The days and weeks following Hurricane Helene have left many Florida residents with the overwhelming task of picking up the pieces. For those who dutifully paid their insurance premiums, filing an insurance claim should be the first step toward recovery. But when an insurance company delays payment or denies claims, whether by weeks or months, it adds unnecessary stress and financial hardship to an already difficult situation.
If your insurance company is dragging its feet after Hurricane Helene, you may wonder what rights you have and how to move the process forward following a denial letter. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we help policyholders hold insurance companies accountable and fight for a fair settlement and the compensation they’re owed.
Why Are Insurance Claims Denied?
Claim denials and delays can happen for several reasons. Some may be legitimate, others, not so much. Understanding the cause of the delay is the first step in determining your next move.
Here are a few common reasons for delayed insurance payments:
- High volume of claims: After a major natural disaster like Hurricane Helene, insurance companies are often flooded with claims, leading to administrative bottlenecks.
- Insufficient documentation: If your insurer believes your claim is missing evidence, such as photos, repair estimates, or proof of damage, they may hold off on processing until you provide additional documentation.
- Requests for additional information: Companies may send repeated requests for supplemental paperwork, which slows down the timeline.
- Internal reviews or investigations: Insurers sometimes initiate extended investigations into claims they view as high-value or suspicious.
- Bad faith practices: In some cases, delays frustrate policyholders into accepting lower settlements or abandoning claims altogether.
No matter the reason, unreasonable delays are unacceptable and may feel overwhelming, and Florida law gives you tools to fight back.
What to Do if Your Insurance Claim Payment Is Delayed
If you’re experiencing a delay in receiving payment after filing a hurricane-related claim, being proactive keeps the process moving as you fight for fair compensation.
- Review Your Policy Terms Carefully: Start by revisiting your policy’s terms and conditions. Pay attention to strict deadlines, documentation requirements, and exclusions. Understanding your policy coverage helps you respond confidently to insurance carrier requests and recognize if they’re overstepping.
- Contact Your Insurance Carrier: Contact your insurance adjuster or agent for a written update. Ask for a reason for the delay and what steps, if any, are needed from you to move forward with the insurance claims process.
- Submit a Formal Complaint: If verbal communication goes nowhere, put your concerns in writing. Send a formal complaint via email or certified mail asking for clarification and resolution. This documentation could become crucial if you pursue legal action later.
- Keep Thorough Records: Maintain a file with all communication, including emails, call logs, letters, photos, estimates, and receipts. The more organized your documentation, the stronger your position if you need to escalate the matter towards insurance recovery.
Know Your Legal Rights as a Policyholder
Under Florida law, insurance companies are required to act in good faith and respond to claims within a reasonable timeframe. According to the Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights:
- Insurers must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 14 days.
- They must begin an investigation within 10 days of receiving proof of loss.
- A coverage decision must typically be made within 90 days.
If your insurance company fails to meet these deadlines or appears to be delaying without cause, legal representation can assist with challenges regarding your insurance coverage.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you’ve followed up multiple times and still haven’t received a clear explanation or timeline, it may be time to call an experienced hurricane insurance lawyer.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, our experienced team will step in to:
- Evaluate your claim and insurance policy for any compliance issues and policy exclusions
- Communicate directly with the insurer on your behalf
- File formal complaints or lawsuits for delayed or bad-faith handling
- Pursue penalties and interest, where applicable, for unjustified delays
Preventive Tips for Future Hurricane Claims
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, preparing for future claims before the next storm ever hits is wise. Here are a few smart practices that can help prevent claim delays down the line:
- Document your property regularly
- Keep records of improvements and repairs
- Create a storm recovery folder
- Communicate in writing
Don’t Let Payment Delays Derail Your Recovery
Dealing with hurricane damage is hard enough; you shouldn’t have to fight to get payment from your insurance policy. If your insurer is stalling after Hurricane Helene, it’s time to take control of the situation.
Let Larry Moskowitz, PA, be your advocate. We help policyholders throughout Florida protect their rights. Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s talk about how we can help get the compensation you deserve.