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A delayed insurance claim can feel just as stressful as the property damage itself. Whether it’s damage from a hurricane, water leak, fire, or vandalism, policyholders are entitled to timely communication and resolution.
Insurance claims in Orlando, Florida, are there to help homeowners and businesses alike recover quickly after suffering damage. Unfortunately, many policyholders find themselves waiting too long for the help they desperately need.
That is why our Orlando insurance claim attorney at The Morgan Law Group helps policyholders when insurers drag their feet or fail to pay on time.
Delays in Different Insurance Claims in Orlando
Insurance delays can affect almost any type of property damage claim. However, some claims are more prone to stalling due to their complexity, high volume, or potential for dispute.
Here are the most common types of insurance claims in Florida where delays frequently occur:
Hurricane and Windstorm Damage Claims
Following major events like Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Idalia, insurers often face overwhelming claim volumes. Wind-related roof damage, fallen trees, or storm surge claims often face slow inspections, delayed adjuster visits, and prolonged evaluations of coverage.
Fire and Smoke Damage
Insurers may delay fire damage claims while investigating the cause or disputing the extent of loss. In some cases, multiple departments within the insurance company must coordinate, slowing the process even further.
Mold and Hidden Damage Claims
Many policies cover mold only if it’s linked to a covered peril. As a result, insurers may delay these claims by requesting extensive documentation or arguing over policy language.
What Can I Do if My Insurance Claim Is Being Delayed?
When your insurance claim is delayed, it’s important to stay proactive. Florida law provides policyholders with clear rights, and insurers are obligated to meet strict timelines under state statutes.
Here’s what you can do to take control:
1. Know the Timeline
Under Florida law, insurance companies must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 7 days and begin their investigation. More importantly, they must approve or deny your claim within 60 days of receiving proof of loss, unless uncontrollable circumstances apply.
2. Keep a Detailed Record
Document all communications with your insurer. Keep copies of emails, letters, photos, inspection notes, and all correspondence. If you speak with someone on the phone, send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation.
3. Follow Up Frequently
Politely but persistently follow up on your claim’s status. Ask for updates in writing and request estimated timelines for each step. If your insurer keeps pushing back deadlines without justification, that could signal a bad-faith delay.
4. Provide Requested Documents Promptly
If your insurer asks for additional documents or estimates, try to provide them quickly. Fulfilling your obligations removes any excuse the insurer might use to delay the process.
5. File a Complaint
If your insurance claim has stalled for an unreasonable amount of time, file a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). This can trigger a state investigation and pressure the insurer to act.
6. Contact an Insurance Claim Attorney
If your efforts aren’t getting results, consult with a qualified insurance claim attorney. They can review your case, demand timely payment, and even file a lawsuit if necessary. Legal action is sometimes the only way to get insurers to comply with their legal duties.
Common Tactics Insurers Use to Delay Claims
Insurance companies have a business incentive to delay or reduce payouts. While some delays may be due to staffing or legitimate investigation, others are strategic.
Here are some red flags that your insurer may be intentionally delaying your claim:
“We need more documentation…”
Repeated or vague requests for documents may be a stall tactic. If you’ve already provided the required paperwork, further delays should be questioned.
“We need another inspection…”
Insurers may send multiple adjusters or consultants to reassess the damage. While this can be valid in complex cases, excessive or repeated inspections are often unnecessary.
“We’re still reviewing your coverage…”
Delays based on policy interpretation can be used to frustrate policyholders. Insurers may claim certain damages aren’t covered or hide behind fine print to avoid a timely decision.
Lack of Communication
If your adjuster won’t return calls, keeps changing, or leaves you in the dark for weeks, the company could be buying time or hoping you’ll give up or accept a lowball offer.
Denial Without Explanation
Sometimes, insurers delay a claim only to ultimately deny it without a detailed reason. If this happens, read your denial carefully and know what to do if your insurance claim gets denied.
Insurance Claim Mistakes That Cause Delay
Not all delays are the insurer’s fault. In some cases, policyholders unintentionally slow down their own claims. Here are some common mistakes that can prolong the process:
Failing to Document the Damage
Not taking photos, saving receipts, or listing damaged items properly can delay your claim’s approval. Always photograph the damage immediately after the event.
Missing Deadlines
Insurers require you to report a loss within a set time. Missing this window can complicate or stall the claim. Learn the steps for filing an insurance claim to avoid common pitfalls.
Giving Inconsistent Statements
If your version of events changes or doesn’t match official reports (like police or fire reports), the insurer may delay the claim to verify facts.
Not Reviewing Your Policy
Understanding your coverage, exclusions, and duties as a policyholder is crucial. If you’re unclear about what your policy covers, you may not provide what the insurer needs in a timely manner.
Lack of Professional Help
Trying to navigate a large or complex claim without guidance can lead to errors. Especially after major storms, enlisting help from insurance claim attorneys can streamline the process and reduce delays.
How Can an Insurance Attorney Help with Delayed Claims?
When a claim is delayed beyond a reasonable timeframe, involving an attorney sends a clear message: you’re serious about enforcing your rights. Insurance attorneys in Orlando are familiar with local statutes, common insurer tactics, and how to build a compelling case.
Here’s how an insurance claim attorney can make a difference:
Policy Review and Case Evaluation
An attorney can interpret complex policy language and determine whether the insurer has violated any terms. They’ll also assess whether the delay qualifies as bad faith, which could entitle you to extra compensation.
Communication with the Insurer
Once represented by an attorney, all future correspondence goes through your legal team. This not only eases your stress but also helps ensure that every communication is strategic and documented.
Demand Letters and Negotiation
A well-crafted demand letter from an attorney can push the insurer to act. It outlines legal violations, the damages you’ve suffered, and what’s required to resolve the matter without litigation.
If negotiation fails, your attorney can file a lawsuit to enforce your rights. Florida courts take delayed or unfairly denied claims seriously. In many cases, insurers settle before trial once legal pressure mounts.
Still Waiting for Your Delayed Insurance Claim in Orlando?
A delayed insurance claim can feel like another disaster on top of the damage you’ve already suffered. In Florida, insurers are legally required to handle your claim in good faith and within specific timeframes. When they fail to do so, you have every right to push back.
With guidance from our insurance claim attorneys in Orlando, The Morgan Law Group will step in to protect your rights, get your claim moving, and pursue full compensation. The Morgan Law Group has helped countless policyholders in Orlando and throughout Florida hold insurers accountable for delays, denials, and underpayments.
Don’t wait for the insurer to decide when your claim matters; call us today at (407) 449-8860 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation about your delayed insurance claim at our office in Orlando.
