Denied After Helene? 3 Steps to Re-Open a Hurricane Claim
If your insurance claim from Hurricane Helene was denied, or underpaid, you’re not alone. Across Florida, thousands of homeowners faced delays, confusing denials, or lowball offers after the storm. The good news? You still have options.
Under Florida law, you may be able to reopen your claim if new damage appears, if the original inspection missed something, or if you believe the settlement was unfair.
Here are the three key steps to reopening your hurricane claim the right way.
1. Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied
Before taking action, review the denial letter or explanation of benefits from your insurance company. Common reasons for hurricane claim denials include:
“Pre-existing damage”
“Lack of maintenance”
“Not covered under your policy.”
“Insufficient documentation”
Sometimes these are valid, but in many cases, they’re based on incomplete inspections or flawed interpretations of your policy.
You have the right to challenge that decision, especially if new information has come to light or you’ve received a second opinion from a professional.
2. Gather Evidence That Supports Your Re-Opening
To reopen a hurricane claim in Florida, you’ll need documentation showing one or more of the following:
New or worsening damage that wasn’t visible during the first inspection
Structural issues that were missed (such as roof decking, attic water damage, or moisture in walls)
Independent estimates from contractors or public adjusters showing the true cost of repairs
Photos, videos, or receipts that were not included in the original claim
Even if repairs have already been made, photos from the time of damage—plus repair invoices—can still support a supplemental claim.
3. Contact a Public Adjuster for a Second Opinion
One of the most effective ways to reopen a denied claim is by hiring a licensed public adjuster. Unlike the adjuster assigned by your insurance company, a public adjuster works for you, not the insurer.
They will:
Reinspect your property
Compare your damage to your policy’s coverage
Identify any areas that were missed or undervalued
Handle communication and negotiation with your insurance company
Most importantly, they understand the legal and technical nuances of hurricane claims in Florida and can often recover significantly more than the original payout or denial.
What’s the Time Limit to Re-Open a Claim?
In Florida, most hurricane insurance claims—including those related to Hurricane Helene—can be reopened up to two years from the date of loss. However, if the storm caused damage in stages or new issues arise (such as mold or roof sagging), you may still be eligible for a supplemental claim.
You Don’t Have to Accept the Denial as Final
If you were told your damage wasn’t covered—or received a settlement that doesn’t begin to cover the cost of repairs—it’s worth getting a second opinion. Many Tampa Bay homeowners are finding they left thousands of dollars on the table by accepting the first offer or giving up too soon.
Need Help? Right Way Public Adjusting Can Re-Evaluate Your Claim
Right Way Public Adjusting specializes in helping homeowners throughout Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas reopen denied or underpaid hurricane claims.
If your Helene claim was closed with no payment—or a payout that didn’t match your loss—contact us today for a free claim review.
Call: (877) 744-8929
Visit: RightWayPA.com
Don’t let one letter from the insurance company be the end of your story. You have the right to fight for a fair resolution—and we’re here to help you do it the right way.
