In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of Florida homeowners scrambled to file insurance claims to cover damages caused by wind, rain, and catastrophic flood damage. For some, the process ended with a full payout. But for many others, the result was far from satisfactory: a low settlement, incomplete coverage, or a claim that was closed prematurely. 

Now, months later, new damage has emerged, or you’ve realized the original payment didn’t come close to covering the real cost of repairs. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we assist Florida homeowners in revisiting storm-related claims and pursuing the compensation they were originally denied. 

Understanding the Insurance Claims Process for Hurricane Helene Damage

A hurricane insurance claim is a formal request to your insurance company for compensation after damage caused by a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene. These claims may cover:

  • Structural damage (roof, windows, foundation)
  • Wind damage 
  • Personal property loss (furniture, appliances, clothing)
  • Living expenses (if the home became uninhabitable)
  • Emergency repairs and debris removal

For flood-related damages, policyholders typically rely on separate insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is designed to cover flood damage that standard homeowners’ policies often exclude, even in the event of catastrophic flooding.

Most claims follow a set timeline: inspection, estimate, settlement offer, and payment. But what happens if that payment was based on incomplete information or the claim was closed too soon?

Reasons to Reopen a Claim with Your Insurance Provider

Two professionals sitting at a table, discussing a document with highlighted text, a notebook, and glasses nearby in a well-lit office setting

Reopening a closed claim with your insurance company isn’t uncommon. Here are a few scenarios where it might be possible (and even necessary):

  • New Damage Emerges: Some hurricane-related damage, such as hidden water intrusion or mold, might not appear until weeks or months later. If these issues are connected to the original storm, you may have grounds to reopen the claim or submit an insurance dispute.
  • Errors in the Original Claim: Mistakes happen, especially during chaotic post-storm assessments. Perhaps the insurance company overlooked certain damage or provided an inaccurate estimate. You have the right to challenge those findings. 
  • Coverage Limit Disputes: If your insurer incorrectly categorized damage as flood-related (and not covered by your homeowner’s policy), or if new evidence proves otherwise, that’s another valid reason to revisit the claim. 

Steps to Reopen a Claim With Most Insurance Companies

If you believe your Hurricane Helene claim was closed prematurely or unfairly, follow these steps to take action: 

  • Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents, including the original claim and settlement, photos and videos of the damage, repair estimates, and emails or letters that include policy language.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company: Reach out to the insurance adjuster or claims department. Submit a formal written request to reopen the claim, explaining why you believe a reassessment is necessary.
  • Prepare for Pushback: Some insurers may resist reopening a claim, especially if it’s been closed for months. This is where seeking legal help becomes critical. 

Legal Considerations and Support

Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for property insurance claims related to hurricane damage. That means if your claim is still within that window from the date of loss, you likely still have the right to pursue additional compensation or file a lawsuit. Hiring a hurricane claims attorney can help you:

  • Review your policy for hidden opportunities or coverage
  • Reopen communication with the insurer
  • File a supplemental claim or notice of intent to litigate
  • Take legal action for breach of contract or bad faith, if necessary

At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we’ve helped clients reopen and recover from claims insurers wanted to forget. We fight to make sure no damage goes ignored and no homeowner is left underpaid.

Let Us Help You

If you believe your claim was closed unfairly, or new storm-related damage has emerged, it’s not too late to act. The key is to move quickly, document thoroughly, and seek professional help when needed.

At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we offer free consultations and handle hurricane insurance disputes on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.