Florida Hurricane Insurance Claim Denied? Here Are Your Options

When Jake returned to his Florida home after Hurricane Helene, he was shocked to see the extent of the damage. His roof had suffered severe wind damage, and his patio was flooded. But the biggest blow came when his hurricane insurance claim was denied. Like many homeowners in Florida, Jake had faithfully paid his insurance premiums, trusting his policy would have his back in times of disaster. Little did he know, navigating a denied hurricane insurance claim could be just as difficult as dealing with the damage itself.

If you’ve had your hurricane insurance claim denied, like Jake, you’re not alone. Our team at Herman & Wells specializes in helping Florida homeowners appeal denied claims and secure the compensation they deserve. Reach out today (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.

Jake thought he had followed all the right steps: he documented the damage, filed the claim on time, and waited for his insurance payout. But when the insurance company denied his claim, citing “pre-existing damage” to his roof, it felt like a punch to the gut. Many Florida homeowners find themselves in similar situations, where claims are denied due to reasons like insufficient documentation, policy exclusions, or disputes over the cause of the damage.

Knowing these common reasons upfront can help you avoid missteps when submitting your claim. And if your claim is denied for something that doesn’t seem right—like in Jake’s case—remember, you have the right to challenge it.

Jake assumed his policy covered all hurricane-related damage, but he was caught off guard when he learned that storm surge damage wasn’t included. Like many Florida homeowners, Jake didn’t have flood insurance, which is the only coverage for storm surge—a major risk during hurricanes. In fact, only about one in five property owners in the state have flood insurance, according to state statistics. To complicate matters, his policy also had a specific hurricane deductible, which was higher than his standard deductible.

Before hurricane season, it’s crucial to review your policy carefully. Knowing whether you’re protected against risks like storm surge and understanding your deductibles can help you avoid unwelcome surprises during the claims process.

Most hurricane policies in Florida contain critical clauses, including coverage limits and windstorm deductibles. Jake didn’t realize that his personal property inside the house had limited coverage for hurricane damage, which meant his water-damaged furniture wasn’t fully reimbursed. Familiarizing yourself with these clauses before a hurricane hits ensures you know what protection you actually have.

Jake was shocked to find that the full cost of his repairs exceeded his policy’s coverage limit, leaving him with a hefty bill. Every insurance policy comes with limits, and understanding these in advance will help you plan. Additionally, some policies have exceptions for things like detached structures or landscaping, which can leave homeowners footing the bill for out-of-pocket expenses.

When Jake’s claim was denied, he felt lost and unsure of what to do next. The first crucial step was to carefully review the denial letter. This document outlined the insurance company’s reasons for refusing to pay, such as their claim that the roof damage was “pre-existing.” For any homeowner facing a denial, the denial letter is your blueprint for how to move forward—it provides the insight you need to challenge the decision and start building your appeal.

The denial letter Jake received was packed with confusing insurance jargon, making it difficult for him to fully understand why his claim was rejected. These letters often cite reasons like missing paperwork, policy lapses, or disputes over the cause of damage. Our hurricane insurance lawyers can help decode this complex language, so you know exactly why your claim was denied and how we can build a winning strategy to fight the decision.

Jake realized that he hadn’t taken enough photos of the damage right after the storm, which weakened his claim. Take extensive photos, videos, and keep repair estimates. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be, whether it’s for the initial filing or for an appeal.

Frustrated but determined, Jake chose to appeal his denied claim. If your hurricane claim is denied, you don’t have to take it as the final answer. Filing an appeal gives you the chance to provide additional evidence and challenge the insurance company’s decision. Jake teamed up with an insurance claim attorney to build a stronger case, making sure he had all the necessary documents and proof of damage to support his appeal.

For Jake, the appeal process hinged on staying organized and acting quickly. He gathered additional photos, repair estimates, and even brought in a public adjuster to get a more thorough assessment of the damage. To strengthen your own appeal, make sure to submit any missing documentation, gather expert testimonies, and consult with a property damage lawyer who can help you navigate the process from start to finish.

Jake quickly realized that Florida has strict timelines for filing appeals, typically within 30 to 60 days of the denial. Acting fast is crucial—missing these deadlines can mean forfeiting your right to appeal, leaving you stuck with out-of-pocket repair costs.

When Jake decided to hire a lawyer after his hurricane insurance claim was denied, he knew he needed someone who specialized in Florida hurricane damage claims. To find the right attorney, he asked key questions like:

“How many hurricane insurance claims have you handled in Florida?”

“What’s your success rate with appealing denied claims?”

He also wanted a lawyer who was familiar with Florida’s specific hurricane insurance laws, so he asked:

“Are you up-to-date on the latest changes in Florida’s insurance regulations?”

Knowing that communication is key, Jake made sure to ask how often he would receive updates and whether he could contact the lawyer directly if he had concerns. By asking these important questions, Jake found a lawyer who not only had a strong track record of success but also kept him informed throughout the entire process.

For anyone in Jake’s situation, it’s crucial to work with a lawyer who has the right experience and a thorough understanding of Florida’s hurricane insurance laws. At Herman & Wells, our hurricane insurance lawyers specialize in navigating the complexities of these claims, working on a contingency fee basis so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. We also offer free consultations to help you understand your options from the start. With our deep knowledge of hurricane damage claims and a commitment to keeping you informed, we can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful appeal. Just like Jake, having the right legal team on your side can give you peace of mind knowing your case is in good hands.

Jake also brought in a public adjuster to ensure the damage was thoroughly and accurately assessed. Public adjusters work on behalf of homeowners to evaluate damage and negotiate directly with the insurance company. Hiring a public adjuster can help you secure a fairer settlement, but it’s important to choose one who is licensed and experienced with hurricane claims in Florida to get the best results.

One thing Jake wished he had done sooner was review his insurance policy before hurricane season. By understanding what was covered and making necessary adjustments, he could have avoided some of the issues that led to his claim being denied. Preventing future denials starts with thoroughly knowing your policy and ensuring it fully protects your home.

Jake also realized, too late, that hiring a lawyer from the very beginning of the claims process could have saved him a lot of time and frustration. If he had consulted a property damage attorney earlier, he could have avoided delays and missteps, ensuring all documentation was correctly submitted from the start. Having legal support right away can make all the difference, especially when insurers are reluctant to pay what’s fair.

If you’re facing the same frustrating situation as Jake, don’t wait—especially with the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the impending threat of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm. A denied hurricane insurance claim doesn’t have to be the end of your story. At Herman & Wells, our experienced property damage attorneys know the complexities of Florida’s insurance laws, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

With powerful storms becoming more frequent, having the right team in your corner is more important than ever! With powerful storms becoming more frequent, having the right team in your corner is more important than ever! Contact us at (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation, and let us help you turn a denial into the resolution you need to get your life back on track. We’re ready to be the support you can count on.