When disaster strikes—whether it’s a hurricane, water damage, or fire—most homeowners trust their insurance company to come through with a fair settlement. But what if the check you received feels… off? Too low? Confusing?
You’re not alone. One of the most common problems I see as a Public Insurance Adjuster is homeowners getting underpaid on legitimate claims—often without even realizing it.
So how do you know if your insurance company shortchanged you? Let’s break it down.
1. The Payout Doesn’t Cover the Full Scope of Repairs
This is the biggest red flag. If your contractor’s estimate is significantly higher than the insurance payout, that’s a clear sign your claim might have been undervalued.
Insurance adjusters working for the company often use generic pricing software and may overlook hidden or future damages. For example:
- Drywall is replaced, but moisture behind the wall isn’t addressed
- A damaged kitchen is valued without matching cabinetry or custom finishes
- Flooring is replaced in one room, ignoring the need to match it throughout
What to do: Get a second opinion from an independent contractor or public adjuster who can inspect the damage and estimate the true cost of restoration.
2. They Only Paid for Part of the Damage
Sometimes insurance companies acknowledge damage but minimize its scope. They might agree to patch a roof instead of replacing it, or pay for spot repairs when whole systems (like electrical or plumbing) may need attention.
This is especially common in:
- Hurricane and wind claims (they’ll cover a few shingles, not the roof)
- Water damage (they’ll dry the area, not remediate mold or replace materials)
- Fire and smoke claims (they’ll clean surfaces but skip deodorization or structural fixes)
Bottom line: Partial coverage is a tactic to reduce payouts—don’t assume it’s the final word.
3. Depreciation Was Excessively Applied
Your policy may pay out based on Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV). But even when RCV is promised, insurers often reduce payments based on “depreciation” and only release the rest after repairs are completed.
The problem? Depreciation is often over-calculated or applied unfairly—especially on items like roofing, flooring, or appliances.
Tip: Ask for a breakdown of how depreciation was calculated. If it feels excessive or arbitrary, it’s worth having it reviewed.
4. Delays, Denials, or Poor Communication
If your insurance company is dragging its feet, avoiding your calls, or giving vague answers, that’s usually a sign of a problematic claim.
These tactics are often used to:
- Discourage you from pursuing a higher payout
- Push you to accept a low offer out of frustration
- Avoid paying on complex claims
Remember, slow pay is sometimes the same as underpay.
5. They Didn’t Send an Expert to Properly Inspect
After you report a claim, your insurance company is supposed to send someone to assess the damage. But if you only got a brief walk-through—or worse, a desk adjuster who never visited your home—that’s a big red flag.
Without a thorough inspection, it’s easy for key issues to be missed entirely.
As a Public Adjuster, I always perform a detailed, room-by-room inspection and often uncover damages insurance adjusters failed to document.
Why Call a Public Insurance Adjuster?
If anything in this article feels familiar, you should have your claim reviewed—at no cost.
A Public Insurance Adjuster represents you, not the insurance company. We:
✅ Reinspect your property thoroughly
✅ Prepare an accurate damage estimate
✅ Handle the negotiations on your behalf
✅ Reopen and fight for more money on underpaid claims
Most importantly, we only get paid if you get paid more.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Less
Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line—not necessarily protecting your home. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.
An underpaid claim can cost you thousands in out-of-pocket repairs that should have been covered.
Let’s Take a Look at Your Claim—for Free
At David Kanter Public Insurance Adjuster, we’ve helped hundreds of Florida homeowners recover the full compensation they deserve. If you think your claim was underpaid or mishandled, let’s talk. We’ll review your paperwork and damage, and let you know what your options are—no pressure, and no upfront cost.
📞 Call us or fill out the contact form to schedule your free claim review.