below shows the main points.
| Role | Who they work for | Main goal | How they get paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company adjuster | Insurance company | Protect company money | Paid by the company |
| Public adjuster | You | Maximize your payout | Paid by you, usually a share of the recovery |
When you should call a public adjuster
You should call a public adjuster if the damage is large. You should call a public adjuster if the insurer denies parts of your claim. You should call a public adjuster if you feel lost. You should call a public adjuster if you want help with estimates and paperwork.
Why you might hire Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
You want an experienced team in Florida. Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero works for you. Otero only gets paid when you do. Otero gives a free initial inspection. Otero inspects damage with no cost and no obligation.
Contact Otero:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
Step 1: Prepare before you call or meet the adjuster
You will gather proof. You will make a simple list. You will keep all records. Preparation makes you calm and strong.
Create a damage log
You will write the date and time of the event. You will write what happened. You will write what you saw. You will add the room name and items lost. You will add repair needs.
Take clear photos and videos
You will take many photos. You will take photos from many angles. You will take close photos of damage. You will take wide photos to show the room. You will take short videos and speak while you film.
Keep all receipts and bills
You will save repair receipts. You will save replacement receipts. You will save hotel or living expense bills if you must leave your home. You will save any communication from the insurer.
Get repair estimates
You will get at least two estimates. You will get one from a contractor. You will get one from a public adjuster if you hire one. You will not accept the company’s first low offer.
Make a quick inventory of items
You will list damaged furniture and appliances. You will note age and price. You will note condition before damage. You will not guess the value. You will use receipts if you have them.
Step 2: Understand your insurance policy basics
You will read your policy. You will find the coverage limits. You will find the deductibles. You will note the items that are not covered. You will underline time limits to report claims.
Key policy parts to check
You will look for:
- Coverage limits for the dwelling.
- Coverage for personal property.
- Loss of use or additional living expenses.
- Deductible amounts.
- Exclusions and endorsements.
You will note these items. You will keep a copy of the policy and pages you note.
Step 3: The first call to the insurance company
You will call your insurer as soon as you can. You will report the loss. You will be calm and clear. You will give the date and what happened. You will not guess. You will not exaggerate. You will not say the loss was total if you are not sure.
What to say on the first call
You will give these facts:
- Your policy number.
- The date and time of the loss.
- A short description of the damage.
- Your contact details.
You will ask for the claim number and the adjuster’s name. You will write down the claim number and the adjuster’s name.
Step 4: Meeting the company adjuster
You will set a meeting at your home. You will prepare the damage log and photos. You will be polite and clear. You will not sign anything you do not understand. You will not accept a check right away if it lowers your total rights.
How to act at the meeting
You will walk through the house with the adjuster. You will show the damage. You will show receipts and estimates. You will ask how the adjuster will value items. You will ask what the next steps are.
What to record during the meeting
You will write down the adjuster’s name and badge or ID. You will write the date and time. You will write the amount of the first offer. You will write what the adjuster says about repairs.
Step 5: Understand common tactics and how to respond
You will hear small offers at first. You will hear requests for quick signature. You will hear requests to accept a low check. These are common. You will not accept pressure.
Tactics you might see
- Low initial offer.
- Push to sign a release or waiver.
- Request to settle quickly to close the file.
- Requests for extra information that seem endless.
How you should respond
You will stay calm. You will say you need time to check things. You will not sign a full release until you are sure. You will ask for the offer in writing.
Step 6: How to make a counteroffer
You will use your proof. You will add estimates. You will write a demand letter. You will show the math.
Write a short demand letter
You will state the claim number. You will state the damages and amounts. You will attach photos and estimates. You will ask for a specific dollar amount. You will give a reasonable deadline for a reply.
Sample short demand letter (simple):
“Claim #[claim number]. My home suffered damage on [date]. I attach photos, receipts, and estimates. The total loss is $[amount]. I request payment of $[amount]. Please respond by [date].”
How to set the amount
You will set the amount based on your receipts and estimates. You will add a small buffer for items you might find later. You will avoid huge, unrealistic numbers. You will aim for a number you can show with proof.
Step 7: Negotiation scripts you can use
You will use simple words. You will be polite and firm. You will repeat facts and show proof.
When the adjuster gives a low offer
You can say:
“I read my policy. I have estimates and photos. The damage is more than this offer. I can show you these documents. Can we re-evaluate the numbers?”
When the adjuster asks you to sign a release
You can say:
“I need time to check this offer. I will not sign a full release until repairs finish. I will sign a partial agreement if it covers these items only.”
When the adjuster delays
You can say:
“Can you confirm our next step in writing? I need a date for the estimate review. Please send the claim notes to my email.”
Step 8: Use clear numbers and show your math
You will break down each cost. You will show how you reached the total. You will show item prices, labor, and taxes. You will use simple tables if needed.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Roof repair estimate | $[amount] |
| Water extraction | $[amount] |
| Flooring replacement | $[amount] |
| Temporary housing | $[amount] |
| Total requested | $[amount] |
You will attach contractor estimates that match these numbers. You will show receipts when you have them.
Step 9: When to call a public adjuster
You will call a public adjuster if the company offer remains low. You will call one if your claim has many parts. You will call one if you need expert estimates and a stronger negotiation team.
What a public adjuster will do for you
A public adjuster will inspect your damage. A public adjuster will prepare a full estimate. A public adjuster will write a demand letter. A public adjuster will sit with you in negotiations. A public adjuster will help you with dispute steps.
Step 10: How fees work with a public adjuster
You will read the contract before you sign. You will ask how the fee is calculated. Many public adjusters charge a percentage of your recovery. Some charge flat fees in special cases. Otero works on a contingency basis. Otero only gets paid when you get paid.
Florida-specific tips you should know
You live in Florida. You will face hurricanes, wind, and water claims. You will check your policy for hurricane deductibles. You will keep a good record before hurricane season. You will file claims early after damage. You will call Otero for a local inspection. Otero knows Florida rules and local contractor costs.
What to do if the adjuster refuses to increase the offer
You will ask for a written denial if the insurer refuses. You will request the reason for the denial in writing. You will check your policy for appeal steps. You will consider appraisal or mediation. You will call a public adjuster or attorney if needed.
Appraisal process explained simply
You will hire an appraiser. The insurer will hire an appraiser. The two appraisers will try to agree on a third appraiser if needed. The appraisal result can set the payment amount. You will use this process if the dispute is about value, not coverage.
When you should hire an attorney
You will hire an attorney if the insurer acts in bad faith. You will hire an attorney if the insurer refuses to pay covered losses. You will hire an attorney for complex legal fights. You will call a public adjuster first. A public adjuster can sometimes resolve the issue faster and cheaper than a lawyer.
Evidence checklist to bring to every meeting
You will bring a clean set of proof. You will keep originals safe.
- Photos and videos of all damage.
- A written damage log.
- Receipts and invoices.
- Contractor estimates.
- A copy of your insurance policy.
- The claim number and adjuster notes.
- Emails or letters with the insurer.
Common mistakes you must avoid
You will avoid these simple errors. They can cost you money.
- Do not accept the first low offer without proof.
- Do not sign a full release too soon.
- Do not throw away damaged items until you document them.
- Do not let time pass without follow up.
- Do not give recorded statements without preparing.
How to handle recorded statements
An adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. You will keep answers short and true. You will not guess. You will say you need to check facts if asked something uncertain. You can ask your public adjuster to speak for you.
How to read a scope of work from the company
You will read the scope line by line. You will check if each damaged item is listed. You will check if the work and materials match contractor estimates. You will ask questions about any missing line items.
When the insurer offers a partial payment
You will accept partial payments for agreed items. You will not sign a release that covers all future claims if you accept a partial payment. You will ask that the payment state what it covers.
How to keep the claim moving
You will set short deadlines. You will call the adjuster if the deadline passes. You will send simple emails that restate calls. You will keep the tone firm but polite.
Use this simple email template
You will use email to create a paper trail. You will keep the email short.
Sample email:
“Claim #[claim number]. We met on [date]. You offered $[amount]. I sent estimates and photos. Please confirm when you will review the attached documents. Thank you.”
How long will the process take?
You will not always get a quick answer. The time varies by insurer and damage. Small claims can close in weeks. Large claims can take months. You will stay patient and stay active.
When partial repairs are needed
You will get temporary repairs done to stop more damage. You will save all receipts. You will inform the insurer about temporary repairs. You will keep photos of the temporary fixes.
How to use public adjuster estimates
You will compare the public adjuster estimate to the company estimate. You will point to specific line items that differ. You will ask for a written explanation for any reductions. You will use the public adjuster negotiation experience to press for a fair number.
How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps you in Florida
Otero inspects damage across Florida. Otero prepares full estimates using local costs. Otero writes the demand and negotiates with the insurer. Otero helps if the insurer delays or undervalues the claim. Otero only gets paid if you get paid. Otero offers a free initial inspection with no obligation.
Contact Otero:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
Sample timeline you can expect
You will use this timeline as a rough guide. The speed will change with each claim.
| Step | Timeframe (typical) |
|---|---|
| Initial report to insurer | Day 0 |
| Company inspection | 1–14 days |
| Company initial offer | 1–30 days |
| Your counteroffer or hire public adjuster | 7–30 days after offer |
| Negotiation and final offer | Weeks to months |
| Payment issued | After final agreement |
If the insurer denies part of your claim
You will get the denial in writing. You will read the reason for denial carefully. You will check your policy language. You will gather more proof if the denial seems wrong. You will call a public adjuster to review the denial. You will test the denial by asking for appraisal or mediation as allowed by your policy.
How to stay calm during the fight
You will breathe. You will remember your proof. You will trust your notes. You will call a public adjuster if the process stresses you. You will avoid angry or emotional words in emails and calls. You will keep records of every call and visit.
How to handle claims after a hurricane
You will call your insurer quickly. You will take photos right away. You will write the damage log. You will contact a public adjuster because many homes have complex damage. You will call Otero for a free inspection. Otero can help you show hurricane damage clearly.
Case example explained simply
You will imagine a house with a leaky roof and water in the ceiling. You will call the insurer. The company adjuster will offer to pay only for partial repair. You will get a contractor estimate and a public adjuster estimate. You will show the public adjuster estimate with photos and receipts. The insurer will raise the offer. You will accept the fair number after meeting your needs. You will fix the roof and ceiling.
Signs the insurer is acting fairly
You will see clear written offers. You will see quick answers. You will see the adjuster explain how they calculated numbers. You will see checks sent in a fair time. You will get written reasons for any denial.
Signs you need help from Otero
You will need help if:
- The company offers very low numbers.
- The company delays without reason.
- The claim is large or many items are denied.
- You do not know the local repair costs.
Otero will review claims, prepare a full estimate, and represent you in negotiations.
Contact Otero:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
Final checklist you can use today
You will use this checklist to keep your claim on track.
- Report the loss and get a claim number.
- Take photos and videos.
- Save receipts and invoices.
- Get at least one contractor estimate.
- Keep a damage log.
- Ask for the adjuster name and write it down.
- Do not accept the first offer without proof.
- Do not sign a full release until repairs finish.
- Consider a public adjuster for larger or denied claims.
- Call Otero for a free inspection if you are in Florida.
A simple script to call Otero
You will call Otero like this:
“Hello. My name is [your name]. My home at [address] had damage on [date]. I have a claim with [insurer]. Can you do a free inspection and help me review the claim?” Then you will note the time of the call and the name of the person who answers.
Closing thought for you
You will remember that you have rights. You will remember to gather proof. You will stay calm and clear. You will keep the claim moving with simple steps. You will call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals if you need help in Florida. You will let professionals fight the tough parts while you plan repairs and move on with your life.
Contact Otero one more time:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
If you follow these steps, you will raise your chances of a fair settlement. You will protect your home and your wallet. You will know when to ask for help.
