?Did your home get damaged and you need to file a claim?
Filing a claim can feel big. You can follow five clear steps. You can protect your home and your money. You can get help from a public adjuster in Florida. This guide shows the five steps in simple words. You will read short sentences. You will see useful tips and examples. You will learn when to call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals in Pensacola, FL.
What the five steps do for you
The five steps give you a clear plan. You can act fast and stay safe. You can document damage and talk to the right people. You can get a fair settlement. You can hire a public adjuster if you need help. Each step has short actions you can take today.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Document Damage
You put safety first. You call emergency services if someone is hurt. You turn off power or gas if you smell gas. You move people and pets away from danger.
You document damage next. You take photos and videos. You record the date and time. You keep all receipts for emergency work. You do not throw away damaged items until an adjuster asks.
How to take good photos and videos
You hold the camera steady. You take wide shots of the room. You take close shots of broken items. You include something familiar for size, like a shoe or a chair. You take photos from different sides. You label photos with the date and short notes.
What to keep and save
You save receipts for hotel, food, or emergency repairs. You save invoices for repairs. You save text messages and emails about the damage. You keep a list of losses. You write simple notes about each item that you lost or that got damaged.
Quick checklist for the first day
- Safety checks: power, gas, water.
- Call police or fire if needed.
- Take many photos and videos.
- Save receipts and invoices.
- Make a brief list of damaged items.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
You call your insurer as soon as you can. You give your policy number and your address. You explain what happened. You ask for a claim number. You write down the name of the person who will help you.
You keep a log of calls and dates. You record the time and what they say. You keep copies of any letters or emails. You stay polite and clear in your words.
What to say on the phone
You state your name. You give your address. You give your policy number. You tell the date of the damage. You describe the damage in short sentences. You ask for the claim number. You ask for the name of the adjuster.
Sample short script:
- “My name is [your name].”
- “My address is [your address].”
- “My policy number is [policy number].”
- “My home had [type of damage] on [date].”
- “Can you give me a claim number?”
Why you should keep notes
You need proof of your calls. You need the claim number to track progress. You need the adjuster name to set appointments. You protect your rights by keeping a good record.
Step 3: Meet the Adjuster and Consider a Public Adjuster
Your insurance company may send a company adjuster. The adjuster inspects damage for the insurer. The adjuster writes a report. The report helps the insurer decide payment.
You can hire a public adjuster to work for you. A public adjuster represents your interests. A loss adjuster or loss assessor can also help you. These professionals work to get you fair money from the insurer. They read your policy and your damage. They build a claim that supports your payment.
What a public adjuster does for you
You get an expert who reads your policy. The adjuster documents every loss. The adjuster writes a detailed estimate. The adjuster sends the estimate to the insurer. The adjuster negotiates the settlement for you.
Company adjuster versus public adjuster
| Role | Who they work for | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Company adjuster | Insurance company | Inspect damage and report for insurer |
| Public adjuster | You (the homeowner) | Inspect damage and claim for you |
| Loss adjuster | Either insurer or homeowner | Inspect damage and produce a technical report |
You can hire a public adjuster in Florida. You can hire one right after you file a claim. The public adjuster will meet you at your home. The public adjuster will inspect damage and help you collect evidence.
When to call a public adjuster
You call a public adjuster when the damage is large. You call when the insurer offers a low amount. You call when you feel lost or unsure. You call when the claim has special rules, such as hurricane damage in Florida.
Step 4: Gather Estimates and Make Repairs
You get repair estimates from licensed contractors. You save each estimate. You compare the estimates. You pick a contractor you trust.
You do temporary repairs to stop more damage. You keep receipts for these repairs. The insurer usually pays for reasonable emergency repairs. You do not wait to fix your roof if rain keeps coming.
How to collect good estimates
You ask for written estimates. You ask the contractor to list work items and costs. You ask for contractor license numbers. You keep the contractor contact details. You ask each contractor to show proof of insurance.
How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals gives a free initial inspection. Otero helps you document damage and build your claim. Otero reviews contractor estimates and the insurer’s offer. Otero speaks with the insurer for you. Otero only gets paid when you get paid.
Otero address and contact:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
You call Otero when you need a public adjuster in Florida. You call when you want a professional who knows Florida rules and storm claims.
Step 5: Settlement and Payment
You get a settlement offer from the insurer. You review the offer. You compare the offer to your estimates and to the public adjuster’s work.
You accept the offer if it matches the damage. You sign the release papers to get paid. You keep a copy of all signed documents.
You reject the offer if it is too low. You ask the insurer for a reinspection. You ask for more documentation or an appraisal. You use the appraisal clause if your policy has one. You can file an appeal or take legal steps if needed.
Types of payment you might see
- Single check to you for the full amount.
- Split checks: one to you and the mortgage or lien holder.
- Progress payments as work finishes.
- Final check when work completes.
You track payments and hold back for incomplete work. You keep receipts and invoices to show you paid contractors.
Table: Timeline of a Typical Claim
| Step | Typical time in Florida | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| File claim | Day 0–2 | Call insurer and get claim number |
| Initial loss inspection | Day 1–7 | Company adjuster or public adjuster inspects |
| Estimates and proofs | Day 7–30 | Collect contractor estimates and receipts |
| Negotiation | Day 7–60 | Adjuster and insurer discuss value |
| Payment | Day 10–90+ | Insurer issues checks after agreement |
Times change by case. Hurricanes and big storms can slow all steps. You keep patience but stay active.
Sample Claim Log You Can Use
| Date | Action | Name of person | Claim number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-01 | Filed claim | Jane Smith | 12345 | Roof leak after storm |
| 2026-09-02 | Photo taken | Jane Smith | – | 20 photos of roof and ceiling |
| 2026-09-03 | Company adjuster visit | Mark Jones | 12345 | Took notes and samples |
| 2026-09-05 | Public adjuster visit | Otero Rep | 12345 | Free inspection |
You update the log after each step. You keep the log with receipts and photos.
Common Mistakes and How You Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why it hurts | How you avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting too long to file | You may lose rights | File as soon as you can |
| Throwing away damaged items | You lose proof | Keep samples and items until told otherwise |
| Not taking photos | You lose visual evidence | Take many photos and videos |
| Hiring an unlicensed contractor | You risk poor work | Check licenses and insurance |
| Not reading your policy | You miss limits and deadlines | Read the key policy parts and ask questions |
You act fast. You keep good records. You ask for help when needed.
How Insurance Adjusters and Public Adjusters Work in Florida
An insurance adjuster works for the insurer. The adjuster checks your damage and reports to the insurer. The insurer pays based on that report and on your policy.
A public adjuster works for you. The public adjuster checks your damage and writes a claim that favors your household. The public adjuster negotiates with the insurer on your behalf.
You should know that Florida has specific rules for claims after storms. You may face deductible rules for hurricane damage. You may have to meet a hurricane deductible percentage. You read your policy for these details.
Why hire a public adjuster in Florida
You get local experience. You get a professional who knows Florida building costs. You get someone who knows how insurers handle storm claims here. You can improve your chance of a fair settlement.
Fees, Contracts, and What You Sign
You read any contract before you sign. A public adjuster usually charges a percentage of the settlement. The percentage varies by state and by claim type. In Florida, public adjuster fees are regulated. You ask the adjuster for a written fee agreement.
You check if the public adjuster works on contingency. Contingency means the adjuster only gets paid if you get paid. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals works on contingency. Otero offers a free first inspection and only gets paid when you do.
You keep copies of every contract. You make sure you understand the fee, the scope of work, and the duration of the contract.
Extra Tips for Hurricane and Storm Damage in Florida
You protect your home before a storm if you can. You tape windows or board them. You move outdoor furniture and valuables inside. You check your roof and your gutters.
You document pre-storm conditions if you can. You keep a list of older repairs and roof dates. You share this information with your adjuster.
After the storm, you stay safe. You avoid floodwaters. You call emergency help for trees on power lines. You take photos as soon as the area is safe.
Sample Short Letters and Messages
You can use short messages when you contact people. Keep the messages clear and short.
Sample message to insurer:
- “My home at [address] has storm damage from [date]. My policy is [number]. Please open a claim and give me the claim number.”
Sample message to contractor:
- “I need an estimate to repair [specific damage]. Please send a written quote and your license number.”
Sample message to public adjuster:
- “I need help with an insurance claim for [damage type]. Do you offer a free inspection?”
What Happens if You Disagree with the Insurer
You call your public adjuster. The adjuster asks for a reinspection. The adjuster sends more evidence and an itemized estimate.
If the insurer still pays a low amount, you use the appraisal process if your policy allows it. Appraisal sends an independent umpire to decide the loss value. You can also ask for mediation. You can appeal in court as a last step. You keep records and follow the policy terms.
Questions Children Might Ask (and Simple Answers)
Question: Why do I need to take pictures?
- Answer: Pictures show what broke. Pictures help you prove your story.
Question: Who pays for the repair bills first?
- Answer: The insurer may pay part of the bills first. You may get a check after you sign papers.
Question: What is a public adjuster?
- Answer: A public adjuster helps you talk to the insurance company. The adjuster works for you.
Question: Why does Florida matter?
- Answer: Florida has special rules for storms and hurricanes. People in Florida face big storms more often.
Examples You Can Relate To
Example 1: Roof leak after heavy rain
- You notice water spots on the ceiling. You place a bucket under the spot. You call your insurer and get a claim number. You take photos and wait for the adjuster. You call a public adjuster if the insurer offers too little.
Example 2: Tree falls on your house
- You move your family to safety. You call emergency services if needed. You take photos of the tree and the damage. You save chainsaw or contractor receipts. You file a claim and consider a public adjuster to get a full repair estimate.
Example 3: Pipe burst in winter
- You shut off the water supply. You dry what you can. You call your insurer. You take photos of the soaked areas. You get contractors to remove damaged drywall and to dry the house. You keep all receipts.
How to Choose a Public Adjuster
You ask for proof of license. You ask for references. You ask for a sample fee agreement. You ask how they handle disputes. You ask what they will do for you step by step.
You check reviews online. You check the adjuster’s experience with Florida claims. You compare two or three adjusters before you sign.
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals is based in Pensacola, Florida. Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero offers a free initial inspection and works on contingency. You can call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/.
Small Claims and Legal Help
You go to small claims court for small disputes. You hire a lawyer for bigger disputes. A public adjuster is not a lawyer. The adjuster helps with the insurance claim, not with legal arguments. You speak to a lawyer if you need legal advice.
You gather your proof first. You bring photos, receipts, contract copies, and the claim log to court or to a lawyer.
Checklist: Final Review Before You Accept a Settlement
- You compare the insurer payment to contractor estimates.
- You check that the payment covers all damaged items.
- You ensure temporary repairs are reimbursed.
- You verify that all receipts and invoices are included.
- You confirm the check payee list with your mortgage company if needed.
You refuse to sign anything you do not understand. You ask your public adjuster to review any release before you sign.
FAQ Section
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
- A: You file as soon as possible. Policies set time limits. You read your policy and call the insurer quickly.
Q: Can I hire a public adjuster after the company adjuster visits?
- A: Yes. You can hire a public adjuster at any time. The public adjuster can reopen or supplement the claim.
Q: Will hiring a public adjuster cost me money up front?
- A: No. Many public adjusters work on contingency. Otero works on contingency and gives a free first inspection.
Q: Does the insurer cover temporary repairs?
- A: Insurers usually cover reasonable emergency repairs. You keep receipts to send to the insurer.
Q: What if the insurance company denies my claim?
- A: You ask the insurer for the reason. You gather more proof. You hire a public adjuster or consider appraisal or legal help.
Final Notes and How Otero Can Help You
You can handle small claims on your own. You can get help for large or confusing claims. A public adjuster can improve the outcome. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals serves homeowners across Florida. Otero acts as your negotiator with the insurance company. Otero inspects your property for free. Otero only gets paid if you receive payment.
Otero contact again:
- Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
- 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
- (850) 285-0405
- https://oteroadjusting.com/
You call Otero for a free inspection. You call if you want help with a roof leak, hurricane damage, water loss, mold, or fire damage. You call if you want someone who reads Florida policies and fights for your fair settlement.
You can follow the five steps now:
- Stay safe and document damage.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Meet adjusters and consider a public adjuster.
- Gather estimates and make repairs.
- Settle and get paid.
You keep one simple rule: act fast and keep records. You protect your home and your claim that way.
