What to Do If Your Insurance Claim is Taking Too Long in Florida

We get it; you’ve done everything right. You’ve filed your insurance claim, crossed all the t’s, dotted the i’s, and waited patiently. However, days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and yet, there’s still no resolution in sight. The silence from your insurance company is deafening, and you’re left wondering—how long is too long? In moments like these, it's easy to feel as though you're at the mercy of a system that operates on its own timeline, indifferent to your urgency. 

However, in Florida, there are steps you can take and actions you can demand to get your claim back on track. Let's talk about what you can do when your insurance claim seems to be stuck in limbo because, in this situation, it’s not about waiting for things to change—it’s about making them change.

1) Be Proactive: Call Your Adjuster Every Week

Insurance companies thrive on the assumption that you’ll lose patience, forget about your claim, or simply give up. The longer they can delay, the better it is for their bottom line. Unfortunately, this often means your claim could end up sitting in a pile of unresolved paperwork, while you’re left wondering why nothing is moving forward. But here’s the reality: the more actively you follow up, the more likely you are to get your claim processed swiftly.

• Stay in constant contact: One of the most effective ways to keep your claim from getting stuck in limbo is by staying on top of it. Call your claims adjuster every week. Even if you’ve already called once or twice, keep the pressure on. Politely but firmly ask for an update each time. If they don’t have an answer, ask why. The key here is not to let them forget about you.

• Push for a clear timeline: When speaking with your adjuster, always ask for a clear and realistic timeline of when you can expect the next steps. Be direct and ask for specific dates—not just vague promises like “soon” or “in a few weeks.” Get them to commit to a date for when you’ll hear back or when you can expect a resolution. This puts them in a position where they’re held accountable.

Don’t be shy about letting your adjuster know that you’re keeping a record of all communications. Make it clear that you’re tracking the delays and are prepared to take further action if necessary. 

A simple statement like, “I’m keeping a log of our conversations, so I can refer back to it if we need to escalate this,” signals that you’re serious and aware of your rights. This often forces insurance companies to prioritize your claim, especially when they know you’re not letting them off the hook.

2) Check for Missing Information or Errors: Don’t Give an Excuse to Delay

Insurance companies follow a well-established strategy, and delaying claims by citing “missing information” or “unclear damages” is a common one.  The moment they assert that your documentation is incomplete, the timeline resets, turning what should have been a straightforward process into one that stretches on for months. However, the best way to counter this is to stay ahead, ensuring that your documentation is so thorough and prepared that they have no legitimate basis to justify further delays.

• Triple-Check Your Documentation Before They Do

When you submitted your claim, did you provide every required document? Many policyholders assume that filing a claim means the insurance company has everything they need; however, that is rarely the case. insurance companies are not obligated to notify you of missing paperwork immediately. Instead, they may let your file sit idle while you believe progress is being made. Take control by reviewing your records and ensuring you have submitted:

• A fully completed claim form: Verify that all sections are filled out correctly, with no missing signatures or unchecked boxes.

• A detailed inventory of damages: Provide an itemized list, including estimated costs and receipts where available.

• Repair estimates and invoices: Obtain documentation from licensed professionals rather than informal or handwritten assessments.

• Relevant correspondence: Include any written communications with contractors, engineers, or adjusters that support your claim.

If you are uncertain whether your file is complete, do not wait for the insurance company to inform you. Call them directly and request a written list of outstanding requirements. Vague responses such as “we’re still reviewing” or “we’ll let you know if we need anything” are insufficient. Insist on clarity.

• Provide Clear and Compelling Evidence of Damages

One of the most common reasons for delays is an insurance company disputing the severity of damages, or worse, claiming that the damage existed before the event. To prevent this, strong, indisputable evidence is essential.

• Take high-resolution photos and videos from multiple angles to document all damage comprehensively.

• If available, provide before-and-after comparisons—previous real estate photos or older maintenance records can help establish the damage’s timeline.

• Obtain written assessments from contractors, home inspectors, or specialists. Their professional evaluations add credibility to your claim.

• For water damage or mold, consider independent lab testing to verify contamination levels and substantiate your claim.

The more thorough and well-documented your evidence, the more difficult it becomes for the insurance company to undervalue or deny your claim.

• Maintain a Paper Trail to Hold Them Accountable

If an insurance company claims they never received a document, you need to be able to prove otherwise. Maintain detailed records of all interactions, including:

• Emails: Submit all documentation via email when possible and request a read receipt for confirmation.

• Certified Mail: If sending paperwork by mail, use tracking services and request a signed receipt.

• Phone Calls: Keep a record of the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with. If you receive conflicting information, ask for written confirmation.

• Follow-Up Messages: If a representative provides a timeline for resolution, send a follow-up email summarizing the conversation.

If delays persist, you now have a documented pattern of neglect, which is crucial if you need to escalate the issue.

Check Out More Related Content to Expand Your Knowledge:

1. What Are the Most Common Reasons for Residential and Commercial Property Insurance Claim Rejections?

2. How does hurricane insurance coverage differ from standard homeowners insurance policies?

3. How to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim in Florida

3) Consult Melamed Law PLLC to Review Your Claim

When delays persist and you're feeling stuck, sometimes the next step is professional legal guidance. If you're facing ongoing delays, reach out to Melamed Law PLLC. Specializing in insurance claims, we can assess the situation and identify whether your insurance company's actions—or lack of action—are unlawful. We will be able to pinpoint the next steps, whether that involves negotiating with the insurance company or preparing for legal action.

We can evaluate whether the insurance company is stalling or acting in bad faith. If it’s determined that the insurance company is neglecting its responsibilities, legal expertise becomes a crucial tool in pushing the claim forward. One of the most effective ways to get insurance companies to act quickly is by having an attorney send a letter on your behalf. The simple threat of legal action often compels insurance companies to resolve claims faster.