Most Common Reasons for Hurricane Claim Denials

Florida may be known for its beaches and sunshine, but with the beauty comes the cost of hurricanes. Hurricanes can cause serious damage to property and preparation can only help so much. Even if homeowners do everything they can, claims may still end up denied. Here are some common reasons insurance companies deny hurricane claims:

Pre-existing Damage

Insurance companies frequently deny hurricane claims stating that the damage caused by the hurricane was pre-existing and not caused directly by the storm itself. Proper storm preparation of photographs showing the property before the hurricane hits can help prevent the insurance company from denying a claim based on pre-existing damages.

Failure to Mitigate Damage

If a hurricane causes roof leaks or water damage, there may be some efforts a homeowner can take to prevent further damage from occurring, also knowing as “mitigating the damages.” Insurance companies may deny hurricane claims because a homeowner failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent further damage to their property from the hurricane damage. Making well-documented temporary repairs or hiring a remediation company may prevent an insurance company from denying a claim based on a homeowner’s failure to mitigate damages.

Failure to Adequately Prepare for the Hurricane

When thinking of storm preparation, homeowners typically think it’s to protect them and their family, but proper preparation can actually help prevent a denied claim with their insurance company as well. Insurance companies are able to deny hurricane claims on the basis that the property was not adequately prepared for the hurricane, also known as “failure to secure property.” Proper hurricane preparation can prevent an insurance company from denying a claim based on a failure to secure property.

Failure to Adequately Document Damage or Provide Documentation

Insurance companies often deny hurricane claims on the basis that the homeowner failed to adequately document damage or provide documentation. Taking photos or videos of your property before and after the hurricane hits, having an itemized list of damaged property, and documenting any temporary repairs and related expenses can assist in ensuring a hurricane claim is covered. Homeowners should also comply with all documentation requests from their insurance company, such as providing a sworn proof of loss if requested. Documenting all damages and providing all documentation requested by the insurance company may help prevent a denied hurricane claim.

If your insurance company is denying, partially denying, delaying, or underpaying your hurricane claim, it may be time to contact an attorney. Contact our office today for a consultation.

This article is not intended to be legal advice nor create an attorney-client relationship.