When your home or condo building is damaged by a hurricane, tornado, or severe storm, your insurance payout should cover what it actually costs to fix it — not just what’s convenient for your insurer’s bottom line. Yet time and time again, Florida homeowners, HOAs, and COAs come to us with estimates that don’t even come close to real repair costs.

If you suspect your claim was lowballed, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to accept it.

Here’s what to know and how to fight back.

Why Do Insurance Companies Lowball Estimates?

It’s an unfortunate reality: many insurers use tactics to undervalue storm damage claims. They may:

  • Use outdated or unrealistic price lists for materials and labor.
  • Overlook hidden or structural damage.
  • Rush through inspections or rely on inexperienced adjusters.
  • Hope you’ll take what they offer just to move forward.

This can leave homeowners, condo owners, and associations stuck with huge bills they shouldn’t have to pay.

Practical Steps to Take Right Away

  1. Get a Second Opinion
    Don’t just take your insurer’s estimate at face value. Hire an independent, licensed contractor or public adjuster to inspect your property and provide a detailed estimate.
  2. Document Everything
    Take clear photos and videos of all damage — including areas your insurance adjuster may have missed. Save receipts for any temporary repairs or costs related to your loss.
  3. Compare Line-by-Line
    Request a full copy of your insurer’s estimate. Review it carefully next to your independent estimate. Highlight discrepancies and missing items.
  4. Communicate in Writing
    Always follow up phone calls with emails or letters. Keep records of who you spoke with, when, and what was said.

Legal Options: When to Get an Attorney Involved

If your insurer won’t budge, it may be time to take legal action. Florida law protects homeowners and associations from unfair insurance practices, but there are strict deadlines — often only one year from the date of the storm.

At Boggs Law Group, we help homeowners, COAs, and HOAs fight back when insurance companies:

  • Delay or deny legitimate claims.
  • Offer settlements that don’t cover actual repair costs.
  • Use bad-faith tactics to wear you down.

We handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and if needed — litigation — so you can focus on rebuilding.

Red Flags That You’re Being Lowballed

Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

  • The adjuster does a quick walk-through without documenting everything.
  • The estimate is missing clear damage you know exists.
  • Your contractor’s estimate is thousands more than your insurance offer.
  • You’re pressured to sign a settlement release quickly.
  • The insurer keeps assigning new adjusters, giving you conflicting information.

Don’t Let a Lowball Offer Stand

You paid your premiums — you deserve the full coverage you were promised. If you suspect you’ve been shortchanged, don’t wait until it’s too late.

At Boggs Law Group, we represent homeowners, condo owners, HOAs, and COAs across Florida. We’ll review your claim for free and explain your options. We don’t get paid unless you do. Call Boggs Law Group today at 727-954-8833 or contact us here to schedule your free consultation.