Report Almost half of statewide storm insurance claims have been denied

Florida's hurricanes Milton and Helene have wreaked havoc, leading to over 329,000 residential property insurance claims, as revealed by recent data. Alarmingly, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reports that nearly 40% of these claims have been denied, with many homeowners facing difficulties in securing the compensation they need. Only 42% of claims have been paid, underscoring a critical issue for residents seeking recovery from the storms' aftermath. Of the claims still open, 7% are undergoing evaluation, indicating a prolonged recovery process for affected homeowners. In total, payouts for claims related to the hurricanes have surpassed $5.

7 billion, excluding federal flood insurance, demonstrating the storms' considerable economic toll. As the situation evolves, the need for transparency and fairness in the insurance process has never been more urgent. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of understanding insurance coverage, as many claims have been denied due to policy limitations or deductible issues. With the ongoing recovery efforts, Florida residents are left navigating a complex landscape of insurance claims and payouts.