Panama City - Hurricane Michael - Policy Limits

A Panama City homeowner contacted VIP Adjusting the week after hurricane Michael made landfall as a category 4 storm (later upgraded to a category 5) with substantial damage and after an initial discussion with the assigned inspector left them with an uneasy feeling.

VIP Adjusting’s representative was present for the initial inspection and the homeowner’s uneasy feeling was justified as the inspector strolled through the property declaring what areas of the home he believed contained damage that pre-dated the storm. VIP Adjusting presented the damage to the assigned adjuster, and immediately sought to discuss the claim with the assigned desk adjuster.

The initial payment was substantial, about 75% of the policy’s limits. In initial discussions with the desk adjuster, VIP Adjusting highlighted early disputes and emphasized that not only would the Coverage A - Dwelling and Coverage B - Other Structures limits be exceeded, but significant debris removal would be required, ordinance and law coverage would be triggered, the additional living expense coverage limit might be exceeded, and the insured had a significant contents claim.

It was not an easy process, but within a few months, the insurance company had agreed to a settlement that represented a figure equal to the Coverage A, B, and D policy limits and additional coverages, and also included a significant payment for the insured’s contents.