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Underpaid or Denied Homeowner’s Insurance Claim?
Whether it’s caused by hurricanes, mold, water, fire or vandalism, damage to one’s home is a distressful and resource consuming experience.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t typically act in good faith even as it pertains to honoring valid homeowners’ insurance claims. Insurance representatives are tasked with sacrificing the least amount of money possible, if any at all. As a result, many homeowner claims are underpaid or outright denied. We’ve seen instances where insurers misinterpret policies to reduce payouts or deny the claims altogether.
At The Law Offices of Scott Jay Senft, we’ve been fighting and achieving favorable outcomes for Florida homeowners for over three decades. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, home inspection, and policy review.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Damage to Your Home
1. Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. For fire or structural damage, evacuate immediately and wait for authorities to declare the home safe. In water or storm-related incidents, be cautious of electrical hazards or weakened structures.
2. Contact Emergency Services (If Needed)
Call 911 if the damage is severe, like a fire or collapsed roof. For storm or flood damage, report downed power lines or other hazards to local authorities. Quick response protects not only your family but also your neighborhood.
3. Document the Damage
Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage before making any repairs. This includes structural issues, destroyed belongings, water intrusion, or external elements like broken windows or roofs. This evidence will be vital for your insurance claim.
4. Prevent Further Damage
Make temporary repairs to stop worsening conditions—such as tarping a roof, shutting off water, or boarding up windows. Keep all receipts for any emergency repairs, as these may be reimbursable under your policy.
5. Be Cautious When Notifying Your Insurance Company
While it’s important to report the damage promptly, be mindful of what you say. Stick to the basic facts—date, type of damage, and affected areas—and avoid speculating about the cause or extent until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Insurers may use your initial statements to limit or deny your claim, so it’s best to get legal guidance as soon as possible.
6. Consult a Homeowners Insurance Attorney & Adjuster
If your claim is denied, underpaid, or delayed—or if the damage is severe—it’s wise to speak with an experienced homeowners insurance attorney. A lawyer can help manage communication with your insurer, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
Type of Homeowners Insurance Claims We Handle
Underpaid and Denied Claims
Between 2017 and 2021, the average cost of a homeowners insurance claim was $15,091—yet many claims are still denied or underpaid. Common issues include damages not covered by the policy, like floods, hurricanes, or windstorms, which often require separate endorsements in Florida. Late filing and missing documentation can also lead to rejections. Without proof like receipts, photos, or a home inventory, insurers may undervalue or deny your claim entirely.
Storm Damage
These claims often involve significant property damage that requires prompt and thorough handling. Florida is particularly susceptible to storm damage, especially during the summer months when high winds and frequent afternoon storms are common. From 1980 to 2024, the cost of severe storms in Florida ranged between $5 billion and $10 billion. Given the frequency and severity of these events, it is crucial for homeowners to be prepared. Preparation includes having an up-to-date inventory of your property and understanding your insurance policy’s coverage.
Hurricane Damage
In Florida, hurricane insurance is not a separate policy and is typically included in standard homeowners’ insurance policies. This coverage includes damage to the interior of a building and to personal property inside if the windstorm causes an opening that allows rain, snow, sleet, hail, sand, or dust to enter and cause further damage. Hurricane coverage as part of standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically includes a separate deductible. This hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit, ranging between 2% and 10%, with some exceptions.
Flood Damage
Flood damage is a common issue in Florida due to frequent storms and hurricanes. However, it can also result from other incidents like burst pipes or other in-house damages. Flood damage can lead to extensive water damage and mold growth, severely affecting your property. Flood insurance typically covers structural damage, personal property, and temporary housing if need to relocate while repairs are made. Unlike hurricane coverage, flood damage is not included in standard homeowners’ insurance policies.
Fire Damage
Fires can be accidental, caused by natural disasters, or even criminal acts like arson. The aftermath often requires significant repairs and replacement of personal property. Homeowners insurance typically covers fire damage, but the specifics can vary based on the policy and the cause of the fire.
Property Theft
Property theft involves the unlawful taking of personal belongings from your home, ranging from burglary to identity theft. Homeowners insurance typically covers theft, including the loss of personal property. Most insurance policies provide coverage for personal property on an actual cash value basis, but some policies or endorsements offer coverage on a replacement cost basis, which includes the cost to repair or replace the property with comparable items.
Vandalism
Vandalism involves the intentional destruction or defacement of property and can lead to significant repair costs. Homeowners insurance often covers vandalism, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on the policy chosen. Insurance generally covers various acts of vandalism, including graffiti, arson, breaking windows, and defacing property. Homeowners insurance does not cover vandalism if the home has been vacant for more than 60 days or if the damage is associated with a home-based business without the necessary endorsements.
We Fight to Protect What Matters Most
With decades of experience and trusted adjusters on your side, we work to get you the full value you’re owed.
We Know What’s at Stake
Experience Fighting Insurance Companies
Results & Experience
Personalized Attention
We know how overwhelming the claims process can feel, especially after serious damage to your home. That’s why we take the time to understand your unique situation, keep you informed, and guide you through every stage of the process. We’re available 24/7 to support you when you need us most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t Find What You Are Looking For? Call 954-329-0137 to Connect With a Homeowners Insurance Attorney.
Why Should You Choose The Law Offices of Scott Jay Senft for Your Homeowners Attorney?
At the Law Offices of Scott J. Senft, we specialize in advocating for homeowners’ rights against insurance companies that act in bad faith. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for clients who have been unfairly treated by their insurers. We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
What Types of Homeowners Insurance Claims Does The Law Offices of Scott Jay Senft Cover?
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Homeowners Claim?
What Should I Do to Prepare for Filing a Homeowners Claim?
How do I File a Claim Against Someone Else's Homeowners Insurance?
What Should I Do When Homeowners Insurance Denies My Claim?
What Are Three Common Reasons Why Insurance Claims Are Denied?
Here are three common reasons why a homeowner’s insurance claim might be denied:
- Damage Not Covered Under Policy: Home insurance covers a wide range of damages to your home and personal belongings, but certain losses are excluded. For example, standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Homeowners in Florida may need separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas, as well as additional coverage for specific risks like hurricanes or earthquakes. While hurricane coverage is often included in Florida home insurance policies, flood insurance must be purchased separately, and windstorm coverage might require a special endorsement or a separate policy.
- Late Filing of Claims: Insurance policies often have strict deadlines for filing claims, which can vary by state and insurer. In Florida, for claims resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, severe rain, or other weather-related events, the date of loss is determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For property insurance policies, notice of an initial or reopened claim must be filed within one year after the incident occurred. Notice of a supplemental claim must be given within 18 months after the date of loss. These deadlines can be extended for specific reasons, such as service members deployed in combat zones or combat support postings, which materially affect their ability to file a claim.
- Insufficient Documentation: To support a claim, homeowners must provide sufficient evidence of the damage and the value of the lost items. This includes receipts, photos, or videos of the damaged property, both before and after the loss. Creating an inventory of your belongings can help substantiate your claim. A lack of documentation may cause an insurance company to deny or underpay the claim. Witness statements can sometimes provide additional support if primary evidence is missing.
CALL (954) 329-0137South Florida’s Top Homeowners Insurance Attorneys
Looking For a Hassle Free Solution?
With over 30 years of experience, we bring the tools, knowledge, and determination to help you secure the compensation you deserve. When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- A free home inspection to assess the damage
- A free policy review to uncover all coverage options
- Full claims handling, from cleanup coordination to insurer negotiations
We handle the complexities, so you can focus on restoring your home and peace of mind.