Denied Claims Property Insurance Claim Help in Florida

Insurers deny property claims for reasons that sound final: wear and tear, a cause the policy excludes, damage below the deductible, late notice, or not enough proof. Some denials are correct. Many rest on a short inspection or on a reading of the policy that leaves out coverage you paid for. A denied claim can be reopened when there is evidence the first decision missed.

What we do with a denied claim

1. Read the denial letter and the policy. The letter should give the insurer’s reason. We compare that reason with the wording of your policy.
2. Inspect the property ourselves. We document the cause and the extent of the damage with photographs, measurements and, where needed, outside experts.
3. Prepare a full estimate of what it costs to repair or replace what was damaged.
4. Ask the insurer to reopen the claim and negotiate on your behalf.

Deadlines that apply

Under Florida law, a reopened claim must be reported within one year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. Once the insurer has notice of a reopened claim, it has 60 days to pay or deny it. If your denial letter is recent, time is still on your side. If the loss is older, call us today.

If the insurer still says no

You have other routes. Many policies include an appraisal process. Florida’s Department of Financial Services runs a mediation program for residential property claims; it is not binding and the insurer pays for it. Some disputes need an attorney. We are adjusters, not lawyers, and we will tell you when a claim calls for one.

What it costs

We don’t get paid unless you get paid. On a reopened claim, Florida law allows a public adjuster’s fee only on money the insurer pays after you sign with us, never on what you had already received.

Related: Underpaid Claims, Roof Damage, Water Damage.