After a storm or any other property incident, hidden damages may remain undiscovered for months, only to surface when repairs begin or as issues worsen over time. Homeowners can find themselves in a tough position when these hidden damages are excluded from their initial insurance claim.
In this case, many homeowners wonder if they can revisit the original claim to recover the financial support needed to address these newly discovered problems. Fortunately, reopening a property insurance claim in Florida is possible, but the process can be complex. Insurers often resist paying out additional funds for claims they consider resolved, especially if the policyholder has accepted prior payment.
Can you reopen a settled insurance claim?
Under Florida law, policyholders may reopen a claim if they discover hidden or additional damage tied to the original loss. These cases may involve structural issues or mold or water damage that only become obvious after an inspection or when symptoms worsen.
To succeed in reopening a claim, homeowners should act quickly to provide clear documentation and demonstrate that the damage is directly related to the initial covered event.
A common hurdle is overcoming the insurer’s assertion that the claim has been finalized. The state’s insurance laws require companies to handle claims reasonably. However, homeowners must diligently provide evidence such as updated repair estimates, contractor reports or expert assessments linking the hidden damage to the original incident.
Additionally, Florida’s statute of limitations sets a time limit for reopening claims, so it is important to act promptly. The general statute of limitations is five years from the date of the loss.
Reopening a property insurance claim in Florida for hidden damage can be challenging. It often requires legal knowledge, meticulous documentation and persistence. Homeowners can learn more about their rights and seek legal guidance to bolster their chances of success.