When disaster strikes your home, the last thing you want is to battle your insurance company. Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves doing exactly that. You pay your premiums for years expecting fair treatment, but when it’s time to file a claim, you’re suddenly dealing with endless delays, confusing paperwork, and lowball settlement offers.
What’s going on?
Behind the scenes, insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line—not your best interest. Understanding how they operate can make all the difference between a disappointing payout and a fair recovery. Here are five of the most common hidden tactics insurance adjusters use, and how you can fight back.
1. Delaying the Process to Wear You Down
One of the oldest tricks in the book is delay, delay, delay. Adjusters may drag out your claim with repeated requests for documents, vague promises of “review,” or shifting explanations about what’s needed next.
Why do they do it? Because they know that after months of waiting, many homeowners will accept any settlement—just to move on.
How to fight back
- Document everything. Keep a written log of every call, email, and document you send.
- Set clear timelines. In Florida, insurers are legally required to acknowledge and respond to claims within specific timeframes. Politely remind them of those deadlines.
- Hire a public adjuster. A licensed public adjuster works for you, not the insurer, and knows how to keep the process on schedule.
2. Starting with a Lowball Offer
A low initial offer is meant to “anchor” your expectations. The adjuster hopes you’ll compare future offers to that number—making even a small bump seem generous.
They may say things like, “This is what similar claims have settled for,” or “This is standard depreciation.” But in many cases, those numbers don’t reflect the real cost to repair or rebuild your property.
How to fight back
- Get your own estimates. Don’t rely solely on the insurer’s numbers. Independent contractors or appraisers can give you realistic repair costs.
- Understand your policy. Check whether your coverage is for replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV)—the difference can mean thousands of dollars.
- Negotiate with evidence. When you can show concrete estimates and policy language, you gain leverage.
3. Claiming Damage Was “Pre-Existing” or Due to Wear and Tear
Another common tactic is to argue that your damage isn’t covered because it was already there—or caused by age rather than the event you reported. For example, after a hurricane, they might say your roof leaks are due to “normal aging,” not storm damage.
How to fight back
- Gather before-and-after evidence. Photos or videos taken before the loss can prove that damage is new.
- Get an expert opinion. A licensed contractor or engineer can help establish cause and timing.
- Know your exclusions. Adjusters often rely on vague policy wording. If it’s unclear whether your damage is excluded, the benefit of the doubt should go to you.
4. Using Complex Jargon and Policy Language
Insurance policies are filled with technical terms like “endorsement,” “loss settlement,” or “deductible application.” Adjusters may lean on this complexity to discourage you from asking questions or challenging their interpretation.
You might hear things like, “This isn’t covered due to your policy’s concurrent causation clause,” which can sound final—but often isn’t.
How to fight back
- Ask for plain-English explanations. You have the right to understand your policy. Don’t accept jargon as a final answer.
- Request everything in writing. If an adjuster says a part of your claim is denied, ask for the specific policy clause in writing.
- Consult a professional. Public adjusters at FAPA, Inc are trained to interpret policy language and identify where the insurer might be stretching definitions.
5. Rushing You to Accept a “Final” Offer
After long weeks of waiting, you might finally hear, “We can issue payment today—but only if you sign a release.” That sense of relief is exactly what they’re counting on.
A “final” offer often comes with strings attached—usually waiving your right to reopen the claim later. If you discover additional damage afterward, it’s too late.
How to fight back
- Don’t rush. Even if you feel pressured, you’re entitled to review any offer.
- Get a second opinion. A public adjuster can evaluate whether the offer reflects your real losses.
- Remember: settlements are negotiable. If something feels off, it probably is.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Go It Alone
Insurance companies have professional teams—adjusters, appraisers, lawyers—all focused on protecting their interests. Homeowners deserve the same level of advocacy.
That’s where public adjusters come in. A public adjuster works exclusively for policyholders, not the insurance company. They handle the documentation, negotiate directly with the insurer, and fight for a fair settlement—often increasing payouts significantly compared to what homeowners receive on their own.
In South Florida, where hurricanes, floods, and property damage are common, having an expert in your corner isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Key Takeaways
Problem | Adjuster Tactic | Your Countermove |
Delays | Repeated requests, slow communication | Document every interaction, hire a public adjuster |
Lowball offers | Understating repair costs | Gather independent estimates |
“Pre-existing” claims | Blaming damage on wear & tear | Provide before-and-after evidence |
Jargon overload | Confusing explanations | Demand plain-language answers in writing |
Pressure to settle | “Final” offers with waivers | Take your time, review before signing |
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be an expert in insurance law to protect yourself—you just need to know the playbook. By recognizing these hidden tactics, you can take control of your claim, demand transparency, and ensure you’re paid what you deserve.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or suspect your insurer isn’t treating you fairly, don’t wait. Contact Florida AllStar Public Adjusting today for a free claim review. Our experienced public adjusters have helped South Florida homeowners recover the full value of their losses—and we’re ready to help you, too.
