Public Adjusters in the Florida Keys
What Makes the Florida Keys' Insurance Problems Unique?
The Florida Keys suffer from higher material and labor costs compared to the rest of the state. This is because lumber, ceramic, marble, metal, and other construction materials are either shipped via cargo directly to a commercial pier in the Keys or trucked in from mainland Florida. Higher costs to build mean higher costs when you suffer a loss, so your cost of living and your premiums are some of the highest in the country.
Your insurance policy is a legally binding agreement between you and your insurance company. If your insurer underpays or denies your claim without just cause, it may constitute a breach of contract. Unfortunately, pursuing a resolution through the court system with a lawyer can be prohibitively expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars — potentially exceeding the value of your claim. Interestingly, insurance companies are just as reluctant to enter costly litigation. Instead, they aim to adhere to the contract but often undervalue claims to minimize payouts.
This situation is exacerbated by the practices of certain roofing contractors. Many go door-to-door in search of homeowners who want their insurance companies to cover roof replacements. While the majority of these claims are legitimate, the sheer volume of filings can overwhelm insurance carriers. To avoid lawsuits and reduce payouts, particularly in areas with higher costs of labor and materials like the Florida Keys, insurers have sought legislative remedies.
One such measure has been the prohibition of assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements. These agreements previously allowed contractors to file claims directly on behalf of policyholders, which facilitated quick resolutions but also led to abuse in some cases. The ban on AOB agreements now requires homeowners to file claims themselves, limiting contractors' ability to advocate on behalf of policyholders. However, this has not eliminated every predatory practice in the industry, as direction-to-pay (DTP) agreements are more likely to be abused by contractors who claim to represent homeowners and business owners on insurance claims without insurance adjusting licensure.
And these legislative changes have done little to address the underlying issues, such as rising labor and material costs in the Keys. As a result, while your premiums continue to climb, the coverage provided by your policy often declines, leaving property owners with fewer resources to manage damage claims. For homeowners, this underscores the importance of working with knowledgeable advocates (like public adjusters) who can navigate the complexities of these claims and fight for you to receive fair compensation.
Storms are a leading cause of property damage in the Keys, but other factors such as water damage, flash flooding, and fires also take a significant toll. Coastal homes are particularly vulnerable to flooding, which is particularly bad in areas like the Keys that are pretty much 100% coastline. And with most properties within such close proximity and few places for fires to spread, one spark in the wrong place at the wrong time can wreak havoc across your neighborhood.
At the center of the insurance company’s strategy to minimize payouts is the insurance adjuster. These adjusters are tasked with assessing the extent of damage and estimating repair costs. However, because they are either employed directly by the carrier or contracted by it, their primary obligation is to the insurance company — not to you. This inherent conflict of interest often results in damages being undervalued, claims being delayed, or legitimate claims being denied outright.
The best way to protect yourself from denied, delayed, or underpaid claims is to seek an unbiased second opinion. Just as you wouldn’t embark on a complex medical procedure without consulting a second doctor, you shouldn’t accept the findings of a company-paid insurance adjuster at face value.
A public adjuster, who works exclusively for policyholders, provides an independent assessment of your damages and ensures your claim is represented accurately and fairly. Their expertise can be the difference between an insurance payout that barely covers your costs and one that truly reflects the extent of your losses.
WE'RE YOUR FLORIDA KEYS PUBLIC ADJUSTERS
Our public adjusters and claims specialists in the Florida Keys are here to offer an unbiased, professional second opinion on your insurance claim. From providing accurate damage evaluations and property appraisals to directly representing you throughout the claims process, our team is dedicated to securing the settlement you deserve.
The term "public adjuster" can sometimes be misleading. Unlike adjusters employed by insurance companies, public adjusters are hired by property owners — whether homeowners, business owners, landlords, tenants, HOAs, or property managers. Our public adjusters serve your interests exclusively, advocating for fair and accurate compensation for your losses.
From Key West to Key Largo, our public adjusters work solely for you, just as an insurance company’s adjuster works solely for the carrier. While company adjusters might focus on finding reasons to deny or minimize payments, we focus on identifying the valid reasons your claim deserves a fair payout. In addition to ensuring a strong claim, our team also negotiates with the carrier on your behalf, saving you time and stress.
Importantly, we are not door-to-door roofing contractors attempting to overwhelm carriers with roof claims. Florida law limits who can legally represent you on an insurance claim: only attorneys and licensed public adjusters have this authority. If a roofer promises they can get your carrier to replace your roof, be cautious. Florida’s ban on AOB agreements prohibits contractors from filing claims on your behalf. Trust a licensed, bonded, and experienced public adjusting team like ours to handle your claim properly and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Free Document Reviews, Free Inspections, No Obligation.
Our public adjusters are committed to assisting property owners across the Florida Keys and Monroe County. From Key Largo to Key West, we work closely with you to explore your options thoroughly, ensuring you have all the information needed before making important decisions about your claim.
We offer a variety of complimentary services, including claim reviews, policy evaluations, document assessments, and inspections. Whether you have a full set of documentation or only a few pieces, we are happy to review it and provide a professional, unbiased opinion — completely free and without obligation. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. However, the more information you provide, the better positioned we will be to assist you effectively.
For the most accurate guidance, the following documentation is typically the most helpful:
- Policy Details: Your complete insurance policy or declarations page.
- Damage Evidence: Photographs, videos, or other records of property damage.
- Repair Estimates: Invoices or assessments from contractors or repair companies.
- Correspondence: Communications with your insurance carrier, including emails and letters.
- Adjuster Reports: Estimates, reports, findings, and adjusters worksheets from the insurance company’s field adjusters and other inspectors.
Reach out to us today at (786) 577-5678 to learn more about how we can help with your insurance claim!
Areas We Service Include:
- Anglers Park
- Big Coppitt Key
- Big Pine Key
- Conch Key
- Cudjoe Key
- Duck Key
- Islamorada
- Key Largo
- Key West (New Town)
- Key West (Old Town)
- Layton
- Little Torch Key
- Lower Matecumbe Key
- Marathon
- Naval Air Station Key West
- North Key Largo
- Plantation Key
- Stock Island
- Sugarloaf Key
- Summerland Key
- Tavernier
p: (786) 557-5678