5 Reasons Insurance Companies Deny Hurricane Claims

When hurricane season hits Florida, property owners face not only the threat of severe weather but also the challenge of dealing with insurance claims afterward. Unfortunately, many legitimate hurricane damage claims are denied by insurance companies, leaving property owners to cover costly repairs out of pocket.

At Public FL Adjusters, we've seen countless denied hurricane claims, and we've identified the most common tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying what policyholders deserve.

1. Claiming the Damage Was Pre-Existing

One of the most common reasons insurance companies deny hurricane claims is by asserting that the damage existed before the storm. Insurance companies may argue that roof damage, for example, was due to normal wear and tear rather than hurricane winds.

How to Fight Back: Document your property's condition regularly with photos and videos, especially before hurricane season begins. Keep records of all maintenance and repairs. If your claim is denied for this reason, a public adjuster can help gather evidence to prove the damage was indeed caused by the hurricane.

2. Missed Deadlines or Incomplete Documentation

Insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting damage and filing claims. Missing these deadlines or failing to provide complete documentation gives insurance companies an easy reason to deny your claim.

How to Fight Back: Report damage immediately and keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company. Take extensive photos and videos of all damage before making temporary repairs. A public adjuster can help ensure your claim is properly documented and filed on time.

3. Attributing Damage to Excluded Perils

Many hurricane policies have separate deductibles and coverage limits for wind damage versus flood damage. Insurance companies often try to categorize damage as being caused by an excluded peril or one with less coverage.

How to Fight Back: Understand exactly what your policy covers and excludes before a storm hits. If your claim is denied because the insurance company misclassified the cause of damage, a public adjuster can help prove the actual cause and fight for proper coverage.

4. Undervaluing the Extent of Damage

Even when insurance companies accept a claim, they often undervalue the extent of the damage, offering settlements that don't cover the full cost of repairs.

How to Fight Back: Get independent repair estimates from licensed contractors. Don't accept a settlement offer until you're confident it covers all necessary repairs. A public adjuster can provide a thorough damage assessment and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.

5. Claiming Lack of Mitigation

Insurance companies may deny claims if they believe you failed to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after the hurricane, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarp.

How to Fight Back: Take immediate temporary measures to prevent further damage and document these efforts with photos and receipts. If your claim is denied for this reason, a public adjuster can help demonstrate that you took appropriate mitigation steps.

How a Public Adjuster Can Help

If your hurricane damage claim has been denied or underpaid, a licensed public adjuster can be your strongest advocate. At Public FL Adjusters, we:

• Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage
• Thoroughly document all hurricane damage
• Build a strong case to counter the insurance company's denial
• Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company
• Fight for the maximum settlement you deserve

Don't accept a denied hurricane claim without a fight. Contact Public FL Adjusters today for a free claim review and let us help you get the settlement you deserve.