American Integrity Claim Denial Guide – Davie, Florida

Introduction: Why Davie Homeowners Need a Focused Guide

From Pine Island Ridge to the increasing number of new developments along Flamingo Road, Davie, Florida homeowners are no strangers to severe weather. Broward County’s proximity to the Atlantic and its network of canals expose properties to heavy rain, wind-driven debris, and flooding during hurricane season. When disaster strikes, policyholders expect their carrier—often American Integrity Insurance Company of Florida—to honor the policy they diligently paid for. Yet denials, delays, and underpayments happen. This guide equips you with fact-based, Florida-specific information so you can challenge an American Integrity claim denial Davie confidently and within the bounds of state law.

Target Audience: Homeowners in the 33314, 33317, 33324, and surrounding ZIP codes who recently received a denial letter or an unfavorable desk adjuster estimate from American Integrity.

Estimated Read Time: 13 min read

1. Understanding Your Rights as a Florida Policyholder

1.1 The Contractual Nature of Your Policy

Your homeowners insurance policy is a contract. If you pay premiums and comply with post-loss duties, American Integrity owes contractual and statutory obligations, including:

• Investigating claims promptly and thoroughly.
• Paying undisputed amounts within time limits set by state law.
• Providing a written explanation—known as a “Denial Letter” or “Coverage Determination”—that cites specific policy provisions if the claim is denied.

1.2 Florida’s Homeowner Bill of Rights

Since 2014, Florida statutes require insurers to give new policyholders a Homeowner Claim Bill of Rights summarizing key consumer protections. These rights include:

Free access to the Florida Department of Financial Services Consumer Helpline.- Timely acknowledgment, investigation, and payment of claims under Fla. Stat. § 627.70131.

• The right to mediation through the Department of Financial Services when claim amounts are disputed.

Knowing these rights is the first step to disputing an insurer’s adverse decision.

2. Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

2.1 Excluded Perils vs. Covered Perils

The denial letter may say “loss due to wear and tear” or “loss due to flood excluded.” Review whether the alleged peril truly falls outside the All-Risk coverage section (Coverage A) or if the carrier is misclassifying hurricane-related wind damage.

2.2 Late Reporting

American Integrity often cites policy language requiring prompt notice. However, Florida’s prompt notice requirement has been interpreted in cases such as Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Condo. Ass’n v. Lexington Ins. Co., 599 F. App’x 875 (11th Cir. 2015), to require the insurer to show substantial prejudice from the delay. Do not assume a late report automatically bars recovery.

2.3 Preexisting Damage

Insurers may argue the damage predates the policy period. Photographs, inspection reports, and repair invoices can rebut this claim.

2.4 Misrepresentation or Fraud Allegations

If American Integrity states you misrepresented facts, they must establish materiality under Fla. Stat. § 627.409. Honest mistakes typically do not rise to material misrepresentation.

2.5 Managed Repair Program Disputes

American Integrity’s “Preferred Contractor Network” may result in a denial if you refuse their contractor. Florida law allows you to select your own contractor, but you may need to follow additional steps.

3. Florida Legal Protections & Key Statutes

3.1 Prompt Pay Statute – Fla. Stat. § 627.70131

This statute requires insurers to:

• Acknowledge your claim within 14 days.
• Within 90 days, either pay or deny the claim (excluding factors beyond their control).
• If they fail, they owe statutory interest.

3.2 Bad-Faith Remedies – Fla. Stat. § 624.155

If American Integrity denies a valid claim or fails to settle when they could and should have acted fairly, you may file a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN). The CRN gives the insurer 60 days to cure the violation. If they do not, you may sue for extra-contractual damages.

3.3 Statute of Limitations – Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e)

A breach-of-contract lawsuit against your insurer must generally be filed within five years from the date of loss. Hurricane Ian and Nicole claims have specific tolling provisions—consult counsel for precise deadlines.

3.4 Department of Financial Services Mediation – Fla. Stat. § 627.7015

You are entitled to free, non-binding mediation within 60 days of a denial. Request mediation in writing to American Integrity and the Department simultaneously.

4. Step-by-Step Actions After an American Integrity Denial

4.1 Read the Denial Letter Line-by-Line

Identify:

• Date of denial (triggers statutory deadlines).
• Policy provisions cited.
• Evidence relied upon—engineering report, photos, recorded statement.

4.2 Gather Supporting Documents

Create a single folder containing:

• Pre-loss photos (realtor listings, Google Street View, inspection reports).
• Post-loss photos and videos.
• Invoices/estimates from licensed Broward County contractors.
• Correspondence with adjusters.

4.3 Request the Complete Claims File

Under Fla. Admin. Code 69O-166.031, insurers must maintain a detailed claims file. Send American Integrity a written request for:

• Third-party engineering reports.
• All photographs taken.
• Internal adjuster notes.

4.4 File a Complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS)

The Consumer Services Division offers a free complaint process:

Call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO or submit the DFS online complaint form.- Provide claim number, policy number, denial letter, and supporting evidence.

• A DFS analyst contacts American Integrity for a formal written response, often prompting re-evaluation.

4.5 Demand Appraisal (If Policy Allows)

Most American Integrity policies include an Appraisal clause. Either party may invoke appraisal to resolve amount-of-loss disputes. Steps:

• Send a certified letter invoking appraisal.
• Name a competent, impartial appraiser.
• If the carrier agrees, an umpire is selected and the award becomes binding.

Warning: Appraisal does not resolve coverage denials. If the insurer claims the loss is excluded, you may need litigation.

4.6 Consider a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN)

File via the DFS CRN portal. Provide specific statutory violations, facts, and a cure amount. A CRN is often a prerequisite to a bad-faith lawsuit.## 5. When to Hire a Florida Attorney

5.1 Complexity of Florida Insurance Litigation

Florida insurance law is highly specialized. The First District Court of Appeal has ruled insurers may be liable for attorneys’ fees under Fla. Stat. § 627.428 if the policyholder obtains any recovery after suit. However, Senate Bill 2-A (2022) replaced § 627.428 with § 86.121 for property claims, requiring a different fee analysis. A licensed Florida attorney can navigate these evolving rules.

5.2 Indicators You Need Counsel

• American Integrity alleges fraud or misrepresentation.
• Significant structural issues (e.g., truss damage) that exceed $50,000.
• Multiple expert reports contradict your contractor.
• You received a “Reservation of Rights” letter.

5.3 Attorney’s Fee Arrangements

Most property-damage attorneys work on contingency, meaning no fee if no recovery. Florida Bar Rule 4-1.5(f) governs contingency fees and requires a signed fee agreement.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps for Davie Residents

6.1 Building Permits and Code Enforcement

If American Integrity disputes code-upgrade costs, obtain documentation from:

Town of Davie Building Division – permits, inspections.Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals – local wind-storm requirements.

6.2 Flood vs. Wind Claims

Davie sits inland yet faces heavy rain events (e.g., Tropical Storm Eta, 2020). Collect separate wind and flood damage evidence to prevent anti-concurrent causation disputes.

6.3 Public Adjusters

Florida requires public adjusters to hold a 3-20 license. Verify licenses on the DFS Licensee Search site. A reputable adjuster can prepare a detailed loss package before litigation.## 7. Checklist: Quick Reference for Challenging a Denial

• Mark the 90-day and 5-year statutory deadlines on your calendar.
• Organize photos, estimates, and correspondence.
• Submit a DFS complaint and request free mediation.
• Consider appraisal if the dispute is strictly about dollars.
• Consult a qualified Davie-area attorney for coverage disputes or bad-faith claims.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Florida insurance law. It is not legal advice. You should 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.