Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Property Claims

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What is a "Hurricane Deductible" and how does it work?

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In Florida, most policies have a separate deductible specifically for hurricane damage. Instead of a flat dollar amount (like $500 or $1,000), it is usually a percentage of your home’s total insured value—typically 2%, 5%, or 10%. This means if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% deductible, you are responsible for the first $6,000 of repairs. We help you calculate these costs so there are no surprises during the settlement.

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How long do I have to file a claim after a storm?

Following recent changes in Florida law, the window to file a claim has shortened. Generally, you have one year from the date of the loss to file an initial claim for windstorm or hurricane damage. However, it is always best to report damage immediately to prevent further deterioration and to ensure your claim isn't denied for "late reporting."

 

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My insurance company offered a settlement, but it won’t cover my repairs. What should I do?

Do not feel pressured to sign a final release. This is a common situation called an underpaid claim. Azeem & Associates can reopen your claim, conduct a thorough re-inspection, and submit a "supplement" to the insurance company with a more accurate estimate of current material and labor costs.

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What is "Mitigation" and why is it my responsibility?

Your policy contains a "Duties After Loss" clause, which requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This includes tarping a leaking roof, boarding up broken windows, or drying out standing water. If you fail to mitigate, the insurance company may deny coverage for any damage that occurred after the initial event. We can refer you to licensed remediation professionals to ensure this is handled correctly.

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Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

Florida law generally prohibits insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing a policy solely because you filed a claim for an "Act of God," such as a hurricane or lightning strike. While rates across the state fluctuate based on overall risk, filing a legitimate claim for damage you've paid premiums to cover is your right as a policyholder.

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What if I find damage months after the storm has passed?

Hidden damage—like mold behind walls or structural shifts—often takes time to appear. These are known as supplemental claims. As long as you are within the legal filing window and can prove the damage was caused by the original event, we can help you recover additional funds for these newly discovered issues.

 

If insurance companies always did full and fair claims evaluations, there would be no need for public adjusters. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always do correct evaluations. If you feel that your insurance company has not done a correct evaluation of your damages, you may need the services of a public adjuster.

 

What is a public adjuster?

A public adjuster is a professional who has expert knowledge on loss adjustments. He is employed by the general public to assist them in preparing, filing, and negotiating equitable adjustments of insurance claims.

 

What could a public adjuster do for me?

We will advise and assist you in the preparation of building damage assessment reports, estimates, inventories, and other factual proofs of loss. We will handle all the necessary details for compiling and filing claims, as required by the terms of your insurance policies. We will also meet and confer with the insurance company representatives and handle all negotiations essential to proper, satisfactory, and equitable adjustment of your claim.

 

How can a public adjuster better serve me over an insurance company adjuster?

The insurance company adjuster is employed exclusively by the insurance company where his loyalties are. He must strike a balance between your interests and those of his company. We work for your best interests exclusively.

 

Why should I hire a public adjusters to get what's rightfully due me?

Do you really know what is rightfully due you? We do! We are your exclusive representatives. With our experience and knowledge, we are far more capable of bringing about a favorable, satisfactory, and equitable adjustment.

 

Why should I engage a public adjuster?

To properly adjust an insurance claim, highly skilled professional insurance experts with a vast knowledge of insurance policies, coinsurance, depreciation, inventories, building damage assessments, repair and replacement costs, and negotiation are all necessary to secure the maximum recovery from your insurance policy. Only an experienced professional public adjuster or public adjusting firm has these qualifications.

 

Why do I need help in filing an insurance claim?

The typical insurance policy contains many provisions, complex details, and technical language about your requirements and the complicated procedures you must adhere to in case of loss. Many people do not know or understand these policy provisions and do not realize that the burden of proof is on them, the policyholders. In fact, most insurance company representatives actually prefer to work with a professional public insurance adjuster rather than an inexperienced insured.

A professional public insurance adjuster not only has your confidence, but the insurance company adjuster's as well because they recognize that they are working with a professional. Professional public adjuster are well trained in what to look for in an insurance policy and fully understands the procedures necessary in preparing and filing a claim in accordance with policy requirements.

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​​​​​​​​​​What is the extent of a public adjusters' responsibility?

We assist you with every phase of preparing and presenting your claim, as well as accomplishing an adjustment for you which is equitable and includes everything to which you are entitled to under your insurance policy.

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How do public adjusters determine the actual loss?

We take a physical inventory of your damage with your assistance, prepare the estimate of damages to your building, and obtain other pertinent documentation to determine your loss of rents, business interruption or additional living expenses. We make certain that all provisions in your insurance policy are properly fulfilled. This often involves numerous steps of which you may know little or nothing about, but can make a significant impact on the outcome of the amount for your final settlement.

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How do the public adjusters charge a fee?

We charge a small percentage of what the insured received in settlement. We don't receive any fee until the insurance company actually issues the check to you. It is to our benefit to get the maximum settlement possible for you in as little time as possible. We also guarantee that the benefits gained from engaging our services will more than compensate the cost of our fee, at the very least. Our fees are usually "contingent" and similar to how attorneys and realtors charge their fees.

 

In summarizing, Azeem & Associates, LLC will:

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• Complete a precisely detailed estimate of what is required to repair or rebuild your premises.

• Assist in the preparation of inventories on your damaged personal or business property, contents, and related items. With your help in providing correct documentation, and determining ages and descriptions, a professional public adjuster can evaluate and determine the approximate current values.

• Prepare your time element losses, such as business interruption, loss of rents, or additional living expenses.

• Establish a professional line of communications with the insurance adjuster.

• Present estimates, inventories, and other valuations to the insurance adjuster.

• Meet with the insurance company to negotiate and adjust your claim fairly and equitably, thus resulting in an acceptable settlement to you.

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• Office: 49 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 153, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

• Phone: 954-880-0355 | 305-949-6014

• Email: Azeemandassociates@Gmail.com

• Credentials: Licensed Public Adjuster #W461972 | Anthony Azeem #A305728