Understanding the insurance claim process is the first step to getting a fair settlement. Here's exactly what to expect at every stage — and how Claim The Max maximizes your outcome at each one.
From the moment damage occurs through final settlement — here's every stage and what you need to know at each one.
The moment damage occurs, your claim begins. Before touching, cleaning, or moving anything, photograph and video every inch of the damage. Capture wide shots for context and close-ups for detail. Don't throw away any damaged items — everything is evidence.
Make only emergency temporary repairs — tarping, boarding, water extraction. Save every receipt. These are reimbursable.
Report your claim to your insurer promptly and get your claim number in writing. Document the name of every representative you speak with. Do not give a recorded statement without consulting a public adjuster first — recorded statements are used to limit payouts.
This is the single most impactful step most homeowners skip. The insurance company sends their own adjuster — trained to minimize your payout. By hiring us before that inspection, we document everything from day one and ensure nothing is missed.
Our fee is contingency — we only get paid when you get more. No Recovery, No Fee.
Our licensed adjusters conduct a thorough independent inspection — documenting every item of damage with professional photography, written reports, and estimates built with current Florida market rates. We inspect attic spaces, wall cavities, HVAC systems, and areas the insurer's adjuster routinely misses.
We handle every call, email, negotiation, and document with your insurance company directly. You don't deal with them at all. We challenge low estimates, push back on unjustified depreciation, and fight for the full settlement your policy entitles you to.
We review every settlement offer with you before acceptance. If additional damage is discovered during restoration, we file a supplemental claim. Our goal isn't just to close your claim — it's to make sure you receive every dollar your policy entitles you to.
✓ Homeowners with a public adjuster receive 747% more on average (OPPAGA Study)
Every claim is different, but here are the Florida law requirements and typical real-world timelines.
Important: Large-scale disasters like hurricanes can extend timelines significantly. Having a public adjuster ensures your claim stays active and deadlines are enforced. We hold insurers accountable throughout the entire process.
Florida law provides strong consumer protections for property insurance policyholders. These rights exist whether or not you have a public adjuster — but we enforce every one of them on your behalf.
Your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 14 days and begin a prompt investigation. Unreasonable delays violate Florida insurance law and may constitute bad faith under §624.155.
If your claim is denied, your insurer must provide a written explanation citing the specific policy provision. Vague or unsupported denials can be challenged and frequently are reversed.
If you disagree with the insurer's valuation, you have the right to invoke appraisal — a formal dispute mechanism where both parties select independent appraisers. This often results in significantly higher payouts.
Florida law explicitly protects your right to hire a licensed public adjuster. Your insurer cannot prevent, obstruct, or penalize you for having professional representation during your claim.
The Florida Department of Financial Services offers free mediation for disputed residential property claims. A neutral mediator facilitates resolution without litigation costs.
If your insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays your claim, Florida Statute §624.155 allows for additional remedies including potential recovery of attorney's fees and extracontractual damages.
6 phases of the claim process · Documentation guide · Your rights · Insurer communication tips · What NOT to do. Prepared by a licensed Florida public adjuster.
Straight answers — no runaround. Call (866) 629-7297 if yours isn't here.
Florida law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 14 days and pay or deny within 90 days of receiving proof of loss. Post-disaster environments like hurricane season can extend this. With a public adjuster managing your claim, we monitor every deadline and push for the fastest resolution possible.
Ideally, before the insurance company's adjuster inspects your property. Getting us involved early allows us to establish strong documentation from day one. However, we can help at any stage — before filing, after a low offer, or after a denial.
Florida policyholders have the right to: a prompt claim investigation, a written explanation of any denial, the appraisal process for disputed valuations, the right to hire a licensed public adjuster, free DFS mediation, and bad faith remedies under Florida Statute §624.155 if the insurer acts unreasonably.
In many cases yes — if additional damage was discovered or the settlement was insufficient. Florida's 18-month supplemental claim deadline applies. Contact us immediately for a free review — time limits can permanently eliminate your right to recover.
No. The insurer's estimate is their opening position — not the final word. You have the right to dispute their valuation through the appraisal process. Claim The Max regularly negotiates settlements significantly higher than the insurer's initial offer.
Zero upfront cost. Our fee is a contingency percentage of the additional settlement we recover for you. If we don't win more for you, you owe us nothing. No Recovery, No Fee — this aligns our incentives perfectly with yours.
A denial is not final. Request the denial in writing with the specific policy provision cited. Then you can: file a supplemental claim, invoke the appraisal process, request DFS mediation, or file a bad faith complaint under §624.155. Contact us immediately — many denials are successfully reversed.
All 67 Florida counties. We serve Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Kendall, and every community throughout the state.
Every day you wait is a day the insurance company is counting on you to accept less. Free claim review — 30 seconds, zero risk.
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