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.

David Otero, President
Licensed Florida public insurance adjuster
7+ years of claims experience

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.

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, including endorsements and exclusions, before the inspection, so we know what it says about the type of damage you have.

Inspection

We inspect the property ourselves and photograph the roof, attic, interior and exterior, so every area of damage is documented.

Our estimate

We write a line-item estimate for the full repair at current local prices.

Working with your insurer

We communicate with your insurer on your behalf, answer its requests and present the documentation that supports your claim. Anyone inspecting for the insurer must give at least 48 hours’ notice before an on-site inspection (§626.854), so we can 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 the close of the claim

We handle the paperwork, supplements and deadlines through the end of the claim. Florida generally gives your insurer 60 days after it receives notice of a claim to pay or deny it, with limited exceptions (§627.70131).

What our clients say

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.

Your rights in Florida

In a repeat-storm area, deadlines matter as much as damage.

The inspection and policy review are free.

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.

Storm or water damage in Navarre?

Get a free, no-obligation damage inspection and policy evaluation. We work for you, not your insurance company.