The Insurance Claim Process
7 steps from damage to settlement. What to do, when, and how to avoid the pitfalls that cost policyholders thousands.
- 1
Document the Damage Immediately
Take photos and videos of every affected area before any cleanup. Capture wide shots and close-ups. Save damaged items for the adjuster to inspect. Make a written inventory with descriptions, purchase dates, and estimated values.
- 2
Mitigate Further Damage
Florida policies require you to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent additional damage — tarping a roof, drying out water, boarding broken windows. Save all receipts; mitigation costs are reimbursable.
- 3
Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida law requires notice 'as soon as practicable.' Most policies require written notice within days. Get a claim number. Don't give a recorded statement before consulting a public adjuster.
- 4
Review Your Insurance Policy
Read your declarations page, coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. Pay attention to ACV vs RCV, ordinance/law coverage, mold sub-limits, and hurricane deductibles.
- 5
Insurance Company Inspection
The carrier sends their adjuster. They'll inspect, document, and prepare an estimate. Their goal is the lowest defensible payout. You can have your own public adjuster present to ensure full damage scope is captured.
- 6
Receive and Review the Insurer's Estimate
The carrier sends an estimate and (sometimes) an initial payment. This is rarely the maximum settlement. Compare it to your independent estimate. Common gaps: missed damages, depreciation excessive, code upgrade ignored, mitigation not reimbursed.
- 7
Negotiate or Escalate
Submit supplemental documentation, dispute the scope, request appraisal under your policy, or escalate to litigation if necessary. A public adjuster handles 1–3; an attorney handles step 3 if it gets there.
Where a Public Adjuster Fits
A public adjuster can take over the entire process — from documenting damage through final settlement. Most claims never reach litigation when a public adjuster is involved early. The contingency fee is typically more than offset by the higher settlement.
See how public adjusters differ from insurance company adjusters →
Florida-Specific Rules
- Notice deadline: 1 year from loss date
- Supplemental claims: 18 months
- Carrier response: 14 days acknowledge, 90 days pay/deny
- Hurricane fees: Public adjuster fees capped at 10% in year 1
Full statute reference: Florida Public Adjuster Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an insurance claim take in Florida?
Florida insurers must acknowledge a claim within 14 days, begin investigation within 10 working days, and pay or deny within 90 days of receiving notice (Florida Statute 627.70131). Complex claims involving mortgage holders, contractors, or appraisal can take 3–12 months.
What is the deadline to file an insurance claim in Florida?
For most property insurance claims in Florida, you have 1 year from the date of loss to file an initial claim, and 18 months for supplemental or reopened claims (Florida Statute 627.70132 — current as of 2026). Hurricane deadlines are stricter.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Almost never. The first offer is typically the lowest defensible amount. Get an independent estimate from a public adjuster or contractor before accepting. You can negotiate, supplement, or invoke appraisal.
What if my insurance claim is denied?
A denial is not the end. You can request the denial reason in writing, submit additional documentation, invoke appraisal under your policy, or hire a public adjuster or attorney to dispute. Many denied claims get paid after proper documentation.
Need Help with Your Claim?
Free claim review. We'll walk you through where you are in the process and what's next.