Why Claims Get Denied After Fall Storms

1) Missed Deadlines

South Carolina policies often give homeowners just 12 months to file storm-related claims. Miss that window and you could lose coverage, no matter how real the damage is.

2) Flood Coverage Gaps

Most homeowners are unaware that their policy does not cover flooding. Fewer than 8% of homes in SC and under 2% in many Georgia counties carry flood insurance. If rising water caused your damage, insurers will likely deny the claim unless you have a separate flood policy.

3) Policy Loopholes

Roof damage is a significant issue in Georgia. Insurers often argue that the storm damage is cosmetic or just wear-and-tear. Without strong documentation, that can mean no payout.

4) National Trends

This is not just local. A 2023 study of large insurers showed they denied nearly half of all homeowner claims nationwide. That should tell you where their priorities are.

Mistakes Homeowners Make That Lead to Denials

• Waiting too long to file. Insurers often use delay as a reason to reject claims.
• Assuming flood damage is covered. Unless you bought flood insurance, it is not.
• Skipping documentation. No photos, no videos, no proof. That makes it easy for insurers to say no.
• Taking the first offer. Insurers often start low, betting you will not push back.

How a Hurricane Damage Public Adjuster Protects You

Insurance companies have their own adjusters working for them. You deserve someone working for you.

• Pushes back when insurers call roof damage cosmetic.
• Keeps you on time by tracking and meeting all claim deadlines.
• Builds proof with photos, videos, scope notes, and expert reports to show your loss is storm-related.
• Negotiates your payout to avoid getting stuck with the bill.

Time and again, homeowners who bring in a public adjuster recover more – sometimes much more – than they would on their own.

What To Do Right After a Storm

1. Put safety first. Get your family and pets out of harm’s way.
2. Document everything. Take photos and videos of every part of the damage before making permanent repairs.
3. Save receipts. Temporary fixes like tarps and emergency repairs may be reimbursed.
4. Know your deadlines. In SC you typically have 12 months. In GA, policies vary but prompt notice is critical.
5. Call a public adjuster early. The sooner you get help, the stronger your case.

Do Not Let Your Claim Get Denied This Fall

Thousands of homeowners across Georgia and the Carolinas will face denied or underpaid claims this season. Between low flood coverage, tricky policy language, and tight timelines, it can feel like an uphill battle.

But you do not have to fight alone. At Capital Adjusting Services, we help homeowners stand up to insurance companies and win the payouts they deserve.

FAQs

Why are storm damage claims often denied in Georgia and South Carolina?

Common reasons include missed filing deadlines, excluded flood damage, and roof claims labeled as cosmetic or wear-and-tear.

How long do I have to file?

In South Carolina, you typically have 12 months from the storm. In Georgia, deadlines depend on your policy, but do not wait – the sooner you file, the better.

Does my homeowners’ insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners’ policies exclude floods. With fewer than 8% of SC homes carrying flood insurance, this is a top reason claims are denied.

How can a public adjuster help?

We handle documentation, timelines, and negotiations so you do not leave money on the table – and insurers do not take advantage of you.