Was Your Hurricane Claim Denied by People’s Trust Insurance?

When a hurricane damages your home, you expect your insurance company to provide the financial support you need to rebuild. However, many homeowners face unexpected challenges when their hurricane claims are denied by People’s Trust Insurance. Imagine Sarah, a Florida homeowner, who carefully documented her hurricane damage and submitted her claim. Weeks later, she was shocked to receive a denial letter, stating "insufficient evidence" and "policy exclusions." Frustrated and unsure of her next steps, she found herself struggling to fight for the compensation she deserved. If this situation sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many policyholders are left battling insurance companies instead of focusing on recovery.

The Impact of Hurricanes on Florida Insurance Companies

Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in property damage across Florida, leaving insurance companies struggling to keep up with the financial burden. Reports show that Florida insurers have paid over $30 billion in hurricane-related claims from 2017 to 2022, yet many homeowners still find themselves facing claim denials or underpayments. As insurance companies attempt to minimize their losses, some may resort to aggressive claim denials or reduced payouts, leaving policyholders in difficult financial situations.

Why Would People’s Trust Insurance Deny Your Claim?

Insurance companies often provide vague reasons for denying hurricane claims, making it crucial to understand why your claim may have been rejected. Policy exclusions are a common reason, where the insurer claims that certain damages, such as wind-driven rain or flooding, are not covered. **Insufficient documentation **can also lead to denials, as insurers may argue there is not enough evidence to prove the damage was caused by the hurricane. Missed deadlines can result in automatic rejection, as many policies require claims to be filed within a specific timeframe. Additionally, pre-existing damage or claims that the homeowner failed to mitigate further losses may be used to justify a denial. Understanding these tactics can help you build a strong case if you decide to appeal the decision.

What to Do if People’s Trust Insurance Denied Your Damage Claim

Receiving a claim denial from People’s Trust Insurance can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you’re relying on your policy to cover your hurricane-related damages. However, a denial does not mean the end of the road. Insurance companies sometimes reject claims due to misinterpretations of policy terms, missing documentation, or administrative errors. By taking the right steps, you can challenge the decision and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Step 1. Review Your Denial Letter Carefully

The first step is to carefully read the denial letter sent by People’s Trust Insurance. This document explains the reasons behind the rejection. Compare the insurer’s justification with the details in your insurance policy to see if the denial is valid. Pay close attention to vague explanations, policy exclusions, or coverage limitations that may not have been clearly stated when you purchased your policy. If anything seems unclear or incorrect, you may have grounds to challenge the decision.

Step 2. Gather Additional Evidence

To strengthen your case, compile as much evidence as possible. Take high-quality photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles, both immediately after the storm and during repairs. Obtain detailed contractor estimates to prove the actual cost of fixing your property. Additionally, keep records of all emails, phone calls, and letters exchanged with the insurance company, as this communication can provide crucial insights into how your claim was handled. For a more objective assessment, consider hiring an independent adjuster to conduct a separate evaluation of your damages.

Step 3. Request a Re-evaluation

If you believe the insurance company made an error, contact People’s Trust Insurance and formally request a reassessment of your claim. Submit any new documentation that supports your case, such as additional repair estimates or expert evaluations. Be persistent but professional when speaking with insurance representatives, and make sure all communication is documented in writing for reference.

Step 4. File a Formal Appeal

If your claim is still denied after the re-evaluation, you have the right to file a formal appeal. This appeal should include a well-structured explanation of why you believe the denial was incorrect. Attach supporting evidence, such as independent damage assessments, policy provisions that confirm your coverage, and any documentation that contradicts the insurer’s findings. Clearly state your expectations for reconsideration, and set a deadline for the insurance company to respond.

Step 5. Consult an Insurance Claims Attorney

If People’s Trust Insurance continues to deny your rightful claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement, seeking legal assistance may be necessary. An insurance claims attorney can review your case, negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, and, if needed, take legal action to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to. Attorneys with experience in hurricane claim disputes understand the tactics insurance companies use to underpay or deny claims and can fight aggressively for your rights.

What to Do if People’s Trust Insurance Underpays Your Claim

If People’s Trust Insurance has approved your claim but offered a payout that is significantly lower than expected, you still have options to challenge the amount and negotiate for a higher settlement. Underpayment is a common issue in insurance claims, as insurers may use lowball estimates, depreciation calculations, or policy loopholes to justify a reduced payout. By taking the right steps, you can fight for the full compensation needed to restore your home and property.

Step 1. Compare the Payout to Repair Estimates

Start by obtaining multiple repair estimates from licensed contractors and compare them with the insurance company's settlement offer. If there is a significant difference between the amount offered and the actual cost of repairs, you may have grounds to dispute the insurer’s assessment. Keep in mind that insurance companies often use their own adjusters, who might undervalue damages to minimize the payout. Having third-party estimates from reputable professionals strengthens your case and provides concrete evidence that the settlement offer is too low.

Step 2. Request a Detailed Explanation for the Underpayment

Before moving forward with a dispute, contact People’s Trust Insurance and request a detailed breakdown of how they calculated your payout. Insurers often apply depreciation, coverage limits, or policy exclusions to reduce the final amount. Carefully review their explanation and compare it with your insurance policy terms. If you find discrepancies or unclear deductions, ask the insurer for clarification and be prepared to challenge their calculations with supporting evidence.

Step 3. Hire a Public Adjuster

If you believe that your claim has been undervalued, hiring a public adjuster can be a valuable step. Unlike the insurance company’s adjusters, who work for the insurer, a public adjuster works on your behalf to assess the damage independently. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your property, calculate the actual cost of repairs, and negotiate directly with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. Public adjusters often have experience dealing with insurance disputes and can help level the playing field when insurers attempt to minimize payouts.

Step 4. Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Once you have supporting documentation, including contractor estimates, public adjuster reports, and a breakdown of disputed amounts, you can formally negotiate with the insurance company. Submit a written request for a revised settlement, outlining why the initial payout is insufficient and providing evidence to support your claim. Be persistent in your follow-ups, as insurers may delay or resist increasing their offer. Maintaining detailed records of all communication can strengthen your case if further action is required.

Step 5. Seek Legal Help

If negotiations fail and People’s Trust Insurance refuses to pay a fair amount, consulting an insurance claims attorney may be necessary. An attorney experienced in insurance disputes can assess your case, handle negotiations on your behalf, and, if needed, take legal action to secure the compensation you are entitled to. Insurers are more likely to settle fairly when faced with legal representation, as they want to avoid potential lawsuits and bad publicity.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of securing a fair settlement and ensuring that your insurance policy provides the full protection you paid for.

How Louis Law Group Can Help

At Louis Law Group, we understand the frustration and hardship that come with hurricane claim denials. Our skilled attorneys specialize in insurance disputes and can help you fight against unfair denials and underpayments. We will thoroughly review your policy, gather strong evidence, negotiate with People’s Trust Insurance, and, if necessary, take legal action to maximize your payout. With our experience handling hurricane insurance claims, we have helped countless homeowners receive the compensation they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The appeal deadline depends on your insurance policy. It’s best to act quickly and consult with an attorney to avoid missing any important deadlines.

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

Yes, in many cases, you can still challenge an underpayment, especially if new damages are discovered or if the insurer undervalued the repairs.

3. Will hiring an attorney improve my chances of success?

Yes, an insurance claims attorney knows the legal tactics to challenge insurers and negotiate a higher settlement for you.

Conclusion

If People’s Trust Insurance has denied or underpaid your hurricane claim, you don’t have to accept their decision without a fight. By understanding your policy rights, gathering strong evidence, and seeking professional help, you can improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Ready to take control of your claim and find out how we can help you today? 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.