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When you file a property damage insurance claim, the insurance adjuster’s visit is one of the most important moments in the entire process. What happens during that inspection can directly impact how much, if anything, you are paid.
Preparation is not optional if you want real results.
The insurance adjuster is just that, an adjuster for the insurance company. They work for the insurance company, and that is who pays them for their services. You need an advocate on your side who is not motivated by keeping the insurance company happy.
Before the insurance adjuster steps foot in your home, it is in your best interest to speak with a property damage attorney. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is often to limit the insurer’s financial exposure.
An experienced attorney can help you understand:
- What your policy actually covers
- How to communicate with the adjuster without harming your claim
- What damage is commonly overlooked or undervalued
As a trusted Fort Lauderdale property damage law firm, Gelber Law Group regularly steps in when homeowners are underpaid or denied after an adjuster visit.
Have Your Own Contractor Provide a Repair or Replacement Quote
Never rely solely on the insurance company’s assessment of repair costs. Before the adjuster arrives, you should have your own licensed contractor – or a licensed public adjuster – inspect the damage and provide a written repair or replacement estimate.
This does two critical things:
- It establishes a realistic scope of damage and cost
- It creates a point of comparison if the insurer undervalues your loss
Insurance adjusters often write estimates that omit necessary repairs or use pricing that does not reflect real-world costs. Having your own quote helps protect against lowball offers and strengthens your claim if a dispute arises.
Documentation is one of the most powerful tools a homeowner can have. Before the adjuster’s visit, gather and organize:
- Photos and videos of all visible damage
- Close-ups and wide-angle shots
- Images taken immediately after the loss, if available
If your property suffered storm-related damage, this is especially important. Even minor wind or water damage can be overlooked. A Fort Lauderdale property damage lawyer understands how these losses are commonly underestimated and how to document them properly.
Clear, well-organized evidence helps prevent the insurer from minimizing or ignoring parts of your claim.
Keep a Copy of All Receipts Used for Temporary Repairs
If you made temporary or emergency repairs, such as tarping a roof, boarding windows, or removing water, you should keep every receipt. These expenses are often reimbursable under your policy as mitigation costs.
Be sure to:
- Save invoices, receipts, and proof of payment
- Take photos of the damage before and after temporary repairs
- Avoid permanent repairs
- Keep the damaged part, if you replace it
Insurance companies sometimes deny these costs if documentation is missing or unclear. Proper records help eliminate that risk.
Serving All of Florida With Offices in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton
The insurance adjuster’s visit can shape the outcome of your entire claim, but only if you are prepared.
Gelber Law Group is the law firm Florida homeowners choose when results matter.
If you want guidance before the adjuster arrives or need help correcting an underpaid or denied claim, contact us today and put experience, preparation, and persistence on your side.