How to File a Wind Damage Claim in Florida
Step one: stop the loss and document everything
Before you call the carrier, prevent further damage. Tarp the roof, board broken windows, move soaked contents to dry areas. Florida policies require the insured to take reasonable steps to mitigate — and they pay reasonable mitigation costs. Then photograph and video everything: exterior, interior, contents, and the source of the damage. Wind claims on 30A are often disputed on causation (was it wind or was it pre-existing?), and contemporaneous photos taken within 24 hours of the storm are the strongest evidence you can produce.
Step two: report the claim — fast
Florida law requires notice of a property loss within one year for most claims (shortened by 2022 reforms; supplemental claims within 18 months). Sooner is always better. Call your agent first if you have one — a Nsure Asset client gets a single point of contact who manages the carrier handoff. If you go direct to the carrier, get the claim number, the assigned adjuster's name and contact info, and a written confirmation of the first inspection date. Save every voicemail, email and text from the carrier.
Step three: understand which deductible applies
If the storm was a named tropical system at the time of the damage, your hurricane / named storm deductible applies — usually 2%, 5% or 10% of Coverage A. If it was a thunderstorm or non-named wind event, the AOP deductible applies (typically $1,000–$2,500). The difference on an $800,000 dwelling is $40,000 vs $2,500. Many 30A wind disputes after Sally and Michael came down to exactly which deductible was correctly applied.
Step four: the adjuster visit
The carrier sends a field adjuster (sometimes a third-party independent adjuster, sometimes staff). Walk the property with them. Point out every damaged area. Provide the photos and video you took. Ask the adjuster what scope items they are writing and what they are excluding. After the visit you will receive an estimate — review it line by line. Common shortfalls on 30A claims: missing matching shingles, no overhead/profit on rebuild items, undervalued personal property, missed interior water damage from wind-driven rain.
Step five: disputing a low estimate
If the carrier's estimate does not match the loss, you have options. Get an independent contractor estimate. Request a re-inspection in writing. If still unresolved, you can invoke the appraisal clause in the policy — each side picks an appraiser, the two appraisers pick an umpire, and the panel sets the loss amount. Florida has also tightened the rules on public adjusters and assignment of benefits (AOB) under recent reforms, so check current law before assigning your claim to a third party. An experienced agent can usually resolve a disputed estimate without escalation.
Step six: settlement and supplemental claims
After agreement on scope and amount, the carrier pays ACV first (RCV minus depreciation), and pays the depreciation holdback only after you actually complete the repairs and submit invoices. If hidden damage shows up during repairs — and it almost always does on a hurricane claim — file a supplemental claim. Florida law gives you up to 18 months for supplementals on most policies. Keep every invoice, photograph the work, and document the timeline.
Nsure Asset is in your corner on every claim
Nsure Asset advocates for every 30A client through the claim process — coordinating adjusters, reviewing estimates, and pushing back on under-scopes. Call 850 585 2727 or request a quote at nsureasset.com to make sure the right agency is on the policy before the next storm.