Six Months Later: Are You Still Waiting on Payment? 

Six months have elapsed since Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through communities across the Southeast. In that time, neighborhoods have begun to rebuild, tarps have started coming off roofs, and debris piles have finally disappeared from the curbs. But for thousands of property owners, the storm never ended—it simply moved into the insurance process.

At this stage, recovery should be well underway. Policies should have been honored, repairs should be scheduled, and payouts should already be in the hands of those who need them. Yet for countless home and business owners, their claims remain open, underpaid, or denied outright. And the question persists: Why?

The Insurance Carrier Timeline—And What Happens When They Miss It

Under Florida law, “Within 90 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim unless the failure to pay is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer which reasonably prevent such payment,” Florida Senate 627.70131.7a.

By the six-month mark, policyholders should have not only received a decision, but also at least a partial payment—unless there is an active dispute being communicated clearly in writing. Unfortunately, for many who endured Helene or Milton, communication has gone dark. Payments have been delayed with little to no explanation. And in too many cases, claims have been quietly closed without a dollar paid out. 

These aren’t isolated incidents—they are signs of a larger, systemic issue in how insurance carriers handle high-volume catastrophe claims. 

The Data Behind the Delays

The numbers paint a clear picture of how overwhelmed—and in some cases, underperforming—the system has become. 

From Hurricane Helene:

• • • FEMA estimated between $3.5 and $7 billion in flood-related damage. 
    • In Florida alone, over 65,700 insurance claims were filed by mid-November 2024.
    • Thousands of these claims remain unresolved or underpaid.

From Hurricane Milton:

• • • Nearly 35,000 residential claims remain open with no payment.
    • Gelber Law Group found that “nearly 100,000 Hurricane Milton residential claims were closed without payment.”

Insurance Business Magazine reported, “The two hurricanes resulted in 436,167 claims, of which 27.7% were closed without payment.”

These are not just alarming statistics; they represent real families and business owners, many of whom are still living in unsafe conditions and/or struggling to fund their repairs. Every underpaid claim represents a delay in restoring safety, security, and livelihoods for those affected. 

What Carriers Aren’t Telling You

Six months into the recovery, many policyholders are encountering the less visible, but equally damaging side of the insurance process: stalled communication, vague denials, and settlement offers falling below the actual cost of repairs. 

In this stage of the game, insurance carriers often become less accommodating. They may argue certain damages are not storm-related, attempt to devalue repair estimates, or introduce confusing technicalities buried in policy language. These tactics are designed to minimize payouts, and they often succeed when policyholders don’t have representation pushing back. 

What You Can Do Right Now

If your claim from Hurricane Helene or Milton is still unresolved, underpaid, or has been denied, now is the time to act. Here’s what you can do:Request a Claim Status in Writing

Ask your carrier to provide a clear timeline of where your claim stands and what actions have been taken so far. This establishes a formal record and can help hold them accountable. 

Review Your Policy in Detail

Understand your coverages, exclusions, and limits. Our team is here to help you break down your policy so you know exactly what you’re covered for. You have every right to seek clarification or representation. Submit your policy for review today! 

Get a Second Opinion on Your Damage

Public adjusters, like those at Premier Claims, work directly on your behalf. We can take over communication with your carrier, fight for a fair payout, and provide the professional expertise you need to move forward confidently.

Rebuilding Starts with Action

At Premier Claims, we step in when insurance carriers fall short. We’ve built our reputation on helping policyholders get the settlements they’re entitled to per their policy, even when the claims are complex.

Whether your home is missing shingles or your commercial property has been closed for months, we are still willing to conduct thorough assessments, negotiate directly with the carrier, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.

The storm may have passed, but the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be felt for years. Still, you don’t have to face the insurance process alone or accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect the value of your damage. 

If your claim is still unresolved after six months, don’t wait for your carrier to do the right thing. Let us help you navigate the next steps, so you can get back to moving forward. 

Take control of your recovery. 

Contact Premier Claims today! 

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