Hurricane Ian:
My Perspective as a Florida Public Adjuster
Written by Scott Breitbarth
When I first saw that hurricane Ian was heading further south on September 23, 2022, I immediately began to think of all the people I knew from my 5 years living on Fort Myers Beach, FL.
At that time I never could have predicted what an impact the hurricane would ultimately have on me. It was very strange and concerning to hear the names and communities in the direct path of the storm that I was so familiar with the Florida cities being mentioned on the national news. Places like Sanibel Island, Bonita Springs, McGregor, Cape Coral, Northport, Port Charlotte, Iona, San Carlos.
Little did I know at that point the impact the storm would really have on me: how I would be impacted by seeing the devastation and suffering caused by the storm, but also the impact I would have on the community and its residents.
Storm Damage – Property, Commercial, and Personal Loss
Pulling off the highway onto Colonial I began to see storm damage immediately, mostly in the form of broken storefront glass, commercial signage, and scattered roofing tiles and shingles from miles around.
Then I began to see the people. It was a feeling in the air, that things had changed, that there was now going to be discussion that would always include a before and after Hurricane Ian and memories of places that were completely taken by the storm.
I saw so many families displaced and living in tents lining big box store parking lots circling the trailers of various help organizations that provided them with their basic needs, 3 meals a day, a place to wash clothes, a generator and outlets to charge their phones and contact loved ones and let them know they were “Ok.”
Of course, none of the people impacted by the storm were Ok. They were suffering from trauma and stress, and they were concerned for the safety and well-being of friends and family members, and wondering where to begin on the damage to their home and debris in their yards.
They had to tarp roofs, clean out mud and water, replace appliances, cabinets, walls, floors, HVAC systems, remove trees and some had to start to replace their entire home that now sits on an empty lot.
Navigating Insurance Claims During a Catastrophe
These people have never gone through an experience like this before. Now they were faced with getting their lives and home back together, and having to navigate the insurance claims process on top of everything else.
The insurance claim process is difficult to navigate in normal circumstances, and exponentially difficult in the aftermath of catastrophic events like Hurricane Ian.
I cannot begin to explain how meaningful it was to be in the position to help. I was able to take the stress and hassle out of the insurance claims process, when many of my clients didn’t have a livable home much less a computer and printer for documents or even transportation to purchase basic needs.
It was meaningful to be able to protect their interests and to implement my insurance claim knowledge to serve as a north star, and advocate for their interests not the best interests of the insurance company.
Furthermore, it was rewarding to utilize my experience negotiating with insurance companies and their adjusters. As a result, I was able to ensure that no damages were overlooked, and that everything necessary was included in the claim.
Client Receives Additional $42,000 on their Claim [Case Study]
Dana had significant damage to his home following hurricane Ian. Dana had a poor experience with his insurance company during Hurricane Charley and he remembered how he struggled to communicate with his adjuster, and how difficult it was to submit documentation of his loses.
He knew that he would not make the same mistake for hurricane Ian and how valuable hiring a public adjuster with experience negotiating with the insurance company would be. Dana felt that after the last storm he had difficulty recovering the depreciation for his damages.
Dana received his estimate from the insurance company for the amount of $12,000. He contacted me after a family friend told them how helpful I was in guiding them through the claims process. I met with Dana and immediately inspected his property and documented his damages.
After submitting my estimate and negotiating with the insurance company Dana’s claim increased to $42,000. Dana was happy to hear that I would continue to work with him and make sure he recovered the depreciation and received the entire settlement.
I was happy to help Dana navigate the claims process and make sure he received all that he was entitled to. Dana said, “I’m amazed! Where were you 10 years ago?”
If your property experienced damage during hurricane Ian, please give me a call. You can adjust your insurance claim up to 3 years after an incident, so there’s still plenty of time for me to help!