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!
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- 1Reasons For Denial Or Underpayment: If denied due to incomplete documentation, gather additional evidence like photos and estimates to address gaps noted by the insurer. For disputes over cause or repair costs, an independent assessment can help strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of fair compensation.
- 2Steps To Take After Denial Or Underpayment: Review the insurer’s reasons to prepare a strong appeal. Collect additional evidence, such as updated photos and repair estimates, and request a reassessment to better your chances.
- 3What Is A Public Adjuster: 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.
- 4When To Get A Hurricane Insurance Lawyer: If attempts to resolve your claim are unsuccessful, a hurricane insurance lawyer can provide essential support.
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Let Herman & Wells step in to take on the fight so you don’t have to. Call (727) 821-3195 to get started today, and feel confident knowing you have a dedicated team in your corner.
Common Reasons Hurricane Damage Insurance Claims Are Denied Or Underpaid
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:
Incomplete Documentation And Evidence
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 Damage Causes (Wind Vs. Flood)
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.
Policy Exclusions And Limitations
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.
Low Valuations And Underestimated Repair Costs
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.