Residential Storm Damage Claim (Hurricane)

Project Type: Residential Storm Damage Claim (Hurricane)
Location: Naples, FL
Challenge: Insurance company offered a minor “patch repair” for widespread hurricane damage, ignoring Florida building codes.

The Situation: After the Storm

When Hurricane Ian swept through Naples, the Garcia family felt fortunate. Their home was still standing, but a close inspection revealed significant damage to their roof and siding. Trusting their insurance policy to protect them, they promptly filed a claim.

The Setback: The “Patch and Pray” Offer

The insurance company’s adjuster spent less than 20 minutes on their property. The resulting offer was for just $4,500—enough to replace a few dozen shingles and a small section of siding. The Garcias were told this was all their policy covered.

They knew this wasn’t a real solution. The patch would be a visible eyesore with mismatched shingles, and they worried that the underlying damage was far worse. Faced with the prospect of a devalued home and future leaks, they called us to get a second opinion.

Our Solution: A Strategy Built on Evidence and Expertise

We immediately recognized the insurer’s tactic. Our job was to prove the true extent of the damage and force them to honor the policy as written.

Step 1: Forensic Damage Inspection
Our licensed public adjusters conducted a comprehensive, top-to-bottom inspection. Unlike the insurer, we didn’t just look for missing shingles. We found:

• Widespread Wind Lift: Hundreds of shingles had their seals broken by the high winds, making them ineffective against future rain.

• Hidden Water Intrusion: Moisture detection tools revealed water had already penetrated the roof decking in multiple areas, posing a long-term threat.

• Code Compliance Issues: Crucially, we determined that over 25% of the roof was damaged. Per the Florida Building Code, this legally requires a full roof replacement to ensure structural integrity, not a simple patch.

Step 2: Ironclad Documentation
We built an undeniable case for the Garcias. Our claim package included:

• High-resolution drone imagery of the entire roof.

• Meteorological data proving the wind speeds at their address during the hurricane.

• A detailed report citing the specific Florida Building Code statutes the insurer had ignored.

• An independent, line-item estimate from a trusted local contractor for a full roof replacement and interior water damage repairs.

Step 3: Tenacious Negotiation
We took over all stressful communications with the insurance company. When the desk adjuster initially pushed back, we presented our evidence and escalated the claim. We methodically demonstrated that their “patch” offer was not only insufficient but also illegal under state code. Faced with our airtight documentation, they had no choice but to reconsider.

The Result: A Complete Victory for the Homeowner

Our expertise and aggressive advocacy turned a denial into a complete win for the Garcia family.

• Initial Insurance Offer:$4,500 (for a minor patch)

• Final Settlement Secured by Our Team:$38,000 (for a full roof replacement and interior repairs)

This was a 744% increase over the initial offer. The Garcias received the funds they were rightfully owed to install a brand-new, code-compliant roof, protecting their home’s value and their family’s safety for years to come.

Client Testimonial:

“After the hurricane, we were so relieved our home was okay, but then came the fight with the insurance company. Their offer was a slap in the face. We felt hopeless until we found Property Damage Claims Experts. They were incredible. They documented everything, quoted state laws, and proved our case. They turned a $4,500 offer into a $38,000 settlement for a new roof. Don’t fight the insurance company alone—call them first.”

– The Garcia Family, Naples, FL