When you buy homeowners insurance, you expect protection. But many policyholders say Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) has denied their claims unfairly.
If your casualty insurance claim was denied, you are not alone. Homeowners in Florida and other states struggle with UPCIC. Many don’t get fair payouts for storm damage, water leaks, or roof repairs. Insurance companies must be fair. If they aren’t, you have legal options.
This blog post explains why UPCIC may have denied your claim, how to challenge their decision, and how a lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
Common Reasons Universal Property & Casualty Denies Claims
Insurance companies use many reasons to deny or underpay claims. Homeowners in Florida and other states struggle with UPCIC. Many don’t get fair payouts for storm damage, water leaks, or roof repairs.
Here are common reasons UPCIC denies claims:
1. The Damage is Classified as "Wear and Tear"
UPCIC may say property damage is from wear and tear, not a covered event. This happens often with roof damage, water leaks, or structural problems. Even with clear proof of storm damage, they may deny claims. They often blame pre-existing issues or poor maintenance.
2. The Claim Was Not Filed Within the Required Timeframe
Insurance policies typically have strict deadlines for reporting property damage and filing claims. UPCIC may deny claims for late reporting. But many homeowners don’t notice the damage until weeks or months later.
3. The Damage Was Not Caused by a Covered Event
UPCIC may attempt to reclassify the cause of damage to avoid paying a claim. For example, they may say water damage came from flooding, not a roof leak. They may also claim a collapsed ceiling was due to weak structure, not storm damage.
4. Not Enough Evidence Provided by the Policyholder
Insurance companies ask for a lot of proof, like photos, repair estimates, and receipts. Even when homeowners provide these, UPCIC may say it’s not enough. They may ask for more proof, causing delays or denying payment.
5. Offering a Low Settlement Instead of Denying the Claim
Sometimes, UPCIC says yes to a claim but pays way less than the repair costs. This makes homeowners feel stuck. They might take the low offer instead of fighting for what they really deserve.
Steps to Take After a Denied Claim
If your claim has been denied, you do not have to accept the decision without challenge. Taking the right steps can increase your chances of securing fair compensation.
1. Carefully Review the Denial Letter
UPCIC must give a written reason for denying your claim. Read this letter carefully. Compare it with your insurance policy to understand their decision.
2. Gather Additional Evidence
To strengthen your case, collect as much evidence as possible, including:
- Photographs and videos of the damage before and after repairs
- Contractor estimates and repair invoices
- Inspection reports from independent adjusters or engineers
- Emails or letters from UPCIC representatives
If UPCIC denied your claim for pre-existing damage or maintenance issues, get a second opinion. An independent public adjuster can help challenge their decision.
3. Request a Claim Reassessment
Policyholders can appeal a denied claim. They can ask for a second review, submit more documents, or challenge UPCIC’s decision.
4. File a Complaint with Regulatory Agencies
If UPCIC keeps denying your claim unfairly, you can file a complaint. Each state has a Department of Insurance. In Florida, homeowners can report bad insurance practices to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR).
5. Seek Legal Support
If Universal Property & Casualty Insurance won’t change its decision, legal action may be needed. An insurance lawyer can review your case and negotiate for you. If needed, they can file a lawsuit to get you the money you deserve.
How an Insurance Lawyer Can Help
Insurance disputes can be complex and frustrating, especially when facing a large company like UPCIC. Legal representation can significantly improve your chances of securing a fair settlement.
An attorney can:
- Review your insurance policy and determine your coverage rights
- Handle all communication with Universal Property & Casualty Insurance to prevent further delays or bad-faith tactics
- Negotiate for a higher settlement if Universal Property & Casualty Insurance underpays or denies your claim
- File a lawsuit if necessary, to hold Universal Property & Casualty Insurance accountable for wrongful denials
Many attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win your case.
Real Cases: Homeowners Who Successfully Fought UPCIC
Case 1: Homeowner Wins Part of His Hurricane Irma Claim
Brandon Goldberg’s home was damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017. He filed a claim with Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), and they gave him some money, but it wasn’t enough to cover all the damage. So, he decided to take them to court.
At first, the court said UPCIC didn’t have to pay for the damage to his home because he didn’t file extra paperwork before suing. But when it came to his personal belongings, the court ruled in his favor. The judges decided that UPCIC had to pay for those damages and sent the case back to figure out how much he should get. (Source: FindLaw)
Case 2: Water Damage Claim Finally Approved After a Fight
Luis Nacimiento’s roof started leaking in 2016, causing serious property loss and water damage in his house. He filed a claim with UPCIC, but they didn’t offer enough money to fix everything. Since he knew he deserved more, he took them to court.
While the case was still going on, a different water leak happened in 2020, making things more complicated. But in the end, the jury agreed with Luis and ruled that UPCIC needed to pay him. Later, another court reviewed the case and said the decision was fair, so Luis won. (Source: Justia)
Do Not Accept an Unfair Denial from UPCIC
If Universal Property & Casualty Insurance has denied your claim, you have legal options. You paid for coverage, and you deserve to receive the compensation your policy guarantees.
Take the Next Step:
- Review your denial letter and gather evidence
- File an appeal and request a reassessment
- Consult an experienced insurance attorney to protect your rights
If you believe UPCIC wrongfully denied your claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Our legal team fights insurance disputes. We have helped homeowners win compensation after claim denials.
