Tower Hill Insurance Claim Denied in Florida? Here’s What to Do

If Tower Hill Insurance has denied your Florida homeowners claim after a hurricane, tropical storm, or severe weather event, you are likely feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. You paid your premiums. You suffered real property damage. And now your insurance company is refusing to honor its commitment.

You are not alone — and you are not powerless. Tower Hill is one of Florida’s largest homeowners insurers, with a significant share of the market across the state. But size does not guarantee fairness. Florida homeowners regularly face denials, underpayments, and bad-faith claim handling from Tower Hill and its affiliated companies, including Tower Hill Prime, Tower Hill Signature, and Tower Hill Preferred.

This guide explains why Tower Hill denies Florida claims, what your legal rights are under Florida law, and what steps to take to fight back effectively.

About Tower Hill Insurance in Florida

Tower Hill Insurance Group has operated in Florida since 1972 and serves hundreds of thousands of policyholders across the state. Its Florida presence includes several subsidiary companies:

• Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company — standard homeowners coverage
• Tower Hill Signature Insurance Company — higher-value homes
• Tower Hill Preferred Insurance Company — select markets

Despite its long Florida history, Tower Hill has faced criticism from homeowners, public adjusters, and attorneys for aggressive denial practices — particularly in the aftermath of major storms. Following Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Idalia (2023), and other severe weather events, claim disputes involving Tower Hill increased significantly.

Why Tower Hill Denies Florida Claims

Understanding Tower Hill’s common denial tactics gives you a critical advantage when appealing a decision.

1. Wind vs. Water Dispute

Florida’s hurricane risk creates one of the most common and damaging battlegrounds for insurance claims: whether damage was caused by wind — typically covered under homeowners policies — or by flooding, which requires separate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood coverage.

Tower Hill adjusters may classify extensive storm damage as “flood-related” even when wind was the primary cause. This strategy shifts liability off Tower Hill’s books and onto a flood policy — or leaves the homeowner holding the bill if no flood policy exists.

2. Pre-Existing Damage and Maintenance Exclusions

Tower Hill frequently denies claims by arguing that damage resulted from pre-existing deterioration, deferred maintenance, or wear and tear rather than the storm event. This tactic is used most often with aging roofs, windows, and HVAC systems. Insurers are not required to cover damage caused by neglect — but they frequently misclassify storm-caused damage as maintenance-related to avoid paying.

3. Roof Coverage Disputes and Actual Cash Value Limitations

Florida’s roofing crisis created a new wave of policy restrictions. Many Tower Hill policies now include provisions that limit roof payments to Actual Cash Value (ACV) rather than the full Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for roofs over a certain age. If you have an older roof and received far less than the cost to replace it, Tower Hill may be applying a depreciation schedule that significantly undervalues your loss.

4. Disputed Scope of Damage

Even when Tower Hill accepts that a covered event occurred, it may dispute the extent of the damage. Tower Hill’s adjusters may prepare estimates that miss hidden damage, undercount affected areas, or apply repair costs well below market rates. Many homeowners only discover the full scope of damage when they hire an independent contractor or public adjuster.

5. Proof of Loss and Reporting Requirements

Florida insurance policies require homeowners to report damage promptly and, in many cases, submit a sworn Proof of Loss within a specific deadline — often 60 to 90 days after the loss. Tower Hill may use delays in reporting or technical deficiencies in Proof of Loss filings as grounds to deny or significantly reduce a claim.

Your Rights Under Florida Insurance Law

Florida provides homeowners with powerful protections that Tower Hill is legally required to respect.

Right to Prompt Claim Acknowledgment and Investigation

Under Florida Statute § 627.70131, Tower Hill must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 14 days and begin a prompt investigation. The company must pay or deny your claim within 90 days of receiving the completed proof of loss (or provide written notice of a claims extension in limited circumstances). Violations of these timelines can be significant in an appeal or legal proceeding.

Bad Faith Insurance Claims — Florida Statute § 624.155

Florida’s bad faith statute is one of the most powerful tools available to policyholders. If Tower Hill has:

• Unreasonably denied a valid claim
• Failed to investigate your claim properly
• Delayed payment without justification
• Offered a settlement far below your documented damages

…you may be entitled to file a Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) with the Florida Department of Financial Services. Tower Hill then has 60 days to “cure” the bad-faith conduct. If it fails to do so, you can pursue a bad-faith lawsuit — which can result in damages beyond the original policy limits.

Right to Appraisal

Most Tower Hill policies include an appraisal provision. If you and Tower Hill disagree on the value of your loss, either party can invoke appraisal. Each side selects a licensed appraiser; if those two cannot agree, a neutral umpire makes a binding decision. Appraisal can be faster and less expensive than litigation, and is especially useful when Tower Hill accepts coverage but disputes the dollar amount.

Steps to Take After a Tower Hill Claim Denial

Step 1: Get the Denial in Writing

Request a written denial letter that clearly states every reason Tower Hill is denying or limiting your claim. Florida law requires insurers to provide this documentation.

Step 2: Gather Your Own Evidence

Do not rely solely on Tower Hill’s adjuster report. Take your own photographs, save all contractor estimates, and document all communications with Tower Hill in writing. Preserve any evidence of the storm event — local weather data, news reports, or statements from neighbors can all help establish the cause of damage.

Step 3: Hire an Independent Inspector

A licensed independent contractor, structural engineer, or public adjuster can inspect your property and produce an independent damage assessment. This report is often the most effective tool in challenging a denial or low offer.

Step 4: File a Formal Appeal

Submit a written appeal to Tower Hill that directly addresses each stated reason for denial. Include your independent inspection, contractor estimates, photographs, and any policy language supporting your position.

Step 5: File a Complaint with the State

You can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (1-800-342-2762 or myfloridacfo.com) or the Office of Insurance Regulation. A formal complaint creates a regulatory record and often prompts insurers to re-examine their position.

Step 6: Consult a Florida Insurance Attorney

If Tower Hill continues to deny or undervalue your claim, speaking with a Florida insurance attorney is essential. An attorney can evaluate your claim for bad faith, file the necessary Civil Remedy Notice, and pursue litigation to recover the full value of your loss.

What Happens If You Do Nothing

Florida’s statute of limitations for first-party property insurance claims was reduced to two years under SB 2A (effective February 2023). This means you have two years from the date of loss — not the date of denial — to file a lawsuit against Tower Hill. Waiting too long can permanently forfeit your right to recover.

Even before the legal deadline, delayed action can hurt your claim: damage worsens over time, evidence degrades, and memories fade. The sooner you act, the stronger your position.

Tower Hill Denied Your Claim? You Have Options.

If Tower Hill Insurance has denied or underpaid your Florida homeowners claim, experienced property damage attorneys who understand Tower Hill’s tactics and Florida’s insurance statutes can build a successful case — whether through negotiation, appraisal, or litigation. They work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.

Get Your Free Tower Hill Claim Review →

Call (833) 657-4812 today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees — you pay nothing unless you win.