How to Prepare for a Claim Inspection

Two kinds of inspection

Most claims involve at least one inspection by the insurer. A company adjuster, an independent adjuster hired by the insurer, or sometimes an engineer comes out to look at the damage. Florida also lets insurers investigate by electronic means, such as photos, video calls or drone footage, so your first “inspection” may happen on your phone (Fla. Stat. s. 627.70131(3)(d)).

If a physical inspection is needed, a residential insurer must do it within 30 days after it receives your proof-of-loss statements (s. 627.70131(3)(b)). On a residential claim, anyone inspecting for the insurer must give you, your public adjuster or your attorney at least 48 hours’ notice first. You can waive that notice, and you may deny access if it was not given (s. 626.854(14), (19)).

The second kind is the free inspection a public adjuster offers before you decide whether to hire anyone. Adjusterman offers one, with no obligation. Our process page describes what that visit covers. The checklist below works for both.

What to gather before the visit

Put everything in one folder, paper or digital, so you can hand it over or pull it up fast:

• Your policy and declarations page. The declarations page shows your limits and deductibles. The policy shows your duties after a loss.
• Your claim number and the name and contact details of the adjuster assigned so far.
• Every letter and email from the insurer, in date order.
• Photos and video from before cleanup. Our post on documenting damage before you clean up explains what to capture, and our list of apps for documenting damage can help.
• Receipts for emergency work, such as tarps, board-up, water extraction or drying.
• A contents list. The standard homeowners form asks for quantity, description, actual cash value and amount of loss, with bills and receipts attached.
• Records of extra living costs if you had to move out, such as hotel and meal receipts.
• A short timeline: when the damage happened, when you noticed it, and when you reported it.

If you removed wet drywall, flooring or other materials, photograph them before they go to the curb. If you can safely keep a sample until the adjuster has seen it, do.

What to have ready, and why it matters

Walk the property before they arrive

Adjusters move quickly, and damage you do not mention can be left out of the estimate. A day or two before the visit, walk every room with a notepad or your phone.

• Look up: ceilings, light fixtures and the attic, if you can reach it safely.
• Look down: floors that are raised, soft, stained or cupped.
• Open closets, cabinets and the space under sinks.
• Check doors and windows that now stick or will not latch.
• Walk the outside: roof edges, gutters, siding, fences, screen enclosures and outbuildings. Do not climb onto the roof.
• Note smells, such as a musty odor, that may point to hidden moisture.

Clear a path to each area, secure pets, and make sure the lights work. Turn your notes into a numbered list, and keep a copy to check off during the visit.

During the inspection

Start by getting the adjuster’s name and license number. Florida requires the insurer’s adjuster who physically inspects your property to give you a printed or electronic document with both, and every later message about the claim must include the name and license number of the adjuster sending it (s. 627.70131(3)(b), (c)).

Then work through your list. Point out each area, share the photos taken before cleanup, and hand over copies of receipts. Answer questions about what happened and when with facts. If you do not know an answer, say so rather than guessing, because your answers become part of the file.

Take your own photos of what the adjuster looks at, and write down anything they say about next steps. Before they leave, ask when you can expect an estimate. Florida requires residential insurers to send you a copy of any detailed estimate within 7 days after their adjuster creates it (s. 627.70131(3)(e)).

Who can be there

You or another adult who knows the property should be present if you can. Others who may attend:

• Your public adjuster. On residential claims, the insurer may not exclude your public adjuster from in-person meetings with you. If the adjuster’s schedule would delay a timely inspection, the insurer must be allowed in without them (s. 626.854(15)).
• Your contractor. A contractor may discuss or explain a repair bid with you or your insurer. A contractor may not adjust the claim or act as a public adjuster unless licensed as one (s. 626.854(16), (20)). See public adjuster vs. contractor for the line between them.
• An interpreter or family member who helps you explain what happened.

After the inspection

When the estimate arrives, compare it room by room with your list. Within 60 days after notice of the claim, the insurer must pay or deny it, or part of it, and explain its decision in writing. If it pays less than its own detailed estimate, it must explain the difference (s. 627.70131(7)(a)). If areas are missing, ask in writing for a re-inspection and send photos of what was left out. Our guide on accepting or disputing a settlement offer covers your options.

Hold off on permanent repairs until the damage has been seen and recorded, but do not let the property get worse in the meantime. The standard homeowners form requires reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property. Our guide on temporary vs. permanent repairs explains the difference. If you want help with the next step, you can send us your claim details.