Avoid Claim Denials and Coverage Gaps With Pro Tips From a Florida Public Adjuster Who’s Recovered Nearly $2 Billion
Every year, homeowners across Florida are blindsided — not just by hurricanes, but by insurance claim denials and delays. As a licensed public adjuster in Florida with nearly two decades of experience and over $2 billion in recovered insurance payouts, we’ve seen firsthand how unprepared most homeowners are when it comes to filing a hurricane damage claim.
What your insurance company doesn’t tell you up front could cost you everything.
Here are 5 critical truths your insurer rejects you never ask about—and hurricane claim tips to protect your home, finances, and sanity during the next Florida storm.
1. Flood Damage Is Not Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance
The #1 trap we see every year: homeowners assume hurricane coverage means flood protection. It doesn’t.
Most policies issued in Florida cover wind damage but exclude flooding entirely. This includes storm surge, overflowing canals, and rising water. Without a separate flood insurance policy, you’re not covered—no matter how severe the damage.
According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause over $25,000 in damage.
📌 TIP – Florida Storm Prep Essential:
Buy separate flood insurance today. Ask your public adjuster or insurance claim adjuster in Florida to review your existing policy for exclusions. Don’t assume anything is covered—verify it.
2. Aging Roofs Can Lead to Denied Insurance Claims
One of the top reasons we see roof repair insurance claims denied? The age and condition of the roof. If your roof is over 10–15 years old, insurers may try to claim the damage was due to wear and tear—not the hurricane.
This tactic is commonly used by insurance company claim adjusters in Florida to justify lowball offers or full denials.
📌 TIP – Hurricane Claim Tip #1:
Get a professional roof inspection before the storm hits. Document everything with photos and reports. This documentation is crucial when filing a hurricane damage claim, especially if the insurer challenges your roof condition.
3. Sinkholes, Earth Movement & Negligence Are Common Exclusions
Florida is the sinkhole capital of the U.S., but most standard homeowners’ policies exclude any damage related to sinkholes, earth movement, or negligence (such as deferred maintenance).
These exclusions are buried deep in policy language—and rarely discussed by insurers unless you ask.
📌 TIP – Florida Storm Prep Reminder:
Request a detailed policy review by a licensed public adjuster in Florida. We’ll help you uncover hidden exclusions before they cost you. If you live in a high-risk area, consider adding sinkhole coverage.
4. Your Policy Limits May Be Outdated and Underinsure You
With the rising cost of materials and labor, most homeowners are significantly underinsured. That means after a hurricane, your policy may not cover full rebuilding costs, especially if you’ve made upgrades.
This is one of the most overlooked risks when filing a hurricane damage claim — and one insurers rarely highlight.
📌 TIP – Hurricane Claim Tip #2:
Review and update your coverage limits annually. Ask your public adjuster to calculate true replacement cost value (RCV) for your property, not just what your agent estimated years ago.
5. The Insurance Claims Process Can Wear You Down
The truth is, the processes public adjusters use are completely different from how your insurance company operates. While carriers often delay, deny, or undervalue claims, public adjusters work exclusively for you, building a comprehensive claim backed by expert documentation.
We often recover 5-7x more than initial insurance offers—and it costs you nothing upfront.
📌 TIP – Filing a Hurricane Damage Claim the Smart Way:
Don’t go it alone. If you’ve been underpaid, delayed, or denied, call a public adjuster in Florida immediately. We know the processes public adjusters use to fight for every dollar you’re owed—and we know how to deal with insurance company claim adjusters in Florida who don’t play fair.
✅ Final Word: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You Big
The gap between what you think you’re covered for—and what your policy actually pays out—is often massive. And unfortunately, your insurer may not clarify until it’s too late.
Let our expert team help you:
- Review your policy for free
- Identify hidden exclusions and gaps
- Update your coverage before hurricane season
- Prepare for filing a hurricane damage claim the right way
- Maximize your payout if disaster strikes
