Hurricane claim denied? A denial letter is not the last word.

Common reasons insurers deny hurricane claims

• Wear and tear / ageThe insurer says missing or creased shingles are from age, not the storm.
• Pre-existing damageDamage is blamed on an earlier storm or an old leak.
• Flood exclusionWater damage is labeled “flood” or “surge” even when wind opened the roof or windows.
• Below the deductibleThe estimate comes in just under your 2% or 5% hurricane deductible.
• Late noticeThe insurer says you reported too late or damage worsened because of the delay.
• Failure to mitigateThe insurer claims you didn't tarp or dry out quickly enough.
• Mold or long-term leak exclusionsInterior damage is called repeated seepage or excluded mold.
• Misrepresentation or non-cooperationDenials based on recorded statements, examinations under oath or missing documents.

Many of these reasons depend on facts — what caused the damage and when — that can be challenged with a proper inspection, photographs, weather data and expert reports. A denial based on one adjuster's quick look at the roof is often the start of the dispute, not the end.

What to do after a hurricane claim denial

1. Get the denial in writing and keep the envelope or email. Florida insurers must state the reasons for a denial.
2. Request a certified copy of your policy with all endorsements, plus the adjuster's estimate and photos.
3. Don't throw away evidence. Keep damaged materials, your before-and-after photos and repair receipts.
4. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and keep receipts.
5. Watch the deadlines. Supplemental and reopened claims generally must be made within 18 months of the date of loss, and lawsuit deadlines are short.
6. Talk to an attorney before giving a recorded statement or examination under oath about a disputed claim.

How The Lawgical Firm challenges a denial

The firm starts by reviewing the policy language the insurer relied on and comparing it with what actually happened to the property. Founding partner David Dube is a former Florida adjuster, appraiser and HAAG-certified inspector, so the firm can evaluate roof and structural damage the way an adjuster should have. Depending on the claim, the firm may obtain line-item estimates, engineering reports and contractor input, present the claim to the insurer, and pursue appraisal, the Florida Department of Financial Services process or litigation when the insurer will not reconsider.

Every claim is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular result. A free review tells you where your claim stands.