Homeowner Insurance Claims – Frequently Asked Questions

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Document everything as soon as possible. Take photos and videos of the damage, make a list of affected items, and protect your property from further harm (e.g., covering a roof leak). Notify your insurance company right away. 

Yes. All policies require you to report damage promptly. Waiting too long could give your insurance company grounds to deny your claim. 

You have legal rights. Insurance companies often deny claims citing exclusions or minimize payouts. We can review your policy, investigate the damage, and pursue the full benefits you are entitled to. 

Yes, but I don't recommend it. Insurance companies are not charities, they are for profit compnay, which means their goal is to limit their financial responsibility to you! Many homeowners find that insurers delay, deny, or underpay when homeowners go it alone. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected, deadlines are met, and your claim is maximized. 

This is a common tactic insurers use to avoid paying. We work with independent experts to show when a covered event, like a storm, caused the damage. 

We only get our fees and costs if and when we recover money for you! - What does that mean? You don't directly pay for our services, we get a percentange of the final settlement / award. If we don't win, you don't owe us anything. 

Homeowners Policies usually cover sudden and accidental damage such as:

• Wind and storm damage
   
• Fire and smoke damage
   
• Water damage (not flood, unless you have a separate flood policy)
   
• Vandalism or theft
  Coverage depends on your policy terms, so a careful review is important.

It depends. Some claims resolve in weeks, while others may take months, especially if the insurer disputes the claim. Our job is to push the insurer to move quickly and fairly. 

• Your insurance policy
   
• Photos/videos of the damage
   
• Receipts for temporary repairs
   
• Contractor estimates
   
• Any communication with your insurance company

It’s best to call before problems arise. But if your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, or if the insurance company is making things difficult, reach out immediately—we can step in and fight for you. 

Denials often cite 'wear and tear' or 'pre-existing condition.' We find these are frequently inaccurate. We review your policy and the adjuster's report to challenge these findings using independent forensic evidence. 

 Replacement Cost Value (RCV) covers the cost to replace your roof with new materials, while Actual Cash Value (ACV) deducts depreciation based on age. Understanding which your policy provides is critical to your recovery. 

Even if an offer is made, it may be undervalued. We analyze whether the settlement meets current Florida Building Code requirements for a full replacement versus a patch repair. 

 Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. We combat 'wear and tear' arguments by utilizing licensed contractors and engineers to prove the damage is the result of a specific, covered 'sudden and accidental' weather event. 

 Yes, most Florida policies cover 'mitigation' costs to prevent further damage. Always take photos before and after the repair and keep every receipt for reimbursement.