Universal Property and Casualty Insurance is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida. If this is your insurance company, you may find yourself having to file a claim after an incident or natural disaster, such as a fire or hurricane. If your claim gets denied, you may still have legal options. Discuss them with a Florida insurance claim attorney from Williams Law, P.A. during a free consultation.

How Do Claim Denials Happen?

The average homeowners insurance policy from Universal Property and Casualty Insurance covers many different types of events and property losses. If your home gets damaged in a storm or another covered event, you can file a claim to pursue financial compensation under the terms of your policy. It may surprise you to find, however, that the insurance company denies your claim for one or more reasons. The insurance company lawfully must explain the reason for the rejection, which could be:

  • Fault or liability dispute
  • Not the right type of coverage on your policy
  • Failure to mitigate your losses
  • Policy limits
  • Missed deadline
  • Missing information
  • Lack of supporting documents
  • Further proof of losses needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Denied Claims

When faced with a denied Universal Property and Casualty insurance claim, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can compromise your chances of a successful appeal. Here are some pitfalls to be aware of and tips on how to avoid them:

  • Not Reviewing the Denial Letter: Many people simply accept the denial and fail to review the denial letter thoroughly. By carefully reading the letter, you can gain valuable insights into the reasons behind the denial and identify any errors or discrepancies.
  • Missing Deadlines: Insurance policies usually have strict deadlines for appealing a denied claim. Failing to meet these deadlines can jeopardize your chances of a successful appeal. Make sure to note the deadline specified in the denial letter and submit your appeal within the required timeframe.
  • Lack of Documentation: Insufficient evidence is a common reason for denied claims. To avoid this, document all damages, injuries, or losses thoroughly from the start. Take photographs, keep receipts, and gather all relevant documents to support your claim.
  • Lack of Persistence: Dealing with a denied insurance claim can be a lengthy and frustrating process. However, persistence is key. Follow up regularly with your insurance company, document all communication, and stay proactive in pursuing your appeal.
  • Not Seeking Professional Advice: Insurance policies can be complex, and the appeals process can be overwhelming. Seeking the advice of an insurance attorney can greatly increase your chances of a successful appeal. We can provide guidance, review your case, and navigate the intricacies of the process on your behalf.

What to Do if Your Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Claim Gets Denied

If you feel that your insurance claim was wrongly denied by Universal Property and Casualty Insurance or that you are not being offered a fair settlement based on the extent of your property loss, you have a few different options. In general, the process for disputing a Florida insurance claim follows these steps:

Request an internal review.

You can file an official letter to ask your insurance company to conduct a review of its decision. The insurance company will give this task to an agent or representative, who may request further information from you to reevaluate the case. If your case is urgent, the insurance company legally must speed up the internal review process.

File a bad-faith insurance claim.

Sometimes, a Florida insurance claim denial is more than just an insurer making a mistake. Insurance companies have been known to intentionally reject valid claims in an effort to save money (wrongful claim denials). If you suspect this issue, contact an attorney to help you file a bad-faith insurance lawsuit.

A bad-faith lawsuit against Universal Property and Casualty Insurance can hold the insurance company accountable for failing to make a good-faith attempt to resolve your case. This can result in additional financial compensation to penalize the insurer on top of a payout for your original claim. 

Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied Or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim In Florida?

If your insurance company is dragging their feet regarding your property damage claim you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case. 

K.C. Williams III
Managing Partner who has spent his entire career representing Florida insurance and personal injury claims.