By SPJ Adjusting Services | Insurance Appraisals
Florida insurance appraisal: When Florida homeowners file a property insurance claim, many rely on the appraisal clause to serve as a fair avenue in resolving disputes about the value of their loss. But recent changes proposed by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation have the potential to reshape the claims landscape for policyholders, especially for those living along Florida’s coastlines, where wind, hail, and hurricane-driven losses are common.
SPJ Adjusting provides nationwide insurance appraisal and umpire services, and we have witnessed firsthand the importance of the appraisal process to policyholders who just want a fair, impartial evaluation of their damage.
Why Citizens’ Proposed Appraisal Changes Matter in Florida
It’s proposing a change in law that would make appraisal optional and available only by mutual consent under a newly required written appraisal agreement. This could make it more difficult for Florida policyholders, especially in high-risk areas, to settle claim disputes quickly and efficiently.
In cities such as Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Fort Myers, the process of appraisal has served as a lifeline when an insurer’s first estimate is woefully insufficient. Appraisal enables each side to employ an independent appraiser, and, if necessary, the services of an umpire who makes a binding final decision. The procedure often moves along more quickly and with less rancor than litigation.
That pathway, under the proposed Citizens changes, gets narrower.
What this means for Florida Homeowners in Florida insurance appraisal
1. Appraisal May No Longer Be Guaranteed
Rather than being a policy-built right, appraisal becomes an option that must be negotiated. Without it, policyholders could be in for longer disputes and more delays, which would increase the chances of litigation.
2. Public Adjusters and Experts May Be Compelled to Undergo EUOs
The proposed policy language would give Citizens broader authority to demand an Examination Under Oath from anyone hired by the policyholder, including public adjusters, contractors, and consultants.
This further puts pressure on the policyholder and can delay the claim settling process.
3. The Financial Impact Could Be Significant
Historically, appraisal has helped Florida homeowners recover fair claim amounts, especially after hurricanes, hailstorms, and wind losses. Limiting access to appraisal could drastically reduce the leverage provided for homeowners in a dispute.
Why Appraisal Has Been So Important in Florida
Florida insurance appraisal: Florida has more property damage disputes than arguably any other state. Based in Texas, SPJ Adjusting knows the value an appraisal brings when a carrier undervalues a claim, but in Florida, the overall case volume has been much higher due to hurricane activity and more stringent policy timelines.
Appraisal has helped balance the equation between policyholder and insurer. Removing or restricting that process reshapes the playing field-usually to the detriment of the homeowner.
SPJ Adjusting’s Perspective: Appraisal Works When It’s Fair
At SPJ Adjusting, we believe appraisal works best when:
- Appraisers are experienced
- The process is transparent.
- The umpire is impartial.
- Both sides follow a clear structure.
We have performed appraisal and umpire services throughout the United States, including Florida, and have witnessed firsthand how important this process is to help re-establish families.
If these changes are undertaken by Citizens, the insureds will require stronger representation and earlier involvement of competent public adjusters, appraisers, and umpires.
Need help understanding the changes?
SPJ Adjusting is here to assist Texans and Floridians with complex claim disputes, appraisal services, and expert guidance on how to navigate changes in policy.
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