When an insurance company is not responding leaves you waiting for answers, the stress can build fast, especially after you have already filed a claim. You followed the steps, made the calls, maybe sent emails, but all you are getting back is silence. When your insurance company is not responding, it can feel like you are stuck in limbo with no clear path forward.
For people in Florida, this situation often happens after hurricane season, when claims are being filed in large numbers. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Florida insurers received more than 329,000 residential property claims combined, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. With that volume, adjusters become overwhelmed and response times suffer.
That does not make the wait any easier when you are the one affected. The good news is there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and keep your claim moving, even when an insurance company is not responding.
Your Legal Rights: Florida’s Response Requirements
Florida law sets clear deadlines for how quickly an insurance company must respond to a claim. These rules apply when an insurance company is not responding or when progress on a claim has stalled.
Under Florida Statute 627.7013
Your insurance company is required to:
- Acknowledge your claim within 7 calendar days of receiving it.
- Begin investigating the claim within 7 days after receiving your proof of loss.
- Complete a physical inspection within 30 days, when an inspection is required.
- Pay or deny the claim within 60 days after receiving all required documentation.
These deadlines are legal obligations, not guidelines. When an insurance company is not responding or misses these timeframes without a valid reason, it may be in violation of Florida law. That gives you the right to take further action to protect your claim.
Step 1: Check the Small Stuff First
Before jumping to the worst-case scenario, run through a quick checklist. Sometimes the fix is simpler than it seems.
Double-check that your claim was submitted completely. If a form is missing or a document was not uploaded, your file might be sitting in a queue waiting to be reviewed. Look through your email inbox and spam folder—some replies get filtered, especially from generic company addresses. Scan your voicemail and text messages too. You might have missed a short call or quick follow-up.
If you have a case number, have that ready when checking in again. Getting these basics out of the way first can save time before moving on to bigger steps.
Step 2: Document Every Attempt to Reach Them
If you have been calling and still have not heard anything back, do not let those efforts go unnoticed. Writing things down helps you keep track of what has been done and shows how long it has been since your first contact.
Record the date and time of every phone call and email. Note the name of anyone you spoke to, or whether you left a voicemail. Keep copies of any letters, emails, or texts you have received.
This kind of record helps show a clear pattern. If you end up needing support from a public adjuster or legal representative later, that paper trail proves you did not let things fall through the cracks.
Step 3: Protect Your Property From Further Damage
While you are waiting, be careful not to let the damage grow. This does not mean fixing everything yourself, but there are simple steps you can take to prevent more problems.
Cover up broken windows with plastic to keep out rain and cold air. Put tarps on leaky roofs if it is safe to do so. Take clear photos of everything, from the first signs of damage to any short-term steps you took. Keep receipts for any temporary materials you purchase.
These photos and actions show that you are being responsible. Preventing additional damage also protects you from disputes about whether water damage or mold was related to the original incident or worsened by neglect.
Step 4: Send a Formal Written Request
Do not rely only on phone calls. Put your follow-up in writing so you have documentation.
Send an email requesting a status update on your claim. Include your policy number and claim number. Reference Florida Statute 627.70131 and ask for written confirmation of your claim status, any outstanding documentation needed, and the expected timeline for next steps.
This creates a paper trail that can support a formal complaint if needed.
Step 5: Escalate If Silence Continues
If it has been more than two weeks and your insurance company is not responding, it is time to escalate.
File a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services. You can contact the Division of Consumer Services at 1-877-693-5236 or file online at MyFloridaCFO.com. This creates regulatory pressure and requires the insurer to respond on record.
You can also contact a licensed public adjuster. At Claim Defenders, we work directly for property owners, not insurance companies, and know how to move claims forward when insurers go silent.
Stay Proactive While You Wait
When an insurance company is not responding it does not mean you stop handling your claim. Keep checking in, keep notes, and do not let silence shake your focus.
A lack of response from your insurer is not the end of the process. Property owners across Florida have relied on us to review claim files, push for progress, and secure settlements when insurance adjusters are unresponsive.
Understanding your rights as a policyholder is key. Sometimes silence signals a need for formal action. Knowing when to escalate can save time, reduce stress, and improve your outcome.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
When your insurance company is not responding and damage is still affecting your home, waiting only makes things worse. Speaking up and keeping records are helpful first steps, but you do not have to go through it alone.
At Claim Defenders, we help Florida homeowners get the answers they deserve. If your claim is stuck in silence, contact us today so we can help move it forward.
FAQs
How long does an insurance company have to respond in Florida? Under Florida Statute 627.70131, insurers must acknowledge your claim within 7 calendar days of receiving it. They must pay or deny within 60 days, or interest begins accruing on any amount owed.
What should I do if my insurance adjuster is not calling me back? Document every attempt to reach them with dates and times. Send a written status request via email. If silence continues past two weeks, file a complaint with Florida DFS at 1-877-693-5236 or contact a public adjuster.
Can I file a complaint against my insurance company in Florida? Yes. File with the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services at 1-877-693-5236 or online at MyFloridaCFO.com. This creates a formal record and prompts regulatory review.
Should I hire a public adjuster if my insurance company is ignoring me? If your claim has stalled, you are not getting responses, or you feel overwhelmed, a public adjuster can help. We handle communication with your insurer, document your claim properly, and negotiate on your behalf.
What are my deadlines for filing a claim in Florida? You must file initial claims within 1 year of the date of loss. Supplemental claims must be filed within 18 months. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to payment.