Hurricane Damage and Your Hollywood Public Adjuster

Your Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale public adjuster represents your interests when you make a claim against your homeowners' insurance. Just as you would have an attorney at your side in a court case as your advocate, having a public adjuster with you throughout the insurance claims process helps ensure the best possible result.

Hurricanes and Percentage-Based Windstorm Deductibles

Home insurers often use a percentage-based deductible for windstorm damage after a hurricane. That means that rather than the flat deductible you pay for most claims, your deductible after a hurricane may be based on a percentage of the value of your home. The windstorm deductible may be triggered by a storm that is declared to be a tropical storm or hurricane, or by the severity category of the storm. Working with a public adjuster helps ensure you get all the coverage you have paid for.

Watch Out for Unlicensed Public Adjusters

After major storms, unlicensed "adjusters" prey on people with home damage, and they can do more harm than good. Stick with a licensed Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale public adjuster to be confident that you will receive the maximum settlement to which you are entitled.

Preparing for the Meeting with Your Adjuster

Make an inventory of damaged items in your home and do not throw out any damaged items before your South Florida adjuster visits. It's a good idea to photograph or video record the damage before any clean-up is done. If you have to make temporary emergency repairs to keep your home livable before the adjuster arrives, keep your receipts. Keep copies of all documents you turn in to your insurer.

Get the Coverage You Have Paid For

Hollywood public adjusters are paid based on a percentage of your insurance settlement. In many cases, you end up with a significantly better settlement than you would have on your own, even after accounting for the adjuster's fees. You have paid your insurance premiums faithfully over the years, and when you need to make a claim, you should work with a public adjuster to ensure you receive the best possible settlement.