Tripling the Insurance Settlement in a Hurricane Damage Dispute
Following Hurricane Ian, a homeowner’s property sustained extensive roof and interior water damage. The insurance company offered a $72,000 settlement, citing “minimal interior impact.” The client’s legal team believed the damages were significantly underreported and hired On Point Estimating & Appraisals for an independent evaluation.
Client
Law Firm Representing a Homeowner in Coral Gables, FL
The Challenge
Carrier’s adjuster omitted key items like cabinetry, insulation, and electrical damage
Legal team had limited time before mediation deadline
Policy language required clear demonstration of causation and scope
Our Role
Conducted a site inspection within 48 hours
Produced a detailed Xactimate estimate valuing damages at $212,000
Provided photo documentation and moisture readings
Submitted a court-ready expert report with line-item justifications
The Outcome
Our estimate became the foundation for the homeowner’s case. During mediation:
The insurer increased their offer to $195,000, avoiding litigation
The client received nearly 3x the original offer
The law firm noted our report as a “key turning point” in settlement negotiations
Client Feedback
“On Point’s estimate gave us the leverage we needed. Their clear, data-backed reporting made our case undeniable in mediation.”
Key Takeaways
Independent estimates can dramatically shift case outcomes
Legal teams benefit from fast, professional, and well-documented reports
In storm-related disputes, time and accuracy are everything