How to dispute a denied flooring insurance claim after hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian was a catastrophic event that left a trail of destruction in its wake, causing widespread damage across Florida. As homeowners assess the damage to their properties, many are discovering that their flooring has been severely impacted. Read on to learn how to appeal an insurance denial.

Unfortunately, some are also finding that their insurance claims have been denied. We’ve been receiving a high volume of calls from homeowners unsure how to proceed after being denied coverage for their flooring damage.

The aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming, and navigating the insurance claim process can be frustrating and time-consuming. If your flooring insurance claim has been denied, it’s important to understand why and take the necessary steps to dispute it.

A denied claim doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. With the right approach, you can dispute the decision and get the compensation you deserve. At a time when residents are already dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, being denied insurance coverage for flooring damage can add an extra layer of stress and uncertainty.

That’s why we’ll explain why your insurance claim may have been denied and provide tips on how to dispute the decision in this post.

Why was your insurance denied?

There are several common reasons why flooring insurance claims are denied after a hurricane like Ian. For example, insurance companies expect homeowners to maintain their properties in good condition and make necessary repairs promptly.

Suppose your flooring was in poor condition before the hurricane. In that case, your insurance company may argue that the damage was not caused by the hurricane but rather by your failure to maintain the property.

Additionally, insurance policies often have exclusions for damage caused by floods or earthquakes, and if Hurricane Ian caused a flood in your area, your insurance company might argue that the damage to your flooring is excluded from coverage.

Another reason for denied claims is delayed reporting. If you delayed reporting the damage to your insurance company, they may argue that the damage was caused by something other than the hurricane or that you contributed to the damage by waiting to report it.

Furthermore, to support your claim, you’ll need to provide documentation proving the hurricane caused the damage. This can include photographs, videos, and eyewitness accounts, and if your documentation is insufficient, your insurance company may deny your claim.

What should you do next?

Now that you have been denied insurance, how do you dispute it? Well, there are a few steps to take. Let’s check them out.

Tip 1: Gather all relevant documentation

Before you start the dispute process, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to support your case. This includes photographs of the damage, videos of the affected areas, and eyewitness accounts.

Additionally, gather any receipts, invoices, or estimates for repair or replacement costs. Having all of this information on hand will help you build a strong case when disputing your claim.

It’s also a good idea to keep a log of all your communications with the insurance company, including the dates and times of any phone calls or emails, as well as a summary of what was discussed.

This will give you a clear and organized record of your efforts to resolve the dispute, which can be essential if you want to escalate the issue.

Tip 2: Review your policy carefully

Before you start disputing your flooring claim, it’s essential to understand what your insurance policy covers and what it excludes. Look for any language in your policy that may support your claim, such as defining what constitutes a hurricane or a flood.

Ensure you understand what the insurance company considers to be the cause of the damage to your flooring, and use this information to build your case. If you’re unsure about the language in your policy or need help interpreting it, consider seeking the assistance of a public adjuster or an insurance claim attorney.

Tip 3: Seek the assistance of an expert

If you’re having difficulty resolving your denied insurance claim, consider hiring a public adjuster or an insurance claim attorney to help you dispute it. These professionals have the experience and expertise to negotiate with insurance companies and help you get the compensation you deserve.

In many cases, insurance companies are more likely to take a dispute seriously if it’s being handled by a professional. An expert can also provide guidance and support throughout the process, helping you understand your rights and options and make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Tip 4: Be persistent and polite

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with, but it’s important to remain calm and professional throughout the dispute process. Be persistent in your efforts to get a fair resolution, but also be polite and respectful in your communications with the insurance company.

The more cooperative and professional you are, the more likely you are to reach a resolution that is in your best interest.

It’s also essential to be patient. The insurance claim process can be slow and complicated, and it may take time to get a resolution that you’re happy with. However, following these tips and working with a professional can increase your chances of getting a fair outcome.

Conclusion

It is a fact that Hurricane Ian has caused significant damage to homeowners, particularly to their flooring. Disputing a denied flooring insurance claim can be confusing and overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can increase the chances of getting a full payout.

If you’re still struggling with getting your insurance claim approved, our Universal Floors and More team is here to help. We offer a free consultation session to assist homeowners like you with navigating the insurance claim process and help you get the coverage you deserve.

We provide flooring, interior/ exterior painting, drywall repair, and kitchen/ bath  remodeling services to help you get your home back to its pre-hurricane state. Don’t let a denied insurance claim hold you back from getting the flooring you deserve. Book your estimate with us today. We serve Lee County, FL and offer 100% financing through our third party vendor, Hearth.