Was Your Hurricane Claim Denied by ASI Preferred?

When a hurricane devastates your home, the last thing you expect is for your insurance claim to be denied. Imagine this: Sarah, a Florida homeowner, suffered severe roof and water damage after a hurricane. She promptly filed a claim with ASI Preferred, expecting assistance in repairing her home. Weeks later, she received a denial letter, citing "pre-existing damage" and "insufficient evidence." Now left to face the costly repairs alone, she felt lost and frustrated. If you’re in a similar situation, know that you’re not alone—many homeowners struggle with hurricane claim denials and fight to receive the compensation they deserve.

The Impact of Hurricanes on Florida Insurance Companies

Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in property damage across Florida, putting immense financial strain on insurance companies. In recent years, insurers have faced significant losses, leading to more denials and underpayments of claims. Reports show that Florida insurance companies have paid over $30 billion in hurricane-related claims since 2017, yet many homeowners still find their claims unjustly delayed, reduced, or denied. With increasing financial pressure, some insurers, including ASI Preferred, may attempt to limit payouts by using policy loopholes or technicalities to justify denials.

Why Was Your Hurricane Claim with ASI Preferred Denied?

Insurance companies have various reasons for denying claims, but not all are justified. Understanding why your claim was denied can help you take the right steps to challenge the decision. One common reason is policy exclusions and limitations, where certain types of hurricane-related damage, such as flooding or wind-driven rain, may not be covered. Insufficient documentation is another issue—if your insurer claims there isn’t enough proof of damage, they may deny your claim due to a lack of photos, reports, or repair estimates. Some claims are also denied due to pre-existing damage, with ASI Preferred arguing that the damage existed before the hurricane. Additionally, missed deadlines can lead to an automatic denial if you fail to file your claim on time or respond to requests for more information. Finally, disputes over repair costs can result in denial if your insurance company believes the estimated repair expenses are too high and refuses to cover the full amount.

What to Do if ASI Preferred Denied Your Damage Claim

A denial doesn’t mean your claim is over. Many homeowners successfully challenge denied claims and receive the compensation they deserve. Here’s how you can challenge the decision and improve your chances of getting the payout you need:

Step 1. Review Your Denial Letter Carefully

The denial letter is the first piece of critical information you need to examine. It explains why your claim was rejected, citing specific policy exclusions, missing documentation, or other justifications. Read through it carefully and compare the reasons for denial with the terms outlined in your insurance policy. Look for inconsistencies, misinterpretations, or wrongful exclusions. If anything seems unclear or incorrect, this could be the basis for your challenge.

Step 2. Gather Additional Evidence

Insurance companies often deny claims due to lack of sufficient proof. Strengthen your case by collecting as much supporting evidence as possible. Take detailed photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles, obtain repair estimates from licensed contractors, and consider getting an independent inspection from a structural engineer or adjuster who can provide a professional assessment. The more solid evidence you have, the harder it is for ASI Preferred to justify their denial.

Step 3. Request a Re-evaluation

If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, you have the right to request a re-evaluation. Contact ASI Preferred and ask for reconsideration, providing additional documentation that strengthens your claim. Make sure to submit everything in writing, keep records of all communications, and follow up regularly. A well-documented request with strong evidence can often lead to a reversal of the denial.

Step 4. File an Appeal

If ASI Preferred does not reconsider your claim after your initial request, you can take it a step further by filing a formal appeal. This means submitting an official dispute that directly addresses the insurer’s reasons for denial while presenting new or stronger evidence to support your claim. Be clear, concise, and thorough in your appeal letter, ensuring that all necessary paperwork and proof are attached.

Step 5. Consult an Insurance Claims Attorney

If your appeal is still unsuccessful or ASI Preferred refuses to provide a fair settlement, you may need to seek legal assistance. An experienced insurance claims attorney can review your case, identify violations of insurance laws, and fight for your rights. They can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf or, if necessary, take legal action to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so exploring your legal options can be a smart next step.

What to Do if ASI Preferred Underpaid Your Claim

Even if your hurricane damage claim was approved, you might find that the payout is significantly lower than expected. Insurance companies often use their own adjusters to assess damage, and their estimates may not always reflect the true cost of repairs. Underpayments can leave homeowners struggling to cover repair costs out of pocket, which is frustrating and unfair. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to challenge an insufficient settlement and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Step 1. Compare Your Payout to Repair Estimates

Before accepting the insurance company’s offer, take the time to compare it with multiple repair estimates from licensed contractors. Many homeowners discover a large discrepancy between what their insurer is offering and the actual cost of repairs. Contractors and independent adjusters often provide more accurate assessments of damage, as they don’t have the same financial incentives as the insurance company. If the difference is substantial, you may have grounds for a dispute and can use these estimates as leverage to request a higher payout.

Step 2. Request an Explanation for the Underpayment

If your payout is lower than expected, don’t hesitate to ask ASI Preferred for a detailed breakdown of how they calculated the settlement amount. Request a copy of the adjuster’s report and review it carefully to check for errors, missing items, or undervalued damages. Some insurers may exclude certain types of damage, underestimate the cost of materials, or offer a lower payout than necessary for repairs. If you identify any inconsistencies, challenge them with photographic evidence, repair invoices, and expert assessments.

Step 3. Hire an Independent Adjuster

Insurance companies send their own adjusters to evaluate the damage, but their primary duty is to the insurer—not the homeowner. Hiring a public adjuster can give you an independent damage assessment that may support a higher settlement amount. A public adjuster works on your behalf and has experience in negotiating with insurance companies. If they determine that your claim was undervalued, they can help you build a strong case for a larger payout. While they typically charge a fee (a percentage of the additional funds they recover), their expertise can make a significant difference in the final settlement.

Step 4. Negotiate with the Insurance Company

If you have additional evidence supporting a higher payout, don’t be afraid to negotiate with ASI Preferred. Submit the independent repair estimates, expert assessments, and any omitted damages from the initial report. Clearly explain why their settlement offer is insufficient and request a re-evaluation of your claim. Many homeowners find that insurance companies increase their offers when confronted with strong supporting evidence and persistent follow-ups. Be sure to keep detailed records of all correspondence and follow up consistently until you receive a fair settlement.

Step 5. Seek Legal Help

If negotiations fail and ASI Preferred refuses to offer a fair payout, consulting an insurance dispute attorney may be your best option. Insurance attorneys specialize in handling underpaid or wrongfully denied claims and can apply legal pressure to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They can review your policy, challenge bad faith tactics, and take legal action if necessary. Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Taking legal action can be the final step in securing a fair payout for your hurricane damage claim.

How Louis Law Group Can Help

At Louis Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with a denied hurricane claim while trying to recover from a disaster. Insurance companies often make the claims process difficult, leaving homeowners frustrated and uncertain about their next steps. Our experienced legal team specializes in fighting insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We start by reviewing your policy and denial letter to identify any coverage loopholes, errors, or unfair justifications used by the insurer. Next, we gather strong evidence to support your appeal, including expert assessments, damage reports, and repair estimates that challenge the insurer’s evaluation. Our team then negotiates directly with ASI Preferred, working to secure a fair settlement that accurately reflects the true cost of your damages. If the insurance company still refuses to provide the full amount you’re entitled to, we are prepared to take legal action on your behalf. With years of experience handling hurricane insurance claims, we have helped countless homeowners fight back against unfair denials and recover the funds they need to rebuild their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to appeal a denied hurricane claim?

Appeal deadlines vary by insurance policy and state laws. Some policies allow only a few weeks, while others give several months. Acting quickly is crucial, as missing the deadline could prevent you from challenging the denial. If you’re unsure, consult an insurance attorney to ensure your appeal is filed on time.

2. Can I dispute an insurance claim payout if I already accepted it?

Yes. If you later realize the payout was too low, you can submit additional documentation, such as repair estimates and expert assessments, to request a higher settlement. While insurers may resist reopening a claim, strong evidence and legal support can increase your chances of securing fair compensation.

3. Will hiring an attorney increase my chances of a successful claim?

Absolutely. Insurance attorneys understand insurer tactics and can negotiate higher settlements. They handle disputes, provide strong legal arguments, and, if necessary, take legal action to secure your rightful payout. Many work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless they win.

Conclusion

If ASI Preferred has denied or underpaid your hurricane claim, you don’t have to accept their decision without a fight. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for less than you deserve. By carefully reviewing your policy, identifying any coverage loopholes or misinterpretations, and gathering strong evidence, you can build a solid case to challenge their decision. Whether it’s through negotiation, a formal appeal, or legal action, you have options to fight for fair compensation. If the process feels overwhelming, seeking professional help from an insurance attorney or public adjuster can make a significant difference. Don’t let a denial or underpayment stop you from getting the funds you need to repair and rebuild your home—take action and ensure your rights as a policyholder are protected.