Step 1: Review your policy
Start with your declarations page and policy form. Know your coverages, your deductibles (including separate hurricane deductibles), your sublimits, and your exclusions. This tells you what you are entitled to before you ever call the carrier.
Step 2: Document the loss thoroughly
Photograph and video all damage, make a written inventory of damaged contents with values, and preserve damaged property. The more complete your documentation, the harder it is for the carrier to underpay.
Step 3: Report the claim promptly
Notify your insurer to begin the process. Provide the basic facts, but be careful not to speculate about cause or minimize the damage in early conversations.
Step 4: The carrier inspects
The insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect and prepare an estimate. Remember: that adjuster represents the carrier. Their scope becomes the basis for the offer — which is exactly why an independent scope matters.
Step 5: Review the offer critically
Compare the carrier’s estimate against the true cost to repair or replace. Underpayment usually hides in scope — missing line items, patch-instead-of-replace, aggressive depreciation. This is where a public adjuster frequently recovers far more than their fee.
Step 6: Negotiate — or reopen
If the offer falls short, it is negotiable. And if a claim was already settled for too little, a supplemental claim can recover the difference. You do not have to accept the first number.