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Florida public adjusters · Universal Property claims
Universal Property denied your claim, or paid for a few shingles when the whole roof slope is damaged? Roof claims are where many underpayments start. We compare the carrier’s estimate line by line with the damage, your policy and Florida’s roofing code rules, and tell you honestly whether there is more to recover.
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Disclaimer: AF Claims is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Carrier names are used only to identify the insurer. Every claim is different; results are not guaranteed.
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company is a Florida homeowners insurer and the principal insurance subsidiary of Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., a public company based in Fort Lauderdale.
In the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s Q2 2026 market-share report, Universal Property & Casualty had 579,398 residential policies in force as of June 30, 2026, the 2nd-highest count of any Florida residential property insurer.
Florida homeowners who call us about an underpaid roof or storm claim usually describe one of these, with any carrier. They are general patterns, not Universal’s internal policy:
Estimates often price spot repairs. When matching shingles aren’t available, or the damage is spread across a slope, a spot repair may not restore the roof. Photos of every slope and a test-square count help.
Under s. 553.844(5), Florida Statutes, as amended in 2022, if a roof was built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the damaged portion must meet current code when 25% or more is repaired. For older roofs, code upgrades can still apply. Knowing your roof’s permit year matters.
Some Florida policies include endorsements that pay roofs at actual cash value or on an age-based schedule. Read your declarations and endorsements before assuming the carrier’s math is wrong, or right.
When a roof leak is covered, the interior damage it caused usually needs to be included too: ceilings, insulation, drywall, flooring and contents. Estimates sometimes stop at the roof.
A percentage hurricane deductible can wipe out a thin estimate. Missing line items, low quantities and missed overhead and profit can change the result.
Under s. 627.70131(3)(e), Florida Statutes, an insurer must send you a copy of any detailed estimate within 7 days after its adjuster generates it. Compare that estimate, room by room and slope by slope, with what you see.
Within 60 days after notice of an initial, reopened or supplemental claim, a Florida residential insurer must pay or deny it, or a portion of it, and give a reasonable written explanation of the basis in the policy. If it pays less than its own detailed estimate, it must explain the difference in writing (s. 627.70131(7)(a), Fla. Stat.).
The insurer must send you any detailed estimate within 7 days after its adjuster generates it (s. 627.70131(3)(e)). Compare it room by room with the damage.
Look up the exclusion or condition named in the letter, plus your declarations page and endorsements: hurricane deductible, roof settlement terms, water damage limits.
Notice of a new or reopened claim is due within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months (s. 627.70132, as amended through 2024). For weather events, the date of loss is the landfall or NOAA-verified date. Lawsuit deadlines are separate.
If the dispute is about the amount of loss and your policy has an appraisal clause, appraisal may apply. Florida’s DFS mediation program (s. 627.7015) is available for many residential disputes.
More on Florida claims: Florida public adjusters · Florida denied claim guide
Real results
Real claims our clients authorized us to share, with their exact numbers. Our case records don’t name the insurance company, so these are not presented as Universal Property claims.
Every insurance claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See all results →
Get the roofer’s findings in writing with photos of each slope, the roof’s permit year and why a repair won’t work (for example, discontinued shingles or brittle materials). A public adjuster can prepare a detailed estimate and present it to the carrier as a supplement.
Not always. Under s. 627.7011(3), Florida Statutes, an insurer must initially pay at least the actual cash value of a covered loss, less the deductible, and pays the rest as work is performed, subject to your policy’s terms and endorsements. Read the loss-settlement section of your policy.
Under s. 627.70132, Florida Statutes, notice of a new or reopened claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss, and notice of a supplemental claim within 18 months after the date of loss. For hurricanes and other weather events, the date of loss is the landfall date or the date NOAA verifies the event. Lawsuit deadlines are separate; ask a Florida-licensed attorney about those.
No. No one can honestly guarantee an outcome. We review the file, tell you what we see, and represent you if it makes sense to work together. Every claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The claim review is free, and asking questions doesn’t hire us. If it makes sense to work together, the fee and services are explained in a written agreement before you sign.
General information, not legal advice. Policies and state laws differ, and laws change.
Sources checked September 27, 2026.
Free review. Phone, Zoom or in person. We’ll tell you honestly what we see.
Disclaimer: AF Claims is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Carrier names are used only to identify the insurer. Every claim is different; results are not guaranteed.
American Financial Claims is a licensed public adjusting firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Office: Brickell Arch, 1395 Brickell Ave, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131. Every insurance claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
