Hurricane check too small to fix your home?
An underpaid claim can be harder to spot than a denial. The insurer “accepts” the claim, sends a check, and leaves you thousands short of what it costs to repair. The Lawgical Firm compares the insurer's estimate against the real damage — for free.
Is your claim underpaid?
Send us the basics — we'll review the estimate.
Signs your hurricane claim was underpaid
- Contractor estimates are several times higher than the insurer's estimate.
- The insurer paid to repair a few shingles or tiles when the roof section needs replacement.
- Interior ceilings, insulation, drywall, flooring or cabinets were left off the estimate.
- Large depreciation holdbacks, or a roof paid at actual cash value because of its age.
- No allowance for Florida Building Code upgrades, permits, overhead and profit, or matching materials.
- Additional living expenses, food loss, fences, screen enclosures or detached structures weren't paid.
- Damage found later — leaks, mold, cracked tiles — was never added to the claim.
Why underpayments happen
After a major Pensacola hurricane, carriers bring in hundreds of field adjusters, many from out of state, who may inspect dozens of homes a week using pricing software. Estimates are often written from the ground, without walking the roof or opening wet walls. Florida's 25% roof rule, code upgrades and matching can add significantly to a legitimate repair, and they are frequently missed or disputed.
Options for an underpaid claim
| Option | What it is |
|---|---|
| Supplemental claim | Submit additional damage or costs with documentation — generally within 18 months of the date of loss. |
| Appraisal | If the policy allows it, each side picks an appraiser and an umpire decides the amount of loss. |
| DFS mediation | The Florida Department of Financial Services runs a mediation program for residential property disputes. |
| Litigation | Florida requires a written pre-suit notice before filing; suit may follow if the insurer won't pay what is owed. |
The right path depends on your policy and the size of the gap. The Lawgical Firm builds the claim with line-item estimates and, when needed, engineering and contractor reports, then advocates for full payment.
Cashing a partial payment usually does not end your claim, but read anything labeled a release or “full and final” settlement before signing.