Ten Tips for Handling Insurance Claim Denials with Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance

You pay your Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance premiums every month expecting peace of mind. When disaster strikes—whether it's a hurricane, fire, or water damage—you trust your insurance company will help you recover. But what happens when your claim is unexpectedly denied? It can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. The denial may seem confusing or even unfair, but don’t panic. You have options. With the right approach, you can challenge the decision and potentially overturn it. This guide offers ten detailed tips for handling a claim denial, and how Louis Law Group can assist you if you need expert legal guidance.

Tip 1: Review the Denial Letter Thoroughly

When you receive a denial letter from Homeowners Choice, your first step is to read it carefully from start to finish. This letter is your roadmap—it outlines why the claim was denied and points you toward your next move.

• Look for specific reasons: Insurers must explain the basis for their decision. They might cite lack of coverage for a specific type of damage (like flooding), late notice of loss, or missing documents.
• Pay attention to deadlines: Many policies set strict time limits for filing appeals or lawsuits. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering anything.
• Clarify confusing language: If any part of the letter is unclear, highlight it and prepare to ask for clarification.

Understanding exactly why they denied your claim is critical before you take further action.

Tip 2: Understand Your Insurance Policy Coverage

Many policyholders don’t fully understand what their homeowner’s policy covers—and more importantly, what it excludes.

• Review the entire policy, including the Declarations Page, which summarizes your coverage, and the Exclusions Section, which lists what’s not covered (such as flood damage or wear and tear).
• Pay special attention to duties after a loss: Most policies require that you report losses quickly and take steps to prevent additional damage (like boarding up windows or tarping a roof). Failure to do so might lead to a denial.
• If you find the policy language hard to understand, consider speaking with an insurance attorney or a public adjuster who can translate the complex terms into plain English.

Having a clear grasp of your policy empowers you to determine whether the denial is justified—or whether you have grounds to fight back.

Tip 3: Gather and Organize All Evidence and Documentation

A well-documented claim is often a successful claim. The more evidence you provide to Homeowners Choice, the harder it is for them to deny your loss.

• Collect every piece of documentation related to the damage. This includes photos, videos, repair estimates, receipts for temporary repairs, and any contractor reports.
• Keep track of all communications, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with adjusters or customer service representatives.
• Create a chronological timeline: When did the damage occur? When did you report it? What steps have you taken since then? Timelines help clarify that you complied with your policy obligations.

Being organized and thorough shows the insurance company that you are serious and prepared to stand up for your rights.

Tip 4: Take Clear and Detailed Photos and Videos of the Damage

Photographic and video evidence can make a powerful case for your claim.

• Take wide-angle shots of entire rooms or areas to show the scope of the damage, and close-up images of specific issues like water stains, mold, cracks, or broken windows.
• Document the damage at different times. Show the immediate aftermath and any worsening conditions if temporary repairs weren’t enough.
• If possible, provide "before" and "after" pictures. For example, if you had photos of your roof in good condition before a hurricane, they can clearly show the damage that occurred.

Strong visual evidence reduces the chance of disputes about the extent or cause of damage, and it gives your claim more credibility.

Tip 5: Request a Written Explanation for the Denial

If the initial denial letter doesn’t fully explain their reasoning—or you think there’s been a misunderstanding—request a more detailed explanation.

• Send a formal written request asking Homeowners Choice to specify the exact policy provisions or exclusions they are relying on.
• Ask for a copy of any inspection reports, photos, or evaluations their adjuster used in the decision-making process.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and send requests via certified mail so you have proof that you reached out.
• Clear communication ensures there are no surprises and gives you a better chance to prepare a focused appeal.

Tip 6: Submit a Timely and Well-Supported Appeal

Filing an appeal is often the best way to reverse a denial—but it must be thorough and timely.

• Review the denial letter to find out how long you have to appeal. Insurers often allow only 30-60 days from the date of denial.
• Write a clear, detailed appeal letter that addresses each point raised in the denial. Explain why the denial was incorrect and support your argument with documents, photos, and expert opinions (such as a contractor or independent adjuster).
• Keep your tone professional and respectful. Avoid emotional language and focus on facts and evidence.

A well-organized appeal can convince Homeowners Choice to reconsider their decision, especially when backed by solid proof.

Tip 7: Get an Independent Adjuster’s Evaluation

When your insurer’s adjuster underestimates your damage, hiring a licensed public adjuster can help balance the scales.

• Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company. They can give you an unbiased assessment of your damage.
• They often spot hidden damage that the insurance company might overlook or downplay, such as structural issues or mold behind walls.
• Their findings can be a valuable addition to your appeal and give you leverage when negotiating a fair settlement.

While public adjusters usually charge a percentage of your final settlement (often 10-20%), their expertise can often lead to a larger payout, making it worth the investment.

Tip 8: Keep a Record of All Communications with Homeowners Choice

Good documentation doesn’t stop with collecting evidence—it extends to your conversations with Homeowners Choice.

• Keep a detailed log of every interaction. Record dates, times, names of representatives, and summaries of what was discussed.
• Confirm phone conversations with a follow-up email that summarizes the call. For example, "As we discussed on March 15th, your adjuster agreed to review the additional photos I sent."
• Save all written correspondence, including letters, emails, and claim forms.

This log can protect you if Homeowners Choice makes conflicting statements or fails to honor commitments. If legal action becomes necessary, these records can be critical.

Tip 9: Evaluate Settlement Offers Carefully Before Accepting

Sometimes, Homeowners Choice will offer a quick settlement, but it may not reflect the full value of your loss.

• Review the offer alongside repair estimates and other documentation to make sure it covers all damages and not just the most obvious ones.
• Keep in mind that once you accept a settlement, you typically sign a release of further claims. This means you can’t go back and ask for more money later if you discover additional issues.
• Don’t feel pressured to accept an offer immediately. Take your time and, if necessary, consult an insurance attorney to ensure you’re making the right decision.

Accepting an inadequate settlement can leave you stuck with out-of-pocket costs, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re agreeing to.

Tip 10: Consult with an Experienced Insurance Attorney

If you’ve tried the steps above and still feel you’re being treated unfairly, it may be time to get legal help.

• Louis Law Group has a proven track record in handling Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance denials. We understand their policies and tactics and can guide you through negotiation, appeals, or litigation.
• We’ll handle the heavy lifting—reviewing your policy, gathering evidence, negotiating with adjusters, and if necessary, taking your case to court.
• Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Having an experienced insurance attorney on your side levels the playing field and gives you the best chance at a fair outcome.

How Louis Law Group Can Help You

At Louis Law Group, we are dedicated to helping policyholders who feel abandoned by their insurance companies. If you’re dealing with a denial from Homeowners Choice, we can:

• Provide a free consultation to evaluate your denial and advise you on the best course of action.
• Negotiate directly with Homeowners Choice on your behalf to pursue a fair and just settlement.
• Take your case to court if necessary, fighting aggressively to secure the compensation you are entitled to.

We understand the frustration of being denied when you need help the most. Let Louis Law Group take the burden off your shoulders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Homeowners Choice deny my insurance claim?

Common reasons include policy exclusions (like wear and tear), missed deadlines, lack of documentation, or disputes over the cause of the damage.

2. How long do I have to appeal a claim denial with Homeowners Choice?

Generally, you have 30 to 60 days to file an appeal. Check your denial letter and policy documents to confirm the exact time frame.

3. Can I hire an independent adjuster if Homeowners Choice denied my claim?

Yes! A public adjuster works for you and can offer an independent damage assessment, which can strengthen your appeal.

4. Does Louis Law Group charge upfront fees?

No. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.

5. Can I sue Homeowners Choice for denying my claim unfairly?

If Homeowners Choice denied your claim in bad faith or violated your policy rights, you may have grounds to sue. Louis Law Group can help evaluate your case.

Conclusion

Facing a claim denial from Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the end of the road. By following these ten practical and detailed tips, you can challenge the decision and work towards a fair resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of the process, Louis Law Group is here to guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to take control and fight for the compensation you deserve?

Contact Louis Law Group today for a free consultation. Call 833-657-4812 or submit a free case evaluation form to get started. Don’t wait—let us help you take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.