Navarre Public Adjuster
Navarre has taken more than one direct hit from a hurricane. We work for you, not your insurance company. Free, no-obligation damage inspection and policy evaluation, with no upfront cost.
David Otero, President
Licensed Florida public insurance adjuster
7+ years of claims experience
- License W605057
- FAPIA member
- Windstorm Insurance Network member
- 5.0 on Google (22 reviews)
- Free inspection, no upfront cost
A Navarre Public Adjuster who knows its storm history
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals Inc represents homeowners, condo owners, landlords and business owners in Navarre and on Navarre Beach. We work only for policyholders.
Our office on West Michigan Ave in Pensacola is about 33 miles away along US 98. We inspect every property in person. When you call, you talk to our Pensacola team, and David Otero oversees your claim.
- 3105 West Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
Get a free claim review
Tell us about the damage. We will follow up to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection.
Claims we handle in Navarre
Hurricane Dennis came ashore on Santa Rosa Island near Navarre in 2005. In 2020, Hurricane Sally dropped 19.95 inches of rain here, the most in Santa Rosa County. Storms cause a lot of the claims here, but not all of them.
Hurricane damage
Dennis made landfall as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds. Storms like that damage roofs, siding, windows and everything inside, so we document the whole loss before repairs start.
Water damage
Sally was a rain storm. Water forced through roofs, windows and walls by wind is usually covered, even when an insurer calls it seepage.
Roof leaks
After several storms, insurers like to blame a leak on old damage or past repairs. We separate the new damage from the old.
Flood damage
Surge on Navarre Beach and rising water along Santa Rosa Sound count as flood damage, which needs a separate flood policy.
Mold damage
In this climate, mold can follow a leak quickly. Many policies cap it, so it has to be tied to a covered cause and reported promptly.
Commercial property claims
Beach rentals, restaurants and shops along Navarre Parkway can claim building damage and, with the right coverage, lost income.
Wind damage
Gusts pull off shingles and soffits and push rain through the gaps. That damage belongs on the wind claim.
Fire and smoke damage
Lightning strikes and electrical or kitchen fires can spread smoke and soot through a whole house or condo building.
Where Navarre claims come up short
When the same area gets hit again and again, the disputes are about history and timing.
Old damage vs. new damage
After repeat storms, insurers blame "prior damage" or earlier repairs. Keep records of past claims and repairs. We use them to show what this storm did.
Rain called something else
Wind-driven rain is usually covered, but insurers may label it flood, seepage or poor maintenance. How the entry points are documented decides the outcome.
Beach condos and rentals
On Navarre Beach, damage splits between the association's master policy and your unit policy, and rental income is a separate coverage. Owners who live elsewhere need someone to inspect for them.
Missed deadlines
People wait to see what the insurer pays. Florida requires new or reopened claims within 1 year of the date of loss, and supplemental claims within 18 months. Waiting too long can cost you the claim.
How we handle your claim
Your insurer’s adjuster works for the insurer. We work for you, and we start by looking at what earlier storms and repairs left behind.
Policy review
We read the whole policy, endorsements and exclusions included, because a lot of disputes are settled on paper before anyone climbs a ladder.
Inspection
We inspect the property ourselves and photograph the roof, attic, interior and exterior, including damage the first adjuster didn’t look for.
Our estimate
We write a line-item estimate for the full repair at current local prices.
Negotiation
We deal with your insurer directly. Anyone inspecting for the insurer has to give at least 48 hours’ notice, which gives us time to be there with you.
Appraisal, if it comes to that
If you and the insurer still disagree on the amount, many policies let either side demand appraisal. Each side picks an appraiser, and those two choose an umpire. An award signed by any two of them sets the amount of the loss. Check your policy first, because not every policy has this clause.
Through to payment
We handle the paperwork, supplements and deadlines until the claim is paid. Florida gives your insurer 60 days from notice to pay or deny a claim, with limited exceptions (§627.70131), and we hold it to that.
What our clients say
5.0 on Google from 22 reviews. Read them all on Google
“Working with David was a game changer. Having someone with so much knowledge in your corner is the only way to go about claims against insurance companies!”
Bailey, Google review
“He was up front about the process and followed through on everything he informed us. He kept us up-to-date the entire time. I highly recommend.”
Wendy L., Google review
“We’re extremely grateful for the time, effort, and professionalism shown by David and Tamara in helping us with our home insurance claim.”
GT H., Google review
Areas we serve near Navarre
From our Pensacola office we serve Navarre, Santa Rosa County and the Panhandle, and we handle claims throughout Florida. See all service areas.
- Navarre
- Gulf Breeze
- Pensacola Beach
- Fort Walton Beach
- Pace
- Milton
What it costs and your rights in Florida
In a repeat-storm area, deadlines matter as much as damage.
The inspection and policy review are free, and there’s nothing to pay upfront. Our fee is a percentage of what your insurer pays, and Florida caps it (§626.854):
- 10% at most for claims from an event the Governor declared a state of emergency, when the claim is made in the year after the declaration. After that year, the 20% cap applies.
- 20% at most for all other claims.
- 0% on anything your insurer paid, or agreed in writing to pay, before you signed with us.
- 1% at most on any part of the policy where the insurer pays or agrees to pay the full limit within 14 days of the loss or within 10 days of signing with us, whichever is later.
- Reopened or supplemental claims: the fee is based only on new money we recover after you sign, and it can’t go over 20%.
Your right to cancel. You can cancel a public adjuster contract for any reason, without penalty, within 10 days of signing. After a declared state of emergency, the window is 30 days from the date of loss or 10 days from signing, whichever is longer. You can also cancel if we haven’t given you and your insurer a written estimate within 60 days of signing, unless the delay was outside our control.
Deadlines to know (§627.70132). A new or reopened claim has to be reported within 1 year of the date of loss. A supplemental claim, for more damage found later on a claim you already filed, has 18 months.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your policy and the facts of your claim decide what applies to you.
Navarre Public Adjuster FAQs
My house was damaged in an earlier storm too. Will the insurer blame the old damage?
It may try. Photos, invoices and past claim records help show what was repaired and what’s new. We inspect for fresh damage and document the difference.
Water came in during heavy rain, but the house didn't flood. Is that covered?
Often, yes. Rain driven in by wind through a damaged roof, window or wall is usually treated as wind damage, not flood. Policy wording varies, so we review yours with you.
Do you handle Navarre Beach condos and rentals?
Yes. We work through both the master policy and your unit policy, and we check whether you have loss-of-rent coverage.
How long do I have to file after a hurricane in Florida?
Within 1 year of the date of loss for a new or reopened claim, and 18 months for a supplemental claim.
Can I hire a public adjuster after the insurance company already paid me?
Yes. If the payment is short or more damage appears, a supplemental claim can be filed within 18 months of the date of loss.
Do you travel to Navarre for inspections?
Yes. We’re about 33 miles away in Pensacola, and every inspection happens at your property.
I'm stationed at Hurlburt Field and could get new orders. Can you keep my claim going?
Yes. A public adjuster can handle inspections, paperwork and meetings with the insurer while you’re away.
How much does a public adjuster charge?
Florida caps the fee at 10% of claim payments for claims made in the year after a declared state of emergency, and 20% for other claims. Our inspection and policy evaluation are free, with no upfront cost.
Storm or water damage in Navarre?
Get a free, no-obligation damage inspection and policy evaluation. We work for you, not your insurance company.