Thousands of Florida residents face challenges getting their hurricane damage claims from Helene & Milton processed, as insurers deny coverage at high rates over claims of fraud.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – As Florida continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, thousands of residents are facing a new challenge: denied or unfinished insurance claims. According to data from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, over 20% of claims filed after the storms have been denied, while many more remain unresolved.
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida, residents are struggling with a significant number of denied or incomplete insurance claims. As of October 23, 2024, over 37,000 claims have been denied, and a substantial percentage of claims remain unresolved.
Reasons for Denied or Incomplete Claims
- Insufficient Information: One of the primary reasons for claim denials is the lack of sufficient documentation. Insurance companies require detailed evidence, including before-and-after photos, repair estimates, and receipts for damaged items.
- Insurer Capacity Issues: Many insurance companies are struggling to handle the sheer volume of claims, leading to delays and denials. Insurers are overwhelmed, and it’s taking longer to process claims.
- Missed Premium Payments: Claims can be denied if policyholders have missed premium payments or if their insurance coverage has lapsed.
- Policy Exclusions: Many standard property insurance policies do not cover certain types of damage, such as flood damage, which must be purchased separately.
- Disputes Over Damage Assessments: Insurers and policyholders often disagree on the extent of damage, leading to disputes and denials. Damage assessments can be very subjective, and insurers may not always agree with policyholders’ estimates.
- Incorrect Filing: Errors in the paperwork or missing crucial deadlines can lead to immediate claim denials.
- Fraudulent Claims: Insurance companies are vigilant about detecting fraudulent claims, which can result in denials.
- Missed Filing Deadlines: Insurance companies have strict timelines for filing claims, and missing these deadlines can result in denials.
- Lack of Transparency: Some insurers are not providing clear explanations for denials, leaving policyholders frustrated and confused. Policyholders have a right to know why their claim was denied and what they can do to appeal.