As numerous clients are in various stages of repairs their Hurricane Ian damaged properties, we would like to share one success story that underscores the invaluable role experienced public adjusters can play contributing to the stability of Florida's challenging insurance market. First, let’s look at an example of what has brought policyholders, claim professionals, state officials, and insurance executives to this point of frustration.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

On September 16, 2020, Hurricane Sally caused severe damage all along the Emerald Coast and greater Pensacola regions. The effects of Sally were not quite as extensive as what the Mariner endured with Hurricane Ivan in 2004, though Sally’s impact did pack a windy punch rendering the building uninhabitable for quite some time. 

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

Following a major commercial fire at a Ybor City nightclub in Tampa, Fl. the property owners made a quick decision to hire what turned out to be an unqualified Public Adjuster.  That adjuster decided to bring in a restoration company that he was friends with and together they made many mistakes with the claim. The insurance company offered $85,000 on the claim that obviously required a greater sum to put the property back to pre-loss condition. Client frustration built up and subsequently both companies were fired. But the damage was done, and the claim was a mess. In fact, the damage became worse!

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

Hurricane Irma caused significant damage throughout Florida on September 11, 2017. Our client sustained water and wind damage to their property located in Highland Beach, Florida. The insurance carrier made a quick inspection and confirmed the damage, but their initial offer was below the deductible of $260,000.00 resulting in no payment being made to the client. Tutwiler and Associates public adjusters, Rick Tutwiler and Kevin Leisure, were hired to represent the insured. Negotiations resulted in a settlement of $4.9 million dollars, assuring this beautiful property was properly restored.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

A category 5 hurricane is the highest category of hurricane with winds exceeding 157 miles per hour which could mean near total destruction to anything in its path. On September 6th, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a category 5 hurricane. The Palm Gardens Condo Association located on the island of St. Thomas fell victim to the high winds and torrential rain brought on by Irma. Immediately following the hurricane, Palm Gardens retained Tutwiler and Associates Public Adjusters to assist with their insurance claim. After taking charge of the property damage claim and through detailed negotiations, the association was awarded $4.7 million dollars to restore their condominium complex to its former beauty.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

On September 6, 2017 Hurricane Irma hit St. Thomas, an island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a category 5 hurricane, Irma left devastation in its aftermath. The Plantation Manor Condominium Association suffered major damage to its foundation, windows, roof, and business personal property.  Realizing the extent of the damage, Plantation Manor retained Tutwiler and Associates Public Adjusters to help manage and negotiate the property claim with the insurance company. The final claim settlement was finalized at over $2.7 million dollars awarded to the insured so they are able to begin their repairs to the property.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

Periodically, we like to highlight a property claim we’ve handled based on something new we’ve learned, alert readers of important insurance claim issues or just to show the value public adjusters can bring to the claims process. This was a particularly satisfying claim. Not only for the settlement amount we were able to achieve but because it helped improve the client’s perception of the value of public adjusters as you will see by the note at the end of this article.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

The public insurance adjusters at Tutwiler & Associates work extremely hard everyday to prove why our industry profession is so valuable to policyholders throughout the United States. We work with potential clients to guide them in their decision making and impress them with our knowledge while they take time to decide their best course of action. We strive to educate policyholders after a serious loss when they are the most vulnerable.  Case in point involves a massive electrical fire that occurred at a condominium on August, 2015 in Sarasota, FL. 

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

On February 28, 2013 a massive fire broke-out in this upscale waterfront home located in Tierra Verde, Florida burning off the roof and causing significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the rest of the building structure, custom furniture, and personal belongings.  As is typical with all fires, which become public record when the fire department gets called, the homeowner was “assaulted” (his words) by emergency service restoration contractors and public adjuster chasers who came from all over the State of Florida to give their sales pitch.  Unfortunately, this property owner fell victim and signed with a restoration company who provided an estimate with a “not to exceed” agreement. But when the contractor sent the invoice for services performed, it was triple the amount!  The insurance company was just as surprised and refused to pay an obviously exorbitant amount. The contractor’s response was to place a lien on the property until the situation could be resolved.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...

On May 11, 2014 a serious electrical fire broke-out in the home of a Clearwater Largo, FL family causing significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the building and personal property.  During and after the fire was extinguished many contractors and public adjuster chasers offering their services bombarded the homeowners with confusing information and high pressure sales tactics. Sadly, this is becoming a recurring theme when fires occur. We continue to believe that property owners need to realize that it is in their best interest to stay away from the majority of these solicitors until they have done their due diligence and have coordinated plan of action in place. They must also be wary not to sign any contract that assigns the entire insurance claim over to a stranger who now owns the proceeds of their claim. In our industry this language is called Assignment of Benefits.

» Read the rest of this Success Story...