If your insurance company has denied your property damage claim or offered an amount that barely covers your loss, you’re not alone.
Many Florida homeowners and business owners face the frustration of a low, delayed, or denied insurance claim after a hurricane 🌪️, pipe burst 💧, fire 🔥, or other unexpected event.
Don’t give up!
You have options. This guide explains exactly what to do next if your insurance claim has been denied or underpaid in Florida.
❗ Why Do Insurance Claims Get Denied or Underpaid?
Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts for a variety of reasons, including:
- Claim filed outside policy deadlines
- Insufficient documentation of the damage
- Disputes over the cause of damage (e.g., pre-existing condition vs. storm damage)
- Damage determined to be below the deductible
- Errors or missing information in the claim
Even legitimate claims can be unfairly delayed or lowballed.
That’s when you should consider professional help.
👷♂️ Step 1: Stay Calm and Review the Denial Letter
Your insurer must provide a written explanation for the denial or partial payment.
👉 Read the letter carefully to understand their reasoning.
👉 Check your homeowner’s policy or commercial insurance policy to confirm coverage.
Tip: Never assume their answer is final. You have rights as a Florida policyholder!
📝 Step 2: Gather Evidence
The more organized you are, the stronger your position.
Collect:
- Photos & videos of the damage 📸
- Copies of repair estimates 🛠️
- Contractor reports & invoices
- Communications with your insurance company
- A copy of your full insurance policy
👥 Step 3: Contact a Public Adjuster
A Public Adjuster (PA) represents YOU — not the insurance company.
A PA can:
- Conduct a fresh, detailed inspection of your property 🔍
- Prepare a thorough loss estimate
- Reopen the claim with your insurance company
- Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf
👉 In Florida, many public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay a percentage of your settlement if they recover more for you.
As a Licensed Public Adjuster Apprentice under the supervision of Jacob Moss at Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc., I help Florida homeowners and business owners document their loss and push back against denied or underpaid claims — all under licensed supervision.
💡 Step 4: Consider Filing a Complaint or Appraisal
If negotiations fail, you may be able to:
- File a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS)
- Request an appraisal process (a third-party panel evaluates the damage)
- As a last resort, consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes ⚖️
Most claims, however, can be resolved successfully with proper documentation and public adjuster representation 👍
✅ Key Takeaways: What To Do Next
| 🚫 Denied Claim? | 💵 Underpaid Claim? |
|---|---|
| Review the denial reason | Get a second opinion from a PA |
| Gather more documentation | Document hidden or additional damages |
| Call a Public Adjuster for help | Reopen the claim for fair negotiation |
📞 Get Help With Your Florida Insurance Claim
Don’t accept a denied or underpaid claim as the final word.
👉 If you’ve experienced damage to your home or business in Florida and need help, I offer a free, no-obligation claim review under the supervision of a licensed Public Adjuster.
We represent YOU — not the insurance company.
📞 Contact Mike — Start Your Free Claim Review
Think you have a valid insurance claim? Let’s take a closer look.
I offer free, no-obligation claim reviews for homeowners and business owners across Florida.
As a licensed Public Adjuster Apprentice FL DHS 3120 Lic.#G232590, I work under the supervision of Jacob Moss PA at Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc. All inspections, documentation, and insurance communications are performed under licensed supervision, in full compliance with Florida law.
💬 Let’s Connect:
📞 Call or Text: (754) 223-0959
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Or complete our Free Claim Review Form
We’re here to help — before you call your insurance company.
“We represent policyholders, not insurance companies.”
I am a Licensed Public Adjuster Apprentice in Florida under the supervision of Jacob Moss at Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc. I bring over 20 years of experience in construction project management and disaster recovery. As a Senior Project Manager with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), I led major federal building renovations and infrastructure upgrades. With the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), I conducted over 500 disaster damage assessments after major hurricanes. I now assist Florida property owners in documenting losses and preparing insurance claims to help secure fair settlements under licensed supervision.