How Premier Claims Secured a 520% Hurricane Insurance Settlement Increase Despite Policy Gaps and Delays
After Hurricane Ian, a commercial property owner faced major damage and an underperforming policy with coverage gaps and exclusions. Despite the carrier’s attempts to delay and underpay, Premier Claims achieved a 520% increase over the insurer’s initial offer, resulting in a $13.9 million settlement. The business not only recovered—it came back stronger, with a better insurance policy for the future.
The Problem: Inadequate Coverage and Carrier Delays After Hurricane Ian
When Hurricane Ian hit, this business sustained severe damage to its structure and inventory. But the policyholder quickly discovered that their insurance policy lacked key coverages—leaving major exposures for contents, assets, and operational losses.
Compounding the issue, the carrier:
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- Attempted to underpay large portions of the claim
- Assigned three different adjusters and two engineering firms to the claim, creating delays and confusion
- Extended communication timelines prevent the insured from restoring operations promptly
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For the policyholder, this wasn’t just an insurance claim—it was a test of persistence, documentation, and advocacy.
Our Solution: Expert Insurance Claim Advocacy from Start to Settlement
Premier Claims joined from the outset to lead the policyholder through a complex, multi-month recovery process—combining our experience, clear communication, and persistent negotiation.
1. Comprehensive Policy Review & Damage Documentation
We began by reviewing every line of the policy to identify exclusions, limits, and underinsured areas. Our licensed adjusters built a detailed damage assessment, covering structural, contents, and operational impacts— attempting to ensure that every covered loss was properly documented.
2. Countering Adjuster Turnover and Delay Tactics
With each new adjuster or engineer assignment, our team maintained organized claim continuity. We kept a meticulous record trail—photos, estimates, and inspection summaries—to prevent information loss and stalled claim progression.
3. Strategic Negotiation to Correct Underpayment
We challenged undervalued estimates with evidence-based documentation and policy-supported reasoning, securing recognition for all covered damages. Our adjusters collaborated with legal resources to strengthen our negotiation strategy while maintaining professional, fact-based dialogue with the carrier.
4. Future Risk Mitigation and Policy Improvement
After the settlement, we advised the client on securing broader future coverage. By connecting them with trusted insurance resources, they obtained a more comprehensive policy with stronger contents and windstorm protection.
The Impact: Restoring Property, Operations, and Confidence
Thanks to a proactive and strategic approach, the policyholder achieved more than a settlement—they gained security.
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- Business continuity restored after months of disruption
- Employee jobs protected through timely reopening
- Property value preserved with comprehensive repairs
- Future risk is reduced with stronger policy terms
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This is the Premier Claims difference: advocacy that doesn’t end with settlement—it builds long-term resilience.
Why This Case Matters: Turning Insurance Claim Denials Into Full Settlements
Many policyholders face similar challenges after major storms—delays, low offers, or outright claim denials. This case underscores how thorough documentation, experienced negotiation, and policy insight can overcome those barriers and turn uncertainty into clarity. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, the earlier you bring in an advocate, the stronger your position becomes.
Get Expert Help with Your Hurricane or Property Damage Claim
If your commercial property insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, Premier Claims can help you understand your options and pursue the coverage you paid for. Speak to our team today!
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