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.

Florida homeowner studies denied hurricane claim and plans consulting with an insurance dispute lawyer.

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.

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post

  • 1

    Why Your Claim Was Denied: Insurance claims can be denied for a variety of reasons, including insufficient documentation, pre-existing damage, or missing important deadlines.

  • 2

    Understand Your Insurance Policy: Florida hurricane policies often contain specific clauses—like “named storm” or “anti-concurrent causation”—that can impact whether your damages are covered. Knowing these details is crucial when filing a claim.

  • 3

    How to File an Appeal: If your claim was denied, don’t panic. Start by reviewing the denial letter carefully. You can file an appeal by submitting additional documentation and addressing any mistakes or oversights in the insurer’s reasoning.

  • 4
    When to Hire a Property Damage Attorney: If your claim has been denied or you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to hire a property damage attorney. An attorney with expertise in Florida insurance law can strengthen your case and negotiate effectively with your insurer, significantly improving your chances of success.
  • 5

    Prevent Future Claim Denials: The best way to avoid future claim denials is by regularly reviewing and updating your hurricane insurance policy. This proactive step helps identify potential gaps in coverage and ensures you’re fully protected before the next hurricane season.

  • 6

    Let Us Help: Navigating a denied insurance claim doesn’t have to be stressful. Let the team at Herman & Wells guide you through the process. Call us today at (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation.

Common Reasons Why Hurricane Insurance Claims Are Denied

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.

What’s Covered In Your Hurricane Insurance Policy?

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.

Key Clauses in Florida Hurricane Policies

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.

Coverage Limits And Exceptions In Hurricane Insurance

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.