If your home has suffered damage from Hurricane Milton, you may face the challenge of an insurance company offering a low settlement on your property insurance claim. When this happens, it can feel overwhelming, but you have several options to resolve the dispute with your insurer: mediation, appraisal, or filing a lawsuit.

Understanding which route is best for you depends on your specific insurance policy and situation. Below is a comparison between two common methods of dispute resolution: appraisal and lawsuits. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, especially in Florida, where property insurance claims are frequently contested after hurricane damage.

Appraisal

An appraisal is a method that many insurance companies prefer, often even requiring their policyholders to go through it.

• Quick and Expedient: Compared to a lawsuit, an appraisal typically concludes faster, giving you a resolution in a much shorter time.
• Relatively Less Costly: Appraisals tend to involve fewer costs than lawsuits, which makes them a more affordable option.
• Less Adversarial: The process is often less confrontational than going through court, preserving a more civil relationship between you and your insurer.
• No Appellate Potential: Once an appraisal decision is made, it is final. This means you cannot appeal the decision, so the result stands.
• You Must Pay Fees/Costs: Both parties in the appraisal process are responsible for paying their respective appraisers and, in some cases, sharing the cost of an umpire.

Lawsuit

Alternatively, you might consider filing a lawsuit against your insurance company. This is generally a more aggressive approach and involves legal battles that could last for a prolonged period.

• Slower and Protracted: Legal battles, especially insurance claims, can be drawn out for months or even years, delaying your recovery.
• More Costly: Lawsuits often involve higher legal fees and expenses, making this option significantly more expensive.
• More Adversarial: A lawsuit can quickly turn contentious, creating a hostile environment between you and your insurer.
• Appeal is Possible: If the court rules against you, an appeal might be possible, giving you another opportunity to challenge the decision.
• Attorney Fees Are Generally Not Recoverable in Florida: Unlike some other states, Florida does not always allow the recovery of attorney fees if you win your case, making lawsuits even more costly for policyholders.

What’s Best for You?

Deciding between appraisal and a lawsuit depends on your specific situation and insurance policy. In many cases, opting for an appraisal is a quicker and less costly way to resolve the dispute. However, if your case involves complex legal issues, a lawsuit might give you the opportunity to fully challenge the insurance company’s offer, especially if you're looking to appeal an unfavorable decision.

Whether you're considering appraisal or a lawsuit to dispute your insurance claim after Hurricane Milton, it's crucial to choose the option that best fits your situation. For personalized guidance and a quick resolution, turn to Florida Insurance Claim Appraisal. With 25 years of experience in insurance claims and construction estimating, we have the expertise to help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don't let a low settlement delay your recovery—call us today at 1-888-554-5012 for a free consultation, and let us put our decades of experience to work for you.