Can I Reopen a Property Insurance Claim?

Understanding Reopened Home Insurance Claims

If your Florida home or property insurance claim was denied, underpaid, or prematurely closed, you may still have options. At Williams Law, P.A., we’re here to help policyholders fight back when insurers fall short. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about reopening a Florida property insurance claim.

Can I Reopen a Property Insurance Claim in Florida?

Yes, You Can Reopen a Closed Insurance Claim

In many cases, you can reopen a claim even after it’s been denied or marked as “closed with no payment.”

This is especially true if:

  • You discover new damage
  • You have new documentation
  • The insurance company acted in bad faith
  • You believe there was an error in their decision

Florida homeowners, in particular, may reopen property damage claims for issues like hidden water damage, roof leaks, or mold growth that wasn’t initially visible.

Florida Law on Reopening Insurance Claims

Under Florida Statutes § 627.70132, a property insurance claim must be initiated within two years from the date of loss. However, this statute also allows supplemental claims and reopened claims to be filed within three years of the date of loss.

  • A supplemental claim involves additional expenses or damages not included in the initial claim.
  • A reopened claim occurs when a policyholder disputes the original settlement or uncovers new damage related to the same event.

The three-year window is critical. If you attempt to reopen a claim outside that time frame, your insurer will likely deny it regardless of the damage.

Appraisal vs. Reopened Claim: What’s the Difference?

Many Florida property insurance policies include an appraisal clause, which allows either party to resolve disputed claim values through a third-party process. A reopened claim involves submitting new or additional evidence to demonstrate that the original payout was insufficient or that new damage has now become apparent.

In contrast, appraisal is triggered when both sides agree there is covered damage but disagree on the value. If your insurer refuses to acknowledge coverage altogether, appraisal may not be applicable; reopening the claim or filing a lawsuit may be the better course of action.

Common Reasons Claims Are Denied or Closed Without Payment

Several scenarios can lead to a claim being closed with no compensation:

  • The insurer determines that the damage falls below the deductible
  • They assert the loss is excluded under the policy
  • The claim lacks sufficient documentation or evidence
  • The adjuster decides the damage is pre-existing
  • The policyholder missed critical filing deadlines

Often, these closures are based on incomplete investigations or subjective interpretations of policy language. In many of these cases, claimants have a legal right to challenge the denial or lack of payment, especially when new evidence comes to light or the insurance company failed to act in good faith.

How a Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help 

Insurance companies rarely make it easy.

An expert Florida insurance claim lawyer can:

  • Communicate directly with your insurer
  • Identify errors in the denial
  • Submit new evidence
  • Demand reconsideration
  • File a civil remedy notice for bad faith
  • Take legal action if necessary

Protect Your Rights and Recover What You’re Owed

Do not assume that a closed claim means you’re out of options. With solid evidence, legal support, and adherence to deadlines, reopening your Florida property insurance claim could unlock compensation you rightfully deserve. Always act within the three-year window and consult a lawyer immediately if your insurer attempts to push back.

At Williams Law, P.A., we regularly assist homeowners and injury victims in reopening denied claims and recovering compensation that was wrongfully withheld.