Hurricane Milton’s Aftermath: How to Handle Denied or Underpaid Insurance Claims in Florida

In Florida, over 37,000 home insurance claims have been denied following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, by October 23, 84.2% of claims related to Hurricane Milton and 68.2% from Hurricane Helene remain incomplete, either awaiting payment or headed toward denial. The good news is that a denied claim doesn’t have to be the final word. Our insurance dispute attorneys at Herman & Wells bring the experience and determination needed to overturn claim denials and secure the compensation you deserve. Call (727) 821-3195 to get started today!

Every year nearly half of all hurricane insurance claims are denied or underpaid. This is often due to issues like incomplete documentation, lack of evidence, disagreements over what caused the damage, policy exclusions, undervalued assessments, or disputes around repair costs:

If your claim was denied due to incomplete documentation and evidence you will need to review your policy to see what the requirements are and see what you submitted. Chances are something was left out. You will need to start gathering additional documentation to address the insurer’s concerns. This may include updated photos of the damage, detailed repair estimates, and receipts for any damaged items. Such evidence is essential for proving the extent and value of your losses. Be sure that each piece of new documentation directly responds to the gaps or issues outlined in the denial letter.

Disputes over what caused the damage can lead to your claim being denied. Sometimes, policies only cover specific types of coverage, causing you to need to purchase separate wind and flood policies. Hiring a professional who can properly assess the damage and clarify the cause, can help you get your claim approved.

Insurance policies can be complicated and confusing. They may contain lots of exclusions and limitations that may be grounds for claim denial. Reviewing the terms of your policy often will help identify any fine print that might affect your claim. Knowing what types of damage your policy excludes can set realistic expectations and guide you in knowing what type of extra coverage is needed.

Claims may be underpaid due to low evaluations of damages and repair costs. If you receive a repair cost estimate that is too low, it is worth getting an independent assessment done. This way you will receive a more accurate repair cost. Submitting this additional information may increase your chances of getting a higher settlement and ensure you receive the coverage needed to fully restore your property.

The path to getting your denied claim to an approved claim is a stressful one, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let Herman and Wells guide you down the path to victory and fight for the settlement you deserve. Schedule your consultation at (727) 821-3195.

After receiving a denial or reduced payment, review the denial notice to understand the specific reasons given by your insurance company. Identifying these reasons is the first step in forming a strong appeal or request for reassessment. This gives you the opportunity to respond directly to any concerns or requirements outlined by the insurer.

Collect any missing or additional evidence needed to address the reasons for your denial or underpayment. This may include new photos, additional repair estimates, and the record of repairs to show the extent of your losses. Presenting this evidence in a clear and organized way can strengthen your appeal.

Once you have submitted the new evidence, request a reassessment of your claim with your insurance company. Submitting a formal written request along with the documentation may produce a more favorable outcome. Having a public adjuster to manage follow-ups on your case ensures that your claim receives priority and is handled efficiently by the insurance company.

If your claim remains unresolved or your payout seems insufficient, hiring a public adjuster can help. Public adjusters are independent professionals who work on your behalf to review the claim, evaluate damage, and negotiate with the insurance company, often achieving higher payouts for claimants.

The benefits of having a public adjuster are many. They provide an unbiased assessment of the damage, manage your claim, and help ensure that all evidence is gathered. They are experts in handling claims and help you to increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

If all efforts to resolve your claim fail, a hurricane insurance lawyer can help. Our lawyers at Herman and Wells specialize in insurance disputes and are experts in the claim process, interpreting policy terms, and taking your case to court. With a lawyer’s assistance, you can ensure every avenue is pursued to secure the compensation you deserve.

An experienced attorney can review your policy, file necessary paperwork, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They can identify gaps in the insurer’s argument, gather expert testimonies, and ultimately strengthen your case in court if needed.

If your claim remains unfairly denied, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. They will guide you through each step, from submitting a formal complaint to presenting evidence, and will advocate for fair compensation. This process makes sure that every detail of your case is carefully reviewed, leaving no aspect overlooked, leading to a favorable resolution.

When appealing denied claims or filing new ones, time limits are very important. Any delays can hinder your case. If you miss the filing deadline it can result in forfeiting your right to compensation. Always double-check submission dates and timelines to ensure timely filing.

Early involvement of legal support ensures no deadlines are missed, critical evidence is secured, and your case is approached strategically. With Herman & Wells, you have access to experienced professionals ready to support you at each stage of your claim process.

When facing the aftermath of a hurricane, figuring out your rights and securing fair compensation can feel overwhelming. At Herman & Wells, we provide the dedicated support you need to confidently navigate this process. Our experienced attorneys handle the complexities of your claim so you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward with peace of mind.

Call (727) 821-3195 today to schedule a consultation, and take the first step toward restoring your life.