After a major storm or disaster, filing a property damage claim should bring peace of mind. Unfortunately, insurers sometimes mishandle claims, leaving homeowners underpaid or denied entirely. Knowing the red flags can help you protect your rights and take corrective action before it’s too late.
Common Signs of a Mishandled Claim
1. The Inspection Was Not Thorough
If the insurance adjuster barely walked around your property or failed to enter your attic, roof, or crawl spaces, critical damage may have been overlooked. A rushed or incomplete inspection often leads to low repair estimates.
2. Key Damage Was Left Out of the Report
Sometimes, damage you specifically pointed out isn’t included in the adjuster’s final report. This is a warning sign that your claim may not reflect the true scope of your losses.
3. You Weren’t Allowed to Provide Evidence
You have the right to submit your own photos, videos, repair estimates, and inspection reports. If your insurer refuses to consider them or discourages you from hiring your own inspector, your claim may not be evaluated fairly.
4. The Insurer Blamed “Wear and Tear”
One of the most common tactics is to blame damage on “preexisting conditions” or “wear and tear.” This allows insurers to deny coverage, even when the damage was clearly caused by a hurricane or sudden storm event.
5. Poor Communication or Delays
Minimal updates, unanswered calls, or repeated requests for the same documents can be tactics to delay your claim and push you toward accepting a lower settlement.
A property damage attorney can help you with your claim, even if your insurance company is mishandling it.
A mishandled claim can mean thousands of dollars lost in unpaid repairs.
When your insurer doesn’t act in good faith, you need someone who understands how to hold them accountable. Gelber Law Group has extensive experience navigating these disputes and fighting to ensure homeowners receive fair treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my insurer denied my claim without a proper inspection?
Request a detailed denial letter, document everything, and seek a second opinion from a property damage attorney to review your options.
Can I challenge the insurance company’s estimate?
Yes. You can provide competing estimates from licensed contractors or roofing specialists, and an attorney can help force insurers to consider them.
What if the insurer blames “wear and tear” for my hurricane damage?
This is a common tactic. An attorney can present evidence proving the damage resulted from a sudden covered event rather than long-term deterioration.
How long do I have to dispute a mishandled claim?
Deadlines vary depending on your policy and the type of loss, but hurricane-related claims must be filed within one year of when the event occurred in Florida.
Can Gelber Law Group take over a claim that’s already been mishandled?
Yes. We can step in at any stage—whether you’ve received a lowball offer, a denial, or are stuck in delays. Our team works to maximize your recovery and push back against unfair insurance tactics.
If your insurance company failed to investigate thoroughly, ignored evidence, or offered a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses, your claim may have been mishandled.
Gelber Law Group is here to fight for the payout you deserve.
Call us today at (954) 320-0100!