Seeking Guidance from Insurance Adjusters and Professionals
Hello, everyone. I’m looking for feedback from those experienced in insurance claims. I’m currently navigating a situation in Florida related to damage from Hurricane Milton. After the storm, my insurance company sent a field adjuster to assess the damage to my home, including the roof. Unfortunately, they later brought in a structural engineer whose findings led to the denial of my claim for a full roof replacement, stating that only 17 tiles qualified as hurricane-related damage, despite visible cracks and other issues.
I also submitted a list of damaged personal property, and while I received some reimbursement, the insurance company didn’t provide any itemized breakdown of what was covered, how much they paid for each item, or how depreciation was factored in. When I requested a copy of the engineer’s report and the valuation of the inventory, I was told that these documents were labeled as “proprietary” and would not be given to policyholders. I haven’t yet requested the field adjuster’s notes or report, but I’m expecting a similar response.
I have now hired a public adjuster and we’ve initiated a request for appraisal. Additionally, I consulted an independent structural engineer who confirmed enough damage to warrant a complete roof replacement.
Here are my questions:
- Under Florida law, am I entitled to request and receive the field adjuster’s report and notes, the structural engineer’s report, and the breakdown of the personal property reimbursement?
- Is it typical for insurance companies to deny access to these documents by labeling them as “proprietary”?
- During the appraisal process, can the insurance company still refuse to provide this information?
I’m eager to know if this level of opacity is standard practice or if I’m being unfairly kept in the dark about my claim.
Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide!
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation with your insurance claim after Hurricane Milton. I can provide some insights based on Florida law and general practices in the insurance industry.
Entitlement to Reports and Documentation: Under Florida law, you may be entitled to receive certain documentation related to your claim. Generally, insurance companies must provide a claims file that includes information about your claim, such as adjusters’ reports. The specifics can depend on your policy and the laws governing insurance claims in Florida. However, it’s not uncommon for insurers to try to withhold certain internal documents, especially if they view them as proprietary.
Proprietary Clauses: The term “proprietary” is often used by insurance companies to protect their trade secrets or internal methodologies. While it’s not unusual for companies to cite this for certain documents, it doesn’t mean you have no recourse. In many cases, courts have ruled that policyholders have a right to certain information pertinent to their claims. If you continue to face barriers, you might want to consult with your public adjuster or an attorney specializing in insurance claims to discuss possible next steps.
Appraisal Process and Access to Information: During the appraisal process, both parties typically have the right to request and present evidence to support their positions. Although the insurance company might still try to withhold information, you and your appointed public adjuster should be able to make a compelling case for transparency, especially if you’ve independently verified damage through another engineer.
In summary, while some degree of limitation on information can be normal, it’s also important for you to know your rights and advocate for the information you need to support your claim. If you’re finding that the insurer is consistently uncooperative, it may be worthwhile to escalate the issue or seek legal counsel to explore your options.
Best of luck with your claim, and I hope you get the transparency and resolution that you deserve!