First-party claims
A first-party claim is a claim by you, the policyholder, against your own insurance company for damage to your own property.
Examples:
- Hurricane damage to your house → first-party
- Fire damage to your home → first-party
- Pipe burst flooding your floor → first-party
- Tree falling on your roof → first-party
Your policy's Coverage A through D handle first-party property claims.
Third-party claims
A third-party claim is a claim by someone else against your insurance company for damage or injury they suffered because of you.
Examples:
- Guest slips on your pool deck and sues you → third-party (their claim against your liability coverage)
- Your tree falls on neighbor's property → third-party (their claim)
- Dog bites visitor → third-party (their claim)
Your policy's Coverage E (liability) and Coverage F (medical payments) handle third-party claims.
Why the distinction matters
Different adjusters
First-party claims are handled by property claim handlers. Third-party claims are handled by liability adjusters. Different training, different procedures.
Different burdens of proof
First-party: you must prove the loss occurred and is covered. Third-party: the claimant must prove the insured is legally liable.
Different defenses
First-party: policy exclusions, coverage conditions. Third-party: no liability, comparative negligence, no legal duty.
Different statutes of limitations
First-party contract actions: 5 years in Florida. Third-party tort actions: 2 years for negligence (significantly shorter).
Can a public adjuster represent you in both?
Florida public adjusters are licensed for first-party claim representation. Third-party liability claims against you or on your behalf typically require attorney representation.
Coverage categories by claim type
| Coverage | First-party | Third-party |
|---|---|---|
| A (Dwelling) | ✓ | : |
| B (Other structures) | ✓ | : |
| C (Personal property) | ✓ | : |
| D (Loss of use / ALE) | ✓ | : |
| E (Liability) | : | ✓ |
| F (Medical payments) | : | ✓ |
Mixed scenarios
Some events trigger both:
- Your tree falls on your house AND neighbor's house → first-party (your tree on your property) + third-party (neighbor's claim against your liability)
- Fire in your home injures a visitor → first-party (your property) + third-party (visitor's claim)
Each is handled separately, often by different adjusters.
When you need attorney representation
- Third-party claims (always)
- First-party claims involving bad faith
- First-party claims in litigation
- First-party claims with significant complexity or coverage disputes
Ocean Point handles first-party; we coordinate with attorneys on third-party or bad-faith matters.