So an insurance adjuster came out and the insurance company evaluated the damage and agreed to give him $17 million dollars. I don't see what the issue is.
When Hurricane Fran came through North Carolina and dropped over a dozen trees on my house, we sent the insurance company pictures (at their request) and they sent me a check for over $10K for the damage. I cut all the trees off my house (with the help of neighbors), repaired my minor roof damage, fixed the fence and bought a new swing set for the kids. I did not spend anywhere near $10K. Same type of situation.