Home / Business and Economy / Couple Wins $400K After Insurer Denies Hurricane Ian Claim
Couple Wins $400K After Insurer Denies Hurricane Ian Claim
18 Oct
Summary
- Jury awarded over $400,000 to a couple whose claim was denied.
- The insurer argued damage was from wear and tear, not Hurricane Ian.
- Citizens Property Insurance is Florida's largest home insurer.
A Broward County jury has awarded Bryan Guerra and Meghan Fitzgerald over $400,000 after their insurance claim, initially valued at $45,950.93, was denied by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. The couple's home was damaged by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022, but Citizens denied their claim, citing late notice and attributing the roof damage to wear and tear rather than the storm.
Despite the insurer's defense, Guerra and Fitzgerald pursued legal action, filing a breach of contract suit in January 2025. Their legal team successfully argued that the roof was within its lifespan and that experts linked the damage directly to the hurricane. The jury's October 2026 verdict rejected Citizens' arguments, confirming the direct damage from Hurricane Ian during the policy period.
This case emerges amid scrutiny of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation's claim handling practices. As Florida's largest home insurer, Citizens serves homeowners unable to find coverage in the private market, a situation exacerbated by rising insurance premiums. Reports indicate a pattern of denied claims, though Citizens disputes these figures based on its definition of a 'denial.'
Homeowners facing denied claims are advised to document damage thoroughly with dated photos, report issues promptly, and consider hiring independent experts. Consulting an insurance attorney is crucial to understand policy provisions and legal recourse. Guerra and Fitzgerald's nearly two-year legal battle demonstrates that persistent advocacy can lead to justice, even in challenging 'David and Goliath' scenarios.
