American Integrity Claim Denial Guide – Coconut Creek, FL

Estimated read time: 11 min read

Introduction: Why Claim Denials Hit Hard in Coconut Creek

American Integrity Insurance is one of the largest writers of homeowner policies in Florida. When a Coconut Creek homeowner files a claim—often after windstorm, water, or roof damage—every day without payment can feel like a crisis. Coconut Creek’s location in northern Broward County exposes properties to Atlantic hurricane activity, heavy summer rains, and year-round humidity that can accelerate roof deterioration and mold growth. Reliable insurance benefits are therefore critical. Yet, many policyholders report receiving a denial or partial denial letter from American Integrity. This guide explains, in strictly factual terms, how Florida law protects you, why denials occur, and what Coconut Creek homeowners can do next.

Understanding Your Rights in Florida

The Prompt Pay Law (Florida Statutes § 627.70131)

Time frames: Florida’s prompt pay statute generally requires an insurer to:

• Acknowledge receipt of a claim within 14 days.

• Begin an investigation within 10 days after proof-of-loss statements are submitted.

• Pay or deny the claim within 90 days, unless factors beyond the insurer’s control prevent a decision.

If American Integrity misses these deadlines without a lawful excuse, interest may accrue on any later payment.

The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights (Florida Statutes § 627.7142)

Enacted in 2014, the Bill of Rights obligates insurers to provide written notice of your rights after you report a loss. Key protections include:

• Free copy of your policy: You may request a certified copy at no cost.

• Right to mediation: You may request state-sponsored mediation conducted by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).

• No retaliation: An insurer cannot cancel or non-renew your policy solely because you filed a claim.

Failure by American Integrity to provide the Bill of Rights can be cited in a DFS complaint.

Statute of Limitations

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(2)(e), a policyholder generally has five years from the date of breach (the denial or underpayment) to file a lawsuit for breach of a property insurance contract. Timely action preserves your legal remedies.

Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

Based on publicly filed Florida Office of Insurance Regulation market conduct exams and appellate opinions, the most frequent insurer defenses include:

• Late Notice: Arguing the policyholder did not provide “prompt” notice, violating post-loss duties.

• Wear and Tear Exclusion: Claiming damage resulted from age-related deterioration rather than a covered peril.

• Pre-Existing Damage: Citing prior roof issues or pre-storm water intrusion.

• Insufficient Documentation: Denying due to lack of photographs, repair invoices, or expert reports.

• Policy Exclusions: Mold, earth movement, or flood exclusions may bar coverage unless an endorsement applies.

Tip: Even if one coverage section is excluded, another (such as ensuing water damage) might still trigger payment. Read the entire policy.

Florida Legal Protections & Regulations

Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) – Florida Statutes § 624.155

If you believe American Integrity violated Florida’s “bad-faith” standards—such as failing to settle when it could and should have—a policyholder (or attorney) may file a Civil Remedy Notice via the Department of Financial Services portal. The insurer then has 60 days to cure the violation by paying the claim and any interest. Failure to cure can open the door to extra-contractual damages.

DFS Mediation – Rule 69J-166.031, Florida Administrative Code

The DFS Residential Property Mediation Program offers an informal, 90-minute session with a certified mediator. Filing is easy:

• Complete DFS-I0-510 form online.

• Pay the $70 fee (often refunded if the insurer participates in good faith).

• Attend by phone or in person at a Broward County mediation site (often in Plantation).

Success rates hover around 40%, according to DFS annual reports.

Appraisal Clause

Most American Integrity policies include an appraisal provision. Either side can demand appraisal once there is a “dispute regarding the amount of loss.” Each party picks an appraiser; the two appraisers select an umpire. The final award is binding but does not resolve coverage defenses. Appraisal is faster than litigation (typically 60-120 days) and can preserve neighborly relations when both sides comply.

Steps to Take After a Denial

1. Review the Denial Letter Line-by-Line

Confirm the precise policy language American Integrity relied on. Look for:

• Date of loss used by the adjuster (errors can bar coverage).

• Exclusions cited.

• Deadlines for supplemental evidence.

2. Collect and Preserve Evidence

• Take dated photos of all damage and repairs.

• Obtain weather data—NOAA storm reports, lightning verification, or local rain gauges (WeatherUnderground) for Coconut Creek ZIP codes 33066, 33073, and 33097.

• Store contractor bids and moisture meter readings.

3. Obtain a Second Opinion

A licensed Florida public adjuster or forensic engineer can draft an independent estimate. Florida Statutes § 626.854 requires public adjusters to be licensed and bonded.

4. File a Department of Financial Services Complaint

The DFS Consumer Services Division accepts online complaints through its MyFloridaCFO Consumer Portal. Provide the denial letter, policy number, and your evidence. DFS will assign a specialist who contacts American Integrity for a written response, usually within 20 business days.

5. Consider Mediation, Appraisal, or Litigation

Sequence matters. Mediation is non-binding; appraisal is binding on amount; litigation preserves all rights but is costlier and time-consuming. Discuss strategy with a Florida-licensed attorney who focuses on first-party property disputes.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While self-advocacy can work, certain red flags justify immediate legal counsel:

• The denial references “fraud” or “misrepresentation.”

• You received a Reservation of Rights letter.

• Coverage was voided under the Concealment or Fraud condition.

• American Integrity requests an Examination Under Oath (EUO).

• The claim involves roof replacement over $15,000 or total loss.

Under Florida Statutes § 627.428 (now 627.70152 for residential property), the court may award attorney’s fees to the prevailing insured, but only if pre-suit notice requirements are met. A lawyer can file the mandatory Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation (NOI) via the DFS portal, triggering a 10-day cure period.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Government & Non-Profit Contacts

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation – Market conduct reports and rate filings. Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service – Find a Broward County insurance attorney.

• Broward County Property Appraiser – Obtain historical property records for evidence of prior condition.

Climate and Building Code Context

Coconut Creek is built to the Florida Building Code, High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements, even though officially the HVHZ applies to Miami-Dade and Broward. Roof repair must follow FBC 7th Edition (2020) guidelines, such as Miami-Dade NOA for shingles. Demonstrating code upgrades can increase your claim’s Replacement Cost Value.

American Integrity Contact Options

• Claims Phone: 1-866-277-9871 (24/7).

• Mailing Address: American Integrity Insurance Company, P.O. Box 530, Tampa, FL 33601-0530.

• Online Portal: https://portal.aiicfl.com (requires registration).

Checklist Before You Call the Insurer Again

• Policy declarations page and endorsements in front of you.

• Chronological log of every call, email, and inspection.

• All contractor or public adjuster estimates (with Florida license numbers).

• Weather reports and photos ready to email.

Conclusion

A denial from American Integrity is not the final word. Florida statutes, DFS programs, and the court system give Coconut Creek homeowners multiple avenues for relief. By acting within legal deadlines, preserving evidence, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can often turn a denial into a fair settlement.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. It is not legal advice. Laws change, and individual facts matter. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney about your specific situation.

If American Integrity denied your claim, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and policy review.