My insurance claim was denied in Florida. What now?

Insurance companies deny property claims for many reasons: the damage was excluded, it existed before the storm, it was caused by wear and tear, or the paperwork wasn't complete. The denial letter should tell you which reason the insurer is relying on and point to specific language in your policy.

That policy language is where most disputes are decided. Before you argue with an adjuster, get a certified copy of your full policy, including every endorsement. Compare the language the insurer quoted with the facts of your loss. Insurers sometimes rely on exclusions that don't fit what actually happened.

Keep everything. Save the denial letter, every email and text from the insurer, the adjuster's estimate and photos, and your own photos of the damage. Write down your claim number, the date of loss, and the name of everyone you spoke with.

Be careful about what you sign. Don't sign a release, or cash a check marked "full and final," until you understand what you are giving up.

Florida law sets deadlines for reporting and disputing property claims, and it requires specific steps before an insurance lawsuit can be filed. Those deadlines are shorter than many homeowners expect, so it pays to have the denial reviewed early.