If you live in Florida, you already know home insurance is… complicated. Premiums rise, carriers leave the state, deductibles jump, and claims feel more combative every year.
But there’s a deeper issue—one that most homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late:
Your insurance company has already prepared its strategy long before you ever file a claim.
You have not.
This single truth shapes everything that happens next.
As public adjusters representing Florida residents every day, we see the same patterns—and the same avoidable mistakes—over and over again. So this blog reveals insider insights that almost no one tells homeowners, but every homeowner needs to know.
1. The First Inspection Sets the Tone—And It’s Usually Against You
Most homeowners don’t know that the initial adjuster’s report becomes the anchor for your entire claim.
Even if it’s wrong.
Even if the damage was underestimated.
Even if key areas were ignored.
Once that report is filed, you’re already fighting uphill.
At Miller Homes PA, we routinely see cases like this:
- A roof with obvious wind damage… documented as “wear and tear.”
- A full interior water loss… categorized as “minor drywall repair.”
- Structural issues completely missed because the adjuster spent only 10 minutes onsite.
This is why so many testimonials say the same thing:
“The carrier was stalling, underpaying, or refusing to cover what was clearly damaged—until Miller Homes got involved.”
FL Homeowner
2. Wind Damage Rarely Looks Dramatic — But It’s One of the Most Underpaid Losses
Florida homeowners often assume:
“If the roof isn’t missing shingles, I must be fine.”
Not true.
Wind damage is sneaky. It lifts shingles, breaks their seal, causes micro-tears, and compromises the integrity of your roof. Insurance companies know this—and also know most homeowners don’t.
This is why carriers often delay or deny wind claims…
And why homeowners who hire us typically see significantly higher settlements than what they were first offered.
3. The Deductible Myth: Even if You Think It Isn’t Worth Filing… It Might Be
Many Florida homeowners believe:
“My deductible is high, so I shouldn’t bother filing unless the damage is massive.”
But here’s what most people don’t know:
Insurance companies miscalculate damage
all
the
time.
A homeowner might think they have $3,000 in damage…
When the real number—once a qualified expert inspects—is closer to $15,000, $25,000, or more.
One testimonial shared:
“I would’ve paid thousands out of pocket without Miller Homes PA. Instead, my full roof was covered—with no money out of pocket.”
The difference?
Accurate inspection and documentation.
4. Delays Are Not Accidental—They’re a Strategy
If an insurance company delays your claim, three things often happen:
- You give up.
- You accept a lowball offer.
- You run out of time because of Florida’s strict claim deadlines.
This is why so many homeowners say:
“The carrier stalled as long as possible until Miller Homes stepped in.”
Most homeowners don’t stand a chance against these tactics without representation.
5. A Public Adjuster Costs You Nothing Up Front—But Can Recover Tens of Thousands
This is the single biggest misconception:
“Hiring a public adjuster is expensive.”
Wrong.
You pay absolutely nothing upfront.
And for most Florida homeowners, the difference between going alone vs. having an expert can be life-changing:
- Full roof replacements instead of patch jobs
- Complete water mitigation covered
- Denied claims reopened and paid
- Underpaid claims settled fairly
- Policy cancellations avoided
- Carrier errors caught and corrected
The testimonials we receive say it plainly:
“Doug handled everything. We just signed a few documents.”
“Without Doug, we would have lost thousands.”
“Having someone who knows the system was invaluable.”
The Big Insight Every Florida Homeowner Needs to Remember
Insurance companies have experts protecting their money.
Florida homeowners need experts protecting theirs.
If you take away one thing from this blog, let it be this:
Never handle a Florida insurance claim alone—especially when wind, hurricane, or storm damage is involved.
Your home is too important.
Your money is too important.
Your peace of mind is too important.
If you even suspect damage… get in touch before you call your insurance company.
Most homeowners call us after the carrier has already created problems—
but the best results often come when we’re involved from the start.
👉 Request Your Free Consultation
Start here: https://millerhomespublicadjusting.com/request-a-consultation/
Miller Homes Public Adjusting
Protecting Florida homeowners.
Restoring what insurance companies overlook.
