Ever wondered why your premium climbs while your claim stalls? We talk with public adjuster and attorney John Jacobsen, a former insurance insider who now fights for homeowners across Southwest Florida, to reveal how property claims really get decided—and how you can tip the scales in your favor. John breaks down the insuring agreement at the core of every policy, the role of documentation and line‑item estimates, and why the appraisal process can transform lowball offers into realistic payouts that actually rebuild homes.

John’s story starts in Minnesota and winds through years defending carriers in bodily injury, malpractice, and property claims. That vantage point—the carrier’s mindset, playbooks, and pressure points—now powers his advocacy for policyholders. He shares a striking case where an initial $13,000 offer rose to $186,000 after a thorough assessment and persistent negotiation. We dig into how recent Florida reforms changed attorney fee recovery, why that matters for families with limited resources, and where public adjusters fit as a cost‑effective alternative to litigation when coverage and scope are in dispute.

Beyond the paperwork, we zoom out to the reality of living on the Gulf Coast: hurricanes, soaring premiums, and the haunting phrase “insurance poor.” John speaks candidly about the trend of owners who self‑insure, the scrutiny on carrier estimating practices, and the importance of asking hard questions before and after a loss. You’ll leave with practical steps: read your policy’s insuring agreement, request full estimate details, understand depreciation and code upgrades, and know your rights to bring your own adjuster to the table.

If you’re navigating a claim or preparing for storm season, this conversation will help you secure fair value for your coverage and your home. Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest insurance question—we’ll tackle it on a future show.

Final Analysis
John Jacobsen
1-800-953-4670
john@finalanalysis.net
johnajacobsen.net

Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor
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