Common Reasons for Denied Wind Damage Claims in Fort Lauderdale

Wind damage is relatively common for Fort Lauderdale homeowners. Unfortunately, these claims are denied almost as frequently – causing considerable frustration for people who have been dutifully paying their premiums for years. To approach this situation with confidence and efficiency, it may help to review some of the most common reasons for denied wind damage claims in Fort Lauderdale.

Insurers Might Claim the Damage is Pre-Existing 

The “pre-existing damage” defense is quite common among Florida insurers. This involves the insurance company claiming that the wind damage was present before you filed your claim. In order to combat this issue, homeowners should consider taking “before and after” photographs of their homes. If you know that a storm is approaching, it’s best to snap photographs of the exterior of your home.

After the storm arrives and causes damage, take new photographs of the affected areas. This provides almost irrefutable proof that the damage occurred during the storm – and that it was not pre-existing.

Insurers Might Claim That You Failed to Maintain Your Property 

Homeowners might also experience challenges if their insurers claim the home was not sufficiently maintained. As a homeowner in Florida, you are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent damage. This might include replacing aspects of your home that are defective, such as loose roof tiles or degrading windows.

In particular, insurers may attempt to shift blame if the wind damage was caused by tree branches. Homeowners should strive to prune or remove any trees that could cause wind damage to the home. If a branch falls onto the property and the insurer argues that it should have been removed prior to the storm, the property owner may not receive compensation.

You Might Have Missed a Deadline 

Insurers search for any potential reason to deny your claim, and something as simple as a missed deadline might prevent you from receiving compensation. This is why it’s important to get started with your claim as soon as possible. Immediately after you notice the wind damage, file a claim and consider contacting an experienced property insurance lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. These legal professionals can help you meet deadlines and avoid unnecessary issues.

You Might Have Made a Mistake on Your Claim 

A simple error on your claim may lead to a denial. The insurer may accuse you of making “false statements,” even if you never intended to lie on your claim application. This is why it often makes sense to file a claim with guidance from a lawyer. By minimizing potential errors, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success.

 Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Property Insurance Lawyers Today

At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders. If your property insurance claim was denied, we can help. For a free consultation, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. With an office in Sunrise, we represent policyholders in Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.

Sources:

myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/consumerprotections/floridashurricanedeductible

ankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/florida-windstorm-insurance/