American Integrity Claim Denial Guide – Miramar, Florida

13 min read

Introduction: Why Miramar Homeowners Need This Guide

Nothing is more frustrating than paying your premiums to American Integrity Insurance Company and then opening a letter that says your claim has been denied. If you live in Miramar, Florida—a community only a few miles from the Atlantic coast—you already know how vulnerable your home is to hurricanes, wind-driven rain, and sudden storm surges. Unfortunately, those same regional realities often lead to complex, high-dollar property claims, and insurers sometimes push back aggressively to protect their bottom line. According to Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) data, the state has the nation’s highest volume of property insurance litigation, and policyholders prevail in court more often than not. That tells us two things:

• First, insurers like American Integrity are no strangers to denying or underpaying claims.

• Second, Florida homeowners have leverage—but only if they understand their statutory rights and act quickly.

This comprehensive guide explains the Florida laws that protect you, common denial tactics used by American Integrity, and the exact steps Miramar homeowners should take to fight back. Our goal is to place you on equal footing with the insurance carrier and give you the confidence to decide whether self-advocacy or hiring counsel—such as the experienced team at Louis Law Group—is the right move. If American Integrity has already issued a denial, you can skip directly to the action plan below; if you are still in the claim process, use this guide proactively to avoid pitfalls.

Disclaimer: The information below is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice on your specific situation. Louis Law Group attorneys are licensed in Florida and offer complimentary evaluations at 833-657-4812.

Understanding Your Rights Under Florida Insurance Law

Key Statutes Every Miramar Homeowner Should Know

Florida has some of the strongest consumer-protection laws in the country when it comes to property insurance. The following statutes may apply to an American Integrity claim denial:

• Fla. Stat. § 627.70131 – Requires insurers to acknowledge and pay or deny a claim within a reasonable time, usually 90 days.

• Fla. Stat. § 624.155 – Establishes a civil remedy for an insurer’s bad-faith refusal to settle claims.

• Fla. Stat. § 626.9541 – Lists unfair claim settlement practices, such as misrepresenting coverages or requiring unnecessary documentation.

• Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e) – Sets a five-year statute of limitations to file a breach-of-contract lawsuit against your insurer.

Additionally, Florida’s Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services oversees the mediation program that policyholders can trigger—often at no cost—before heading to litigation.

Bad-Faith Protections

If American Integrity denies your claim without performing a diligent investigation or unreasonably delays payment, it may be liable for bad-faith damages, including attorney’s fees and interest. Before you can sue for bad faith, Florida law requires that you file a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) and give the insurer 60 days to cure the violation. An experienced lawyer can draft the CRN and maximize its impact.

Miramar-Specific Considerations

Because Miramar sits in Broward County and falls under the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) portion of the Florida Building Code, insurers often scrutinize roof and window damage claims more closely. Be prepared for American Integrity adjusters to argue that damages are due to wear and tear rather than a covered event. Documenting post-storm conditions quickly is essential.

Common Reasons American Integrity Denies Claims

Although every policy is unique, Louis Law Group sees recurring patterns in American Integrity denials across South Florida:

• Late Reporting – The policy requires “prompt notice,” and the carrier argues that delays prevented a proper investigation.

• Excluded Water Damage – Insurer labels the damage as flood (excluded) instead of wind-driven rain (covered).

• Wear, Tear & Deterioration – Roof claims are denied as age-related, ignoring sudden wind uplift or debris impact.

• Failure to Mitigate – American Integrity alleges the homeowner didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

• Misrepresentation – Carrier accuses policyholder of inflating the estimate or hiding prior damage.

Denied for one of these reasons? Don’t assume the insurer is correct. Florida courts frequently overturn denials when homeowners can show storm-related causation or procedural bad faith. For instance, in American Integrity Ins. Co. v. Estrada, the Third District Court of Appeal affirmed coverage for a roof despite the carrier’s wear-and-tear argument when evidence pointed to Hurricane Irma as the cause.

Florida Legal Protections & Regulatory Oversight

Role of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)

The OIR licenses American Integrity and reviews its policy forms. If you suspect systemic unfair practices, you may file a complaint with OIR’s Market Conduct division. Persistent patterns of wrongful denials can trigger regulatory fines or directives.

DFS Mediation & Neutral Evaluation

Under Fla. Stat. § 627.7015, homeowners can request state-sponsored mediation. The insurer must pay the mediator’s fee, and participation is mandatory for the carrier if you invoke the program in writing after a claim dispute. This low-cost option often yields fair settlements without lengthy litigation.

Recent Court Precedents Involving American Integrity

• American Integrity v. Reale (Fla. 2d DCA 2022) – Court held that ambiguous policy language must be construed in favor of the insured.

• American Integrity v. Estrada (Fla. 3d DCA 2020) – Confirmed that an insurer may still owe for matching roof tiles under Florida’s matching statute, § 626.9744.

• American Integrity v. Garcia (Broward Cty. Cir. Ct. 2021) – Jury awarded full replacement cost plus attorney’s fees after finding bad faith delay.

These cases signal that Florida courts will not hesitate to penalize insurers that rely on ambiguous wording or stonewall legitimate claims.

Steps to Take After an American Integrity Denial

1. Review the Denial Letter Line-by-Line

American Integrity must state the exact policy provisions it relies on. Highlight each cited exclusion or endorsement. Look for vague language such as “no covered peril observed” or “coverage not triggered.” Ambiguity is your ally.

2. Gather & Organize Documentation

• Policy declarations and all endorsements

• Initial proof-of-loss submission

• Photographs/video from before and after the loss

• Independent contractor or public adjuster estimates

• Emails, voicemails, and letters exchanged with the insurer

3. Obtain an Independent Inspection

A licensed public adjuster or structural engineer in Broward County can rebut the insurer’s findings. Make sure the expert uses moisture-mapping tools and drone imaging if roof access is unsafe.

4. File a Written Reconsideration

Florida law does not require a formal “appeal,” but a well-drafted rebuttal letter referencing § 627.70131 can push American Integrity to revisit the file. Attach your independent report and demand a specific response within 14 days.

5. Invoke DFS Mediation

If American Integrity refuses to reverse course, complete Form DFS-I4-O-MEO and send it to the address listed on the DFS mediation portal. The insurer must pay the $150 fee.

6. Consider a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN)

A CRN is the legal prerequisite to a bad-faith lawsuit. Detail every statutory violation and demand the full claim amount plus attorney’s fees. The 60-day cure clock pressures American Integrity to settle.

7. File Suit if Necessary

You have five years from the date of breach, but delays weaken evidence. A lawsuit lets you conduct discovery, depose adjusters, and potentially recover fees under Fla. Stat. § 627.428.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

While some straightforward denials can be resolved through self-advocacy, you should consult an attorney when any of the following apply:

• The amount in dispute exceeds your hurricane deductible.

• American Integrity alleges fraud or misrepresentation.

• You have received a reservation of rights letter.

• The insurer is unresponsive to your written demands.

• You lack the time or resources to navigate litigation.

Louis Law Group focuses exclusively on property insurance disputes statewide and maintains an office less than 20 miles from Miramar. Our attorneys are fluent in English and Spanish, licensed in all Florida courts, and work on contingency—meaning you pay nothing unless we win or settle your claim. Call 833-657-4812 24/7 for a free policy review.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Government & Non-Profit Contacts

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) – Consumer complaints and market conduct data. DFS Division of Consumer Services – Mediation program, 1-877-693-5236. Broward County Bar Association – Lawyer referral service for Miramar residents.

Climate & Building Code Notes for Miramar Homeowners

Miramar’s exposure to Category 3 and 4 hurricanes means roof decks, shutters, and flood mitigation must meet HVHZ standards. Documenting compliance can defeat American Integrity arguments about “pre-existing” weakness. Keep receipts for hurricane straps, impact windows, and elevation certificates.

Final Checklist

• Confirm the policy language American Integrity used to deny you.

• Secure an independent estimate ASAP.

• Send a detailed written rebuttal within 14 days.

• Invoke DFS mediation if the carrier stays silent.

• File a CRN and consult legal counsel before litigation.

Remember: The statute of limitations clock is ticking, and evidence of storm damage fades fast in Florida’s heat and humidity.

Take Action Today

If American Integrity denied your claim, you do not have to accept “no” for an answer. Call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and policy review. Our Miramar-area attorneys will analyze your denial letter, inspect your property, and fight to secure the benefits you paid for.

This guide is provided as general information and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.