Call Us Today (305) 989-1310
Welcome
Hurricane Milton Damage?
Flood Damage? Hurricane Damage? Water Damage?
Let us get you the maximum you deserve.
Protect What Matters Most
HURRICANE MILTON INFO
What to Do After Hurricane Milton: Why You Need Tropical Public Adjusters for Quick and Fair Claim Resolution
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Florida homeowners face the daunting task of navigating their insurance claims to repair and restore their properties. While dealing with storm damage is stressful enough, getting your insurance claim properly handled can be even more frustrating. In many cases, insurance companies will undervalue, delay, or outright deny your claim, leaving you to shoulder the financial burden.
This is where Tropical Public Adjusters comes in. We specialize in hurricane and flood damage claims, and our team is dedicated to ensuring that your claim is resolved quickly, fairly, and with the maximum payout you deserve. This blog will explore what you need to do after suffering damage from Hurricane Milton, why hiring a public adjuster is essential, and how insurance companies—like many did after Hurricane Ian—manipulate claims to avoid full payouts.
Immediate Steps for Property Owners After Hurricane Milton
1. Document All Damage Thoroughly
Take photos and videos of every area of damage, both inside and outside your property. This is crucial evidence for your claim, particularly if hidden or secondary damage (like internal water damage) becomes an issue later.
2. Make Temporary Repairs
Secure your property by making temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For example, cover broken windows and leaking roofs with tarps. Keep receipts for any emergency repair work, as these expenses may be covered by your insurance policy.
3. Contact Tropical Public Adjusters Immediately
Before contacting your insurance company, reach out to a professional public adjuster. Tropical Public Adjusters works exclusively for homeowners, not insurance companies, to ensure your claim is properly filed, documented, and managed from start to finish.
Why Hire Tropical Public Adjusters After Hurricane Milton?
1. We Represent Your Best Interests
After a major hurricane like Milton, insurance companies are flooded with claims, and their primary focus is protecting their bottom line—not yours. Insurance adjusters hired by the insurance company have a duty to minimize claim payouts, and this often results in your claim being underpaid or delayed.
Tropical Public Adjusters works for you, the policyholder, to ensure every aspect of your damage is identified and valued correctly. We conduct a comprehensive and independent assessment of your property, ensuring that the full scope of damage—including hidden water or structural damage—is included in your claim.
2. Insurance Adjusters Are Overwhelmed and Miss Key Damages
After Hurricane Ian, one of the biggest issues homeowners faced was the overwhelming caseload of insurance company adjusters. These adjusters were often rushed, meaning their inspections were incomplete. Critical areas of damage were missed, leading to claims that were drastically underpaid.
Similar problems are expected after Hurricane Milton. With thousands of claims to process, insurance adjusters will be stretched thin, leaving little time to perform detailed inspections. When adjusters miss key damages, your claim is likely to be undervalued, which can lead to out-of-pocket expenses or insufficient repairs.
3. Insurance Companies Manipulate Adjusters’ Estimates
As seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, insurance companies often manipulate their adjusters’ estimates to minimize payouts. 60 Minutes reported on how companies like Heritage Property & Casualty altered field adjusters’ original reports to reduce the cost of the claim. Many homeowners received far less than what they were initially estimated, causing financial strain during the recovery process.
Tropical Public Adjusters ensures this doesn’t happen to you. We provide a thorough, detailed report that accurately reflects the full extent of your damage and negotiate directly with the insurance company to prevent them from altering or manipulating the figures.
How Tropical Public Adjusters Can Expedite Your Claim Resolution
Dealing with insurance companies after a hurricane can be a long, drawn-out process. However, by hiring Tropical Public Adjusters, we can help expedite the resolution of your claim through methods such as:
1. Mediation
In Florida, mediation is often a required step before resorting to litigation. Mediation involves both parties—homeowner and insurance company—sitting down with a neutral third party to resolve the dispute. Tropical Public Adjusters will represent you in these discussions, ensuring that the insurance company addresses all aspects of your claim and offers a fair settlement. Mediation can lead to faster claim resolution without the need for lengthy legal battles.
2. Appraisal
If there’s a disagreement over the amount of damage or the cost to repair it, we can invoke the appraisal clause in your insurance policy. In this process, each party (the policyholder and the insurance company) hires their own independent appraiser. These appraisers then come together to agree on a fair amount for the claim. This method is often quicker than litigation and ensures an unbiased third-party resolution.
3. Negotiation
At Tropical Public Adjusters, we have years of experience negotiating directly with insurance companies. We understand the tactics insurers use to delay or underpay claims, and we know how to counteract these strategies. Our team fights for every dollar you’re owed, and we don’t settle for less than what you need to fully restore your home.
Why Speed Matters: Potential for Insurance Company Bankruptcies
In the wake of Hurricane Ian, several Florida-based insurance companies, including United Property & Casualty, filed for bankruptcy. When insurers go bankrupt, claims are handed over to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA), which is tasked with handling claims for insolvent insurers. However, FIGA is notoriously slow, and many claims experienced severe delays or were never paid at all.
With the immense financial strain Hurricane Milton is expected to place on Florida insurers, it’s possible that more companies will follow in the footsteps of United Property & Casualty. The longer you wait to file a claim, the greater the risk that your insurance company might go bankrupt, further delaying your payment.
By hiring Tropical Public Adjusters right away, you can expedite the process and avoid being caught in the chaos of bankruptcy filings and claim transfers to FIGA. We act swiftly to ensure your claim is properly documented and submitted, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring you get paid faster.
The Insurance Industry’s Incentive to Delay, Deny, and Underpay Claims
Unfortunately, insurance companies have little incentive to pay claims quickly or fairly. They profit by keeping premiums and investing that money, often delaying or denying claims to increase their profits. This has been a major issue in Florida, particularly after major hurricanes. The longer your claim sits unresolved, the more interest the insurance company earns on your premiums.
Tropical Public Adjusters helps you cut through these delay tactics. We know the legal rights and timelines that insurers must follow, and we hold them accountable to ensure your claim doesn’t get stuck in endless delays.
Why You Need Tropical Public Adjusters to Recover What You Deserve
At Tropical Public Adjusters, we specialize in handling hurricane and flood damage claims, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients across the state of Florida. Here’s why hiring us is your best chance to get your claim resolved quickly and fairly:
• Thorough Documentation and Reporting: We perform detailed inspections and create comprehensive reports to ensure no damage is overlooked.
• Maximizing Your Settlement: We fight for every dollar you’re owed, ensuring that the insurance company compensates you fully for all damage.
• Experience in Hurricane and Flood Claims: Our expertise in hurricane and flood claims means we know the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• Quick Claim Resolution: Whether through mediation, appraisal, or negotiation, we work quickly to resolve your claim so you can start rebuilding your life without delay.
Get Your Free On-Site Inspection
Call Us At (305) 989-1310
About us
Who we are
WE WORK FOR YOU
Tropical Public Adjusters
We are a team of experienced public adjusters dedicated to helping our clients get the maximum compensation for their insurance claims. We have over 16 years of experience in the industry and have helped thousands of policyholders get the money they deserve.
We work on a contingency basis, so you don't pay us anything unless we get you money. We are also licensed and insured, so you can be confident that you are in good hands.
If you have suffered property damage due to a fire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster, we can help. We will:
- Review your insurance policy and determine your coverages.
- Inspect your property and assess the damage.
- Prepare a detailed estimate of your losses.
- Negotiate with your insurance company to get you the maximum compensation.
We are here to help you through the difficult process of filing an insurance claim. We will work tirelessly to get you the money you need to repair your property and get your life back to normal.
Contact us today for a free consultation
We understand that you are going through a difficult time, and we want to make the process as easy as possible for you. We offer free consultations so that you can learn more about our services and see if we are a good fit for you.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
- Our team of experienced public adjusters has the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the complex insurance claims process.
- We are committed to getting you the maximum compensation for your losses, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf.
- We are licensed and insured, so you can be confident that you are in good hands.
- We offer free consultations so that you can learn more about our services and see if we are a good fit for you.
Claimable Damages
Hurricane Damages
Hurricane Damages
Hurricane Damages
We have years of insurance experience helping clients with property damage. Ask us about:
Hurricane Damage - Most hurricane damage claims are damage to the roof and some leaks in the interior.
Why is your Hurricane Damage Covered?
To obligate your insurance company to pay for you damages.
The insurance policies in Florida state that a wind
We have years of insurance experience helping clients with property damage. Ask us about:
Hurricane Damage - Most hurricane damage claims are damage to the roof and some leaks in the interior.
Why is your Hurricane Damage Covered?
To obligate your insurance company to pay for you damages.
The insurance policies in Florida state that a wind or hurricane damage is only covered if you have an opening to your roof
(“This peril does not include loss to the property contained in a building caused by rain, snow sleet, sand or dust unless the direct force of wind or hail damages the building causing an opening in a roof or wall and the rain, snow, sleet, sand or dust enters through this opening.” Language from a homeowner’s policy in Florida)
What is an opening?
An opening could be one missing shingle or damaged tile.
Does insurance company need to pay for a new roof or only a repair?
In Florida, insurance companies can’t just pay to repair the damaged areas and leave you with a roof which will have two different color shingles, they got to make the entire roof be the same color, the only way to do that is be paying to replace the entire roof.
(Florida Statutes 626.9744
“When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color, or size, the insurer shall make reasonable repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas. In determining the extent of the repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas, the insurer may consider the cost of repairing or replacing the undamaged portions of the property, the degree of uniformity that can be achieved without such cost, the remaining useful life of the undamaged portion, and other relevant factors.”)
We offer A FREE INSPECTION, let us come out and assess the damage and review your policy for coverage.
Water Damage
Hurricane Damages
Hurricane Damages
Which water damage covered?
Any water which comes from a pipe which leaked and caused damage is covered.
Examples:
Leak from an air condition unit which leaked and caused damage to the surrounding areas the floor or the walls.
Leak from under the kitchen sink either from pressure line or drain line, which leaked and caused damage to floor
Which water damage covered?
Any water which comes from a pipe which leaked and caused damage is covered.
Examples:
Leak from an air condition unit which leaked and caused damage to the surrounding areas the floor or the walls.
Leak from under the kitchen sink either from pressure line or drain line, which leaked and caused damage to floor or kitchen cabinets.
Leaks in the bathroom wall which leaked into the surrounding rooms
Is water damage covered?
Accidental Discharge or Overflow of Water or Steam” The policy language is “This peril means accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from within a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or automatic fire protective sprinkler system or from within a household appliance” Therefore, anything which holds water in the house i.e., Pipes which accidentally leak and cause damage your insurance company is responsible for those damages
Could my Insurance Company only pay for the areas which were affected by water damage?
In Florida, Insurance Companies can’t just pay to repair the damaged areas and leave you with half a job, for example of you had a leak under your kitchen sink and it damaged only the board your insurance cant just pay to replace the board since it wont match the rest of the cabinet and they can't pay only for that cabinet since it wont match the other cabinets, the only way for them to make it match is by paying to replace the entire kitchen.
Florida Statutes 626.9744 “When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color, or size, the insurer shall make reasonable repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas. In determining the extent of the repairs or replacement of items in adjoining areas, the insurer may consider the cost of repairing or replacing the undamaged portions of the property, the degree of uniformity that can be achieved without such cost, the remaining useful life of the undamaged portion, and other relevant factors.”
Flood Damage
Hurricane Damages
Flood Damage
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance typically covers damage to a property caused by flooding that originates from an external source, such as heavy rain, the overflow of a river, or a flash flood. This type of insurance usually covers damage to the structure of a building, including its foundation, electrical and plumbing s
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance typically covers damage to a property caused by flooding that originates from an external source, such as heavy rain, the overflow of a river, or a flash flood. This type of insurance usually covers damage to the structure of a building, including its foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and cooling systems, and personal property that is damaged or destroyed due to floodwater. It's important to note, however, that flood insurance coverage may vary depending on the specific policy and the insurance provider.
Steps needed to be taken
Our goal to help those who have suffered damage due to flooding in their homes, businesses, or other structures. Flood damage can be devastating and overwhelming, leaving property owners feeling helpless and unsure of how to proceed. That’s why we're here to offer my expertise and guidance.
When it comes to filing flood damage claims, there are several important steps that must be taken in order to ensure that your claim is processed smoothly and successfully.
First and foremost, it is important to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. This means taking pictures, videos, and written notes of all the damage that has occurred.
Next, it is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the value of the claim. However, it is important to keep in mind that insurance adjusters are working for the insurance company and may not have your best interests in mind.
This is where a public adjuster like us comes in.
As an independent third-party adjuster, We work solely on behalf of the policyholder, not the insurance company. We use our knowledge and experience to properly assess the damage and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your claim.
When it comes to flood damage claims, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to file a claim and secure the appropriate documentation, the more difficult it may be to receive the compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted and experienced public adjuster who can help you navigate the claims process from start to finish.
If you’ve been affected by flood damage in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Together, we can work to get your life back on track and your property restored to its pre-damaged state.
Mold Damage
Cast Iron Damage
Flood Damage
Mold thrives in Florida due to the high levels of humidity, when you have any water leak unless you completely dry it within 96 hours there is more then a 50% chance it will become toxic mold, as we all know toxic mold is very dangerous for your health.
In order to verify if the mold you have is toxic the mold needs to be tested by a mo
Mold thrives in Florida due to the high levels of humidity, when you have any water leak unless you completely dry it within 96 hours there is more then a 50% chance it will become toxic mold, as we all know toxic mold is very dangerous for your health.
In order to verify if the mold you have is toxic the mold needs to be tested by a mold specialist.
Is Mold Covered under my Homeowners Insurance policy?
Most policies will cover mold up to 10,000.00 dollars for mold testing and removal, however for any mold to be covered it depends what caused the mold, the mold needs to be caused by a covered peril, for example if mold starts building up around you window due to condensation that is not covered since the cause of loss is not a covered peril, however if mold is caused by a leak from the air conditioner the mold will be covered since an air conditioner leak is covered under your policy.
To summarize, any leak which comes from a plumbing pipe or from roof leak the mold will be covered.
Cast Iron Damage
Cast Iron Damage
Cast Iron Damage
Homes in Florida which were built before 1980, were built with cast iron pipes, these pipes are starting to fail most homeowners. If you are experiencing your bathtub or toilet not draining properly or constantly having to use drain-o or snake the line, you might have a cast iron claim. what happens is the pipes beneath your home are ro
Homes in Florida which were built before 1980, were built with cast iron pipes, these pipes are starting to fail most homeowners. If you are experiencing your bathtub or toilet not draining properly or constantly having to use drain-o or snake the line, you might have a cast iron claim. what happens is the pipes beneath your home are rotting and cracking, which causes dirt to get into the pipe causing you backups and slow drainage.
Most insurance cover these badly and costly needed repairs.
What is needed to file a claim?
A cast iron claim is categorized under a water claim, and for any water damage claim you will need to have some visual damage (For example water came out from beneath the toilet and caused some damage to the bathroom vanity which is visible) it does not matter how bad or big the visual damage is, as long as there is some visual damage.
Secondly, the drain line needs to be inspected to verify that there is a break, most plumber have a camera which they can run through the drain and see if there is a break. (The insurance will never pay for a broken pipe unless there are evidence of a break) have the plumber provide you with the video of the pipe, and a report of what was found and a recommendation of what is needed to be repaired with the amount the job will cost.
Stages of your claim
New
Underpaid
Underpaid
In most cases when an insured files a claim on their own, they figure the insurance will perform an inspection and be FAIR and pay for what they are entitled to.
the realty is, is that the insurance's adjuster represents the insurance company and he has the best interest, in most claims the insurance adjuster over looks damages and as a re
In most cases when an insured files a claim on their own, they figure the insurance will perform an inspection and be FAIR and pay for what they are entitled to.
the realty is, is that the insurance's adjuster represents the insurance company and he has the best interest, in most claims the insurance adjuster over looks damages and as a result he does not include all of the repairs in his estimate.
secondly, the insurance will not explain to you what is needed to get your claim moving and you wont know what documents are needed to provided to the insurance company causing delays and possibly receiving a denial for not cooperating.
Hiring Tropical Public Adjusters to handle your claim we will inspect your damages and make sure we don't miss any damages you are owed, and most importantly provide the insurance with all they needed documents to prevent any delays, and workout a settlement which you are happy with.
Underpaid
Underpaid
Underpaid
Insurance companies are a business, and as a business they try to save themselves money by underpaying claims, most insureds will just accept the amount they receive, even though it is not enough to take care of the damage, don't let the insurance company get away with this behavior.
Hire Tropical Public Adjusters we will take this stress off your hands.
Denied
Underpaid
Denied
Insurance companies deny claims for lots of different reasons, and most insureds just give up and let the insurance get a away without paying, here at Tropical Public Adjusters, Inc. we have the knowledge and experience to make your insurance pay.