When a hurricane hits, the destruction it leaves behind is rarely minor. Roofs are torn off, windows shattered, and water seeps into places it doesn’t belong. So when your insurance company sends a check that doesn’t even come close to covering the damage, it can feel like a second disaster.
At JT Law Firm, we’ve seen this scenario play out time and time again: homeowners trusting their insurer, only to be left paying thousands out of pocket for repairs they thought were covered.
What Does an Undervalued Claim Look Like?
It might not be immediately obvious that your claim is undervalued. You may receive a check and assume that’s all you’re owed. But red flags include:
- A settlement that doesn’t match contractor estimates
- Repairs suggested that don’t fully address all damage
- Items left out of your claim altogether (like damaged fencing, personal belongings, or interior water damage)
- Payment based on Actual Cash Value (ACV) rather than Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
How Insurance Companies Undervalue Claims
Insurance companies use several tactics to minimize payouts:
- Lowball Estimates: The insurer’s adjuster may use outdated or generic pricing models that don’t reflect current labor and material costs in your area.
- Incomplete Inspections: Some damage may be missed entirely, especially in areas that are hard to access, like roof decking, attic insulation, or behind walls.
- Misclassification of Damage: Insurers may label damage as pre-existing or due to wear and tear, rather than storm-related—which could limit or exclude coverage.
- Delays That Wear You Down: Repeated document requests and long response times often push homeowners to settle out of frustration.
The Financial Consequences of an Undervalued Claim
An undervalued claim can cost you:
- Thousands in out-of-pocket repairs
- Extended time living in unsafe or damaged conditions
- Delays in reopening your business (for commercial properties)
- Legal fees and added stress from fighting for coverage
What You Can Do About It
- Don’t Rush to Accept the First Offer You are not required to accept the first settlement your insurance company offers. Always review the details and compare them with independent contractor estimates.
- Get a Second Opinion Hire a professional adjuster, contractor, or engineer to conduct an independent inspection of your property. Their reports can be crucial in disputing an insurer’s findings. If you need help with this step, our legal team can step in at any point and handle the entire claim for you.
- Work With a Property Damage Lawyer At JT Law Firm, we handle undervalued hurricane claims every day. We dig into your policy, coordinate inspections, and go head-to-head with insurers to fight for the full amount you’re entitled to.
How JT Law Firm Can Help
- Free Claim Review: We’ll examine your initial insurance offer, identify missing or undervalued items, and advise on next steps.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Our team builds a compelling case using independent reports, photo documentation, and policy interpretation.
- Litigation if Needed: If the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Let Us Help You Recover What You Deserve
Don’t let a low settlement leave you with massive out-of-pocket costs. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Schedule your free claim review today.
Call us at (855) 585-2997 or Send us a message
