Public adjuster in Fort Myers, FL
Aviva Insurance Adjusters is a licensed Florida public adjusting firm that works Fort Myers and Lee County. We represent Fort Myers homeowners, condo owners and business owners, never insurance companies, on hurricane, storm surge, flood, roof and water claims.
Se habla español. Ajustador público que habla español
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Why Fort Myers claims are different
Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds on September 28, 2022. The water gauge in downtown Fort Myers recorded a record 7.26 feet of storm surge, more than double the previous record of 3.36 feet set by Hurricane Gabrielle in 2001. On Fort Myers Beach, USGS high-water marks reached nearly 16 feet in spots.
The National Weather Service counted 5,396 structures destroyed and 52,515 damaged in Lee County. For owners still rebuilding, substantial-damage rules and repair costs that outrun the first estimate are part of nearly every claim.
Those storms left Fort Myers owners with claim problems we see again and again.
- Wind vs. surge
- Surge damage falls under flood insurance, while wind and wind-driven rain belong to the homeowners policy. When both hit the same building, carriers argue over every line. We document each separately.
- Flood policy limits
- NFIP policies cap building coverage at $250,000 and contents at $100,000, and pay contents at actual cash value in many cases. Getting the most from each part takes careful claiming.
- Substantial damage
- When repairs reach about half of a building’s value, rebuilding rules change and elevation may be required. A complete damage scope matters for your claim and your permit.
- Condos
- Riverfront and beach condos need claims under the association’s master policy and each owner’s HO-6. We coordinate both.
How we resolve Fort Myers claims
Every claim starts with a complete, documented estimate of the damage. From there, we use whichever path gets the claim paid in full.
- Negotiated settlement
- We present the evidence, submit supplements for missed damage and negotiate directly with the carrier. Many claims are resolved here with a signed settlement and release.
- Appraisal
- When the dispute is over the amount of the loss and your policy includes an appraisal clause, each side names an appraiser and an umpire decides any disagreement. Jose Villacis is a WIND- and IAUA-certified appraiser and umpire.
- Mediation
- We prepare the claim and represent you at mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach a settlement. Mediation is one of the most common ways our claims are resolved.
- Litigation support
- If a carrier still won’t pay what the policy owes, we prepare the complete claim file, including documentation, estimates and claim history, so it’s ready for your attorney before a lawsuit is filed. Attorneys also hire us as insurance loss consultants to prepare estimates and document damages for their cases.
Every claim is different, and the right path depends on your policy and the dispute.
Claims we handle in Fort Myers
- Hurricane and windstorm
- Flood and storm surge
- Roof leaks and roof damage
- Pipe bursts and water damage
- Mold from a covered peril
- Fire and smoke
- Fallen trees
- Lightning
- Power surges
Areas we serve around Fort Myers
Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Pine Island and the rest of Lee County. We also handle claims in Cape Coral, Naples, DeSoto County and all of Florida.
Why Fort Myers property owners choose Aviva
- On site when it counts. we inspect your property in person, then handle follow-up by phone, email and video so your claim keeps moving.
- Licensed. Florida Public Adjusting Firm License #W869253. Jose Villacis, President and Principal Adjuster, holds Florida Public Adjuster License #P110421.
- Appraisal and umpire experience. Jose is a WIND- and IAUA-certified appraiser and umpire, which matters when a claim goes to appraisal.
- 18+ years of Florida property claims experience.
- Bilingual. English and Spanish, from the first call to the final settlement.
- No upfront cost. We only get paid if your claim pays, and our fee never exceeds Florida’s legal caps.
Fort Myers public adjuster FAQ
My home had both surge and wind damage. Which policy pays?
Usually both, for different parts. Flood insurance covers damage from rising water and surge, and the homeowners policy covers wind and wind-driven rain. We document each type of damage separately so neither carrier can push it all onto the other.
What does substantial damage mean for my rebuild?
If repair costs reach about 50% of the building’s market value, local floodplain rules can require the whole building to meet current flood standards, often including elevation. Increased Cost of Compliance coverage on an NFIP policy may help pay for it. A full damage scope is the starting point.
Does Florida’s 25% roof rule still apply?
Sometimes. Since 2022, if your roof was built or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later (generally roofs installed after March 1, 2009), only the damaged section must meet current code. Older roofs with 25% or more damaged can still require full replacement under the code. That difference can change a repair estimate into a full roof claim.
Talk to a Fort Myers public adjuster today
Free claim review, no upfront cost. Se habla español.
Aviva Insurance Adjusters, Corp., 7416 Community Ct., Hudson, FL 34667Storm and local facts: Axios and FOX Weather reporting on NOAA gauge data; Michael Lowry on USGS high-water marks; National Weather Service damage data reported by FOX 4. Aviva Insurance Adjusters, Corp. is an independent Florida public adjusting firm and is not affiliated with Aviva plc, Aviva Canada or any insurance carrier. FL Public Adjusting Firm Lic.# W869253.