How to Work with Insurance Adjusters After Storm Damage
- Honest Roofing FL
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
After a hurricane or tropical storm sweeps through Florida, one of the first steps homeowners take is filing a roof damage claim. But working with insurance adjusters can be one of the most confusing—and frustrating—parts of the process.
Understanding how to work with insurance adjusters after storm damage helps ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve and your roof is repaired to code, not just patched up.
This guide from Honest Roofing FL walks you through each step, from documenting damage to negotiating fair compensation, specifically for Florida homeowners.
Why Knowing How to Work with Insurance Adjusters After Storm Damage Is Essential
Florida experiences more severe weather than almost any other state. Between hurricanes, tropical storms, and high-velocity wind events, roof damage is a constant concern for homeowners.
When you file a claim, your insurance company assigns an adjuster to inspect your property and determine what they’ll pay for. The problem? Adjusters work for the insurer, not you. Their goal is to minimize payouts where possible.
Knowing how to manage this process puts you in control—protecting your investment, your home, and your peace of mind.
Act Fast and Report the Damage Immediately
After the storm clears, contact your insurance company right away. Florida insurers often require claims to be reported promptly, especially after named storms.
When reporting your loss:
Note the date, time, and name of the person you speak with.
Ask for your claim number immediately.
Find out what documentation and forms they’ll need.
Ask about temporary repairs (like tarping) and reimbursement policies.
💡 Tip: The Florida Department of Financial Services provides a post-storm insurance claim checklist that helps ensure you don’t miss a single step.
Document Every Bit of Damage Before Repairs
Your strongest defense when working with an insurance adjuster is evidence.
Before any cleanup or repairs:
Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of your roof, siding, gutters, and interior water stains.
Save damaged shingles, flashing, or materials for inspection.
Keep all receipts for tarps, plywood, or emergency repairs.
Create a simple damage log noting what you observed and when.
This documentation ensures that nothing is overlooked when your adjuster inspects your property.
Review and Understand Your Policy Before the Adjuster Visit
Knowing your coverage details is one of the smartest ways to learn how to work with insurance adjusters after storm damage effectively.
Check for:
Coverage type: Is it Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV)?
Windstorm or hurricane deductibles: These are often higher in Florida and expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
Exclusions: Look for clauses that exclude older roofs or “wear and tear.”
Deadlines: Policies often require claims within a set number of days after a storm.
If you need help decoding your coverage, review our guide on Florida roof insurance requirements.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection Before the Adjuster Arrives
Insurance adjusters may miss certain types of damage—especially subtle wind uplift, flashing separation, or underlayment failure.
That’s why it’s smart to get a licensed Florida roofing contractor to inspect your roof first. A professional roofer can:
Identify hidden or secondary storm damage.
Provide a detailed written estimate to compare against the insurer’s.
Join the adjuster’s inspection to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Help you understand local building code requirements for roof replacement.
For guidance on selecting the best contractor, read How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractors in South Florida.
Be Present and Prepared When the Adjuster Inspects Your Roof
When the insurance adjuster visits your property:
Be there in person if possible.
Provide your photos, videos, and inspection reports.
Walk the property together—point out all visible damage.
Ask questions and take notes during the walkthrough.
Request that all damage areas be documented in their report.
Remain polite and professional, but don’t let the adjuster rush through. You’re your home’s best advocate.
Compare the Adjuster’s Report with Your Contractor’s Estimate
Once you receive the adjuster’s assessment, compare it closely to your roofer’s detailed estimate. Many homeowners discover that the adjuster’s report omits key items like:
Roof deck replacement
Flashing or vent repair
Permit and disposal fees
Code-required underlayment upgrades
If you find discrepancies, your contractor can help file a supplemental claim with supporting documentation.
💡 For more insight on the supplemental claim process, see this helpful breakdown from the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA).
Negotiate Fairly—Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
Adjusters sometimes offer lower payouts to close claims quickly. You have the right to question or challenge their findings.
To negotiate effectively:
Stay organized and stick to facts.
Reference your policy and contractor’s inspection.
Request clarification for any underpriced items.
Ask for a reinspection if major discrepancies remain.
If your claim is still undervalued, consider consulting a licensed public adjuster or Florida property insurance attorney who specializes in storm damage claims.
Avoid Signing Roofing Contracts Too Soon
It’s common for contractors to knock on doors right after a storm, promising to “handle your insurance claim.” While some are legitimate, others may pressure you to sign quickly.
Avoid signing before your insurance company finalizes the claim amount.
Watch out for:
Offers to pay your deductible (illegal in Florida)
Assignments of Benefits (AOB) agreements that hand over your claim rights
Vague or incomplete contracts
Always choose a licensed, insured, and locally established roofing company.
For safety upgrades, check our post on Wind Mitigation for Florida Homes: What You Need to Know.
Keep Detailed Records Throughout the Process
Staying organized from start to finish can protect you if issues arise later. Keep copies of:
Adjuster reports and estimates
Repair contracts and receipts
Permit documentation
All correspondence with your insurer
Create a simple digital folder or binder so everything is accessible if your claim is reviewed or audited.
Know When to Escalate or Get Help
If your insurer delays payment, denies coverage, or offers an unreasonably low amount, you have options:
File a formal appeal directly with your insurance company.
Request a second inspection or reconsideration.
Contact a licensed public adjuster for an independent review.
Consult with a Florida property insurance attorney if needed.
For more on post-storm insurance rights, see the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s consumer resources.
Trust Honest Roofing FL for Expert Guidance and Lasting Repairs
At Honest Roofing FL, we’ve helped Florida homeowners recover from hurricanes and severe storms for years. We understand how frustrating the insurance process can be—and we’re here to make it smoother.
Our team will:
Conduct detailed roof inspections for insurance claims
Provide professional documentation and estimates
Coordinate with adjusters during inspections
Ensure your roof is rebuilt to code and warranty standards
We don’t just repair roofs—we help you restore peace of mind after storm damage.
If you’re dealing with a roof insurance claim, contact Honest Roofing FL today. We’ll help you navigate the process from inspection to completion with honesty, expertise, and Florida-tested reliability.
