The setting
- Property type: Single-family residence
- Year of loss: 2024
- Region: South Florida
- Claim type: Sudden and accidental water damage from supply-line failure
- Original carrier offer: Approximately 35% of actual repair cost
What the insurer argued
The carrier's initial Xactimate estimate captured the obvious water-damaged materials but omitted:
- Extended drying equipment hours (specified 2 days; actual was 6 days)
- Demolition and haul-away for saturated insulation and drywall
- Protection and containment during the drying phase
- Matching of the affected flooring (discontinued tile line)
- Code-upgrade line items for updated drywall-installation requirements
What the policyholder argued
The homeowner retained Ocean Point after the initial settlement offer. A full Xactimate re-estimate captured every line item the carrier had omitted, each supported by:
- Dry-out contractor's equipment-hour logs
- Demolition photography
- Matching unavailability confirmation from the tile supplier
- Current-code installation specifications from a licensed contractor
What we submitted at mediation
- Full Xactimate re-estimate with line-by-line comparison to the carrier's estimate
- Dry-out contractor affidavit on equipment hours
- Matching unavailability letter from the tile manufacturer
- Licensed contractor statement on current code requirements
- Fla. Stat. 626.9744 citation for continuous-area matching
What the mediator observed
The scope comparison was difficult for the carrier to rebut. Each omitted line item was supported by specific evidence. The carrier's position moved substantially during mediation.
Outcome
The claim was corrected to approximately 92% of the full re-estimate. The gap from the original settlement offer was substantial: more than tripling the net recovery, even after Ocean Point's contingency fee.
Lesson for other policyholders
A low initial settlement offer isn't the final word. The gap is usually specific, identifiable scope line items. A full Xactimate re-estimate from a Florida public adjuster captures those items; the supplemental claim closes the gap. Do not accept the first offer without a second opinion.