How Long Can My Homeowners Storm Insurance Claim Stay Open?

If your property has been damaged in a storm, you have two years to file a claim with the insurance company to receive coverage for it. You likely want to file before that timeframe expires, so you can repair your property as soon as possible. Regardless of when you file your claim, the process should move fairly quickly afterwards. In Florida, insurance companies only have a limited amount of time to settle and provide you with the coverage you are entitled to.

Timelines for Insurance Companies 

Florida law outlines very specific timelines insurance companies must follow when a homeowner files a claim. These are as follows:

• Acknowledgement of the claim: Insurance providers have just 14 days after you file a claim to acknowledge it. This does not mean the insurer must provide you with a final answer at this time. They must only acknowledge the fact that they have received the claim and are investigating.
• Proof of loss forms: After the insurance company has acknowledged receipt of your claim, they must provide you with instructions to submit the proof of loss forms, as well as affidavits signed that detail the scope of damage to the property.
• Final response: Insurance companies only have a certain amount of time to approve or deny your claim. They must reply to you with a final decision within 90 days of receiving the documentation from you. The response from the insurer should also include full payment. If any part of the claim was denied, the provider must include details about the reason for denial.

What to Do if You Do Not Receive a Response 

Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes try to take advantage of policyholders by creating unnecessary delays. In some instances, insurers even do this so policyholders will become frustrated by the process and perhaps even stop pursuing their claim. This is known as acting in bad faith and it is a very serious matter.

If you have not worked with a Daytona Beach storm damage lawyer from the very beginning of your case, it is critical to contact one if the insurance company is acting in bad faith. It is particularly important to speak to an attorney if the insurance company has not replied with a final response within 90 days of you filing the claim. A lawyer can advise you of the coverage you deserve, communicate with the insurer on your behalf, and help ensure you receive the full and fair payment you need.

Our Storm Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach Holds Insurance Providers Accountable 

If your home has sustained property damage, you are already very stressed and should not have to work with a dishonest insurance company, as well. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach storm damage lawyer has the necessary experience to hold insurers accountable and will use that experience to help you obtain the maximum coverage you rely on. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to book a free consultation and to learn more.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html