Managing insurance claims after property damage is one of the most critical—and often mishandled—responsibilities for condo associations and homeowners associations (HOAs). Unfortunately, many COAs & HOAs unknowingly make costly mistakes that lead to claim denials, leaving their communities financially vulnerable.
The good news? An experienced public adjuster can help prevent these issues and maximize your claim payout. Here are the three most common reasons COAs & HOAs get claims denied—and how hiring a public adjuster early can make all the difference.
1. Late Reporting – A Public Adjuster Keeps You On Schedule
The Problem:
- Insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting damage, sometimes within 48 to 72 hours of discovery. Delays in reporting, even if unintentional, can result in automatic claim denials. Many COAs & HOAs are slow to act due to unclear internal procedures, uncertainty about coverage, or failure to recognize the urgency of hidden damage.
- Missed reporting deadlines can mean losing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in recovery.
- Oftentimes, Associations rule themselves out of a recovery without getting the proper advice from an experienced public adjuster. Some even assume they must pay their deductible up front, which is inaccurate.
How a Public Adjuster Fixes This:
- Immediate Claim Notification: They report the claim to your insurer right away, preserving your eligibility for coverage and properly meeting notice requirements.
- Deadline Management: They track every policy deadline—reporting, documentation, proof of loss requirements —so nothing gets missed.
- Fast, On-Site Damage Assessment: They are on-site quickly to document the full scope of damage and start the claim process immediately.
Without a public adjuster, your Condo Association or HOA risks losing a valid claim simply because the clock ran out.
2. Pre-Existing Conditions – A Public Adjuster Helps Prove the Damage Is New
The Problem:
- “The roof was already deteriorating.”
- “That water damage looks like it’s been there a while.”
- “This issue resulted from long-term neglect.”
How a Public Adjuster Fixes This:
- Organizes Maintenance Records: They compile past inspections, service logs, and invoices to show that your Condo Association or HOA maintained the property properly.
- Documents Pre-Loss Condition: They help establish the condition of your property before damage occurred, making it harder for insurers to blame prior issues. A Certificate of Good Condition (C.G.C.) could save you millions in lost claim dollars.
- Hires Objective Experts: They bring in engineers and other “experts” to support your claim and refute unfair “neglect” accusations.
Without a public adjuster, your claim could be denied for damage that didn’t exist until the storm hit.
3. Failure to Navigate the Claims Process – A Public Adjuster Navigates Your Claim Properly – From Start to Finish
The Problem:
The insurance claims process is complex, technical, and time-consuming. Condo Associations or HOAs often submit incomplete forms, overlook key documentation, or accept low settlement offers out of frustration or confusion. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to fall into traps that reduce or eliminate your payout.
How a Public Adjuster Fixes This:
- Full-Service Claim Handling: They manage the entire process—from claim filing and inspections to paperwork and negotiations.
- Builds a Solid Claim File: They include all required documents: damage photos, repair estimates, proof of losses, and expert opinions.
- Expert Negotiation: They push back against lowball offers and advocate for the true value of your loss.
Without a public adjuster, navigating the claims process alone can cost your community significantly more than their fee.
An experienced public adjuster tells your insurance company how much you are owed and why.
Protecting Your Condo Association or HOA From the Start — Before and After the Storm
Storm damage is one of the most common—and costly—triggers for insurance claims filed by HOAs and Condo Associations. Unfortunately, many communities make avoidable mistakes during the process, such as filing without professional guidance, accepting the insurer’s first offer, or missing key deadlines. These errors often result in underpaid or denied claims.
But the damage isn’t always visible. Storms can cause subtle but serious issues, like hidden roof leaks, electrical damage, or compromised structural elements, like damage to windows or doors (which is typically covered by the Condo Association policy) —issues that can easily be overlooked without expert assessment.
This is where a public adjuster makes a powerful difference.
When brought in early, a public adjuster can:
- Uncover Hidden Damage – From foundation cracks to water intrusion, we ensure the full scope of loss is documented.
- Take Over the Claim Process – We handle everything from reporting and paperwork to negotiation, so your board doesn’t have to.
- Work on Contingency – We don’t get paid unless you do, and our fee comes from the final settlement check, not your budget.
Even better, a public adjuster can help protect your Condo Association or HOA before a disaster strikes.
Insurance companies often deny claims by citing “pre-existing damage” or poor maintenance.
To prevent this, we offer:
- Pre-Loss Policy Reviews – Identify coverage gaps before they become costly.
- Certificates of Good Condition – Document your property’s health now, so you’re covered later.
- Maintenance Record Audits – Organize and prepare your records to defend against “neglect” denials.
Proactive planning is the best defense. Don’t wait until damage occurs to find out you’re unprepared.
Contact us today for a complimentary 13-point Inspection, a FREE Policy review, and your community’s Certificate of Good Condition.
Complete this form, and we will contact you – CLICK HERE. It could save your Condo Association or HOA hundreds of thousands—and countless headaches.
