“Wear and tear” or “pre-existing damage”
The carrier says the damage is age or deterioration, not a covered event. Storm damage and aging can exist on the same roof. The question is what the storm actually changed.
Denied property insurance claim
Your claim was denied. That may not be the last word.
A denial letter is the insurance company’s position, based on what was in its file at the time. We review the letter, the policy and the damage, and tell you plainly whether there’s a path to push back.
- Free claim review. No fee to talk.
- Florida firm license G288962
- Licensed in 15 states
- We work for you, not the insurance company
Free claim review
Tell us what happened
A licensed team member will contact you.
Common reasons property claims get denied
Denial letters usually point to a specific policy provision. Knowing which one you’re dealing with is the first step. Some of the most common:
Long-term leak or seepage
Many policies exclude water that leaked over time (often 14+ days). Plumbing reports, moisture readings and the timeline can show whether a loss was sudden.
Excluded cause (flood, mold, earth movement)
The carrier attributes the damage to an excluded cause. When more than one cause is involved, how the damage is documented matters.
Late notice
The carrier says the claim was reported too late. Deadlines are real, but the facts behind when damage was discovered also matter.
Damage below the deductible
The carrier’s estimate comes in under your deductible, which works like a denial. That estimate may have missed rooms, materials or repair steps.
Not enough documentation
The file doesn’t prove the loss to the carrier’s satisfaction. Missing photos, reports or estimates can often be supplied.
What you can do after a denial
- 1
Get the full denial letter and the claim file
Keep the written letter, not a phone summary. Ask for the adjuster’s report, photos and estimate the decision relied on.
- 2
Review the policy language it cites
Read the exact exclusion or condition cited, plus any endorsements. Sometimes the cited language doesn’t fit the facts of the loss.
- 3
Reopen or supplement with new evidence
Independent inspection findings, expert reports, weather data and a detailed repair estimate can be submitted for reconsideration.
- 4
Appraisal or mediation, where available
If the dispute is about the amount of loss, the policy’s appraisal clause may apply. Some states, including Florida, offer mediation programs for residential claims.
- 5
Talk to an attorney about legal questions
Coverage disputes, bad-faith questions and lawsuit deadlines are legal matters. A licensed attorney can advise you on them.
Real results
Denied or paid next to nothing, then recovered
Real claims our clients authorized us to share, with their exact numbers:
Kitchen leakInitial payment $0$68,000final recoveryJeff & MaryAtlanta, GeorgiaRead the case →HurricaneInitial payment $1,356.32$175,000final recoveryJessica & BryanBradenton, FloridaRead the case →HailInitial payment $967.33$125,000final recoveryLauraDallas, TexasRead the case →
Every insurance claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See all results →
Google reviews
From a client whose storm claim was denied
★★★★★
The team at AF Claims got my storm claim paid after my insurance denied it. I don't know how they do it but they made it happen for me. Highly recommend them and will use them again if anything else happens in my home. 5 stars the best!!
Ocean · Google review · Aug 2026
★★★★★
I barely ever write reviews, but I really want to express my gratitude to Armando and his team. I honestly can't say enough good things about my experience with this firm. After a storm caused some damage to my yard and property, I was completely overwhelmed and had no idea I could even recover money for the damage. I really thought I was just going to have to deal with the repairs myself til a family member recommended Armando.
Read the full review +−
They made the entire process so much easier than I expected, kept me informed, and handled EVERYTHING for me. I was shocked at how quickly everything came together and even more shocked when I received a settlement for much more than I ever thought possible.
From the time they filed the claim for me till the time I receive my check has been no more than two months! Usually, when you ask people who are dealing with a claim how long it takes to get paid, they say months or years so I was just completely taken back. I was honestly prepared to wait for at least a year.
I'm incredibly grateful I found them. They took a situation that felt hopeless and turned it into such a huge relief for me. I would absolutely highly recommend them to anyone dealing with property damage or an insurance claim. Reach out to AFClaims, you will be happy you did! 😊
Bianca · Google review · Aug 2026
Individual experiences. Every claim is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Denied claim FAQ
Can a denied insurance claim be reopened?
Often, yes. Many carriers will reconsider a claim when you provide new or overlooked information, such as an independent inspection, expert reports or a detailed estimate. Whether that’s possible depends on your policy, your state’s rules and the reason for the denial.
Should I accept the denial if the carrier’s adjuster already inspected?
Not necessarily. The carrier’s adjuster works for the carrier. A second, independent inspection can find damage or causes the first one missed, or confirm the carrier was right. Either way, you’ll know where you stand.
Is there a deadline to dispute or reopen a claim?
Usually, yes, and it depends on your state and policy. In Florida, for many residential and commercial property policies, notice of a new or reopened claim must be given within 1 year of the date of loss and a supplemental claim within 18 months. Lawsuit deadlines are separate. Check your policy and speak with a licensed attorney about legal deadlines. We don’t give legal advice.
What should I bring to a free review of a denied claim?
The denial letter, your policy (or at least the declarations page), your claim number, photos and videos, any estimates or invoices, and emails or letters with the carrier. Start with what you have.
Can you guarantee the carrier will change its decision?
No. No one can honestly guarantee an outcome. We can review the file, explain what we see and whether additional documentation or a different approach may be appropriate, and represent you if it makes sense to work together. Every claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does the review cost?
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.
Get a second look before you give up on the claim.
Free review. Phone, Zoom or in person. We’ll tell you honestly what we see.
American Financial Claims is a licensed public adjusting firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Every insurance claim is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.