When Hurricane Milton struck, it didn’t just damage homes and businesses; it disrupted lives. In the aftermath, policyholders turned to their insurance companies for the financial support they’d been promised, expecting their insurance policies to cover property damage, flood damage, and full and fair compensation. But for many, those insurance payouts are taking far too long to arrive.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we help Florida policyholders navigate post-hurricane Milton claims with speed, precision, and results.
Understanding the Insurance Claims Process After Hurricane Milton
After a major hurricane like Milton, insurance companies receive thousands of insurance claims in a short timeframe. The standard process for filing insurance claims for Florida homeowners looks like this:
- File your Hurricane Milton insurance claim as soon as possible, including initial documentation of damages
- The insurance company assigns an adjuster to evaluate the property
- Inspection and review take place
- The insurer makes a coverage decision and, ideally, issues payment
While this sounds straightforward, it rarely unfolds smoothly. In storm aftermath scenarios, navigating insurance claims and coverage limits can be especially complex for many homeowners when disaster strikes.
Common Obstacles That Cause Delays in the Claims Process
Here are a few reasons why your claim may be taking longer than expected:
- Backlogged adjusters: Following a major storm, insurers may not have enough staff to process claims quickly.
- Incomplete documentation: If the insurer believes your file lacks key photos, estimates, or receipts, they may delay or pause the claim.
- Disputed coverage: The insurer might argue that your damage was caused by flood damage (often excluded unless you carry a separate flood insurance policy) instead of wind damage (typically covered).
- Unresponsive communication: Calls and emails may go unanswered, leaving you in the dark for weeks or months.
In many cases, these delays aren’t just unfortunate, they’re avoidable with proper legal intervention.
How Legal Support Can Help Speed Up the Recovery Process
Insurance companies are more likely to act promptly when they know your legal assistance is watching closely. Here’s how a skilled hurricane lawyer can help move things along:
- Communicate directly with the insurer to demand timely responses and updates.
- Organize and present your documentation in a way that reduces back-and-forth or requests for more information.
- Push for inspections and assessments to happen faster by leveraging state timelines and regulations.
- Negotiate the claim’s value and avoid lowball settlement offers that stall progress.
- Apply pressure through legal channels, including complaints to the Florida Department of Financial Services or filing a lawsuit when necessary.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we know how to navigate the bureaucracy and compel insurance companies to take your case seriously, not deny claims, not minimize payouts, and offer a fair settlement.
Legal Strategies That Speed Up Homeowners’ Insurance Payments
Attorneys use several tools and tactics to hold insurers accountable and reduce delays:
- Filing Notices of Intent to Litigate: In Florida, this legal notice can motivate insurance adjusters to resolve claims faster to avoid legal escalation.
- Demand letters: A well-drafted demand letter outlines the insurance claim, documentation, and required payment deadline.
- Regulatory complaints: Filing with the Florida insurance regulator can pressure companies to resolve your insurance claim promptly.
- Litigation: If necessary, we can sue for breach of contract or bad faith practices, which can also lead to additional compensation.
Legal representation doesn’t just pressure the insurance company; it also sends a message that delay tactics won’t work.
The Importance of Timely Payouts After a Hurricane Insurance Claim
Timely payouts are crucial when you’re navigating hurricane claims and dealing with:
- Emergency or temporary repair costs
- Temporary housing or relocation costs after severe property damage
- Health and safety risks
- Lost income or business disruption
The longer you wait, the more the damage can worsen, and the harder it becomes to recover. Timely payouts after hurricane-related claims can prevent financial disaster and help you get your life back on track.
Your Legal Rights After a Hurricane Milton Claim
Florida property owners have several rights that protect them from unnecessary delays and insurance disputes:
- Insurers must respond to claims within 14 days
- They must make a coverage decision within 90 days
- Bad faith actions (delaying without reason) can lead to penalties and legal action
If your insurer has exceeded these timelines or hasn’t been transparent, you may have grounds for legal action, and a lawyer can help you pursue it.
Let Us Help You Get Paid Faster
If your insurance company is stalling after Hurricane Milton, you have every right to take action, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we work with homeowners and business owners across Florida to expedite insurance payments, demand the compensation you deserve, and hold insurers accountable.
Schedule your free consultation today. We’ll review your claim, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and the compensation you need.