Quick answer
Report a claim to your insurance company as soon as you safely can, using its claims line or app (every number is in our carrier directory), then call Magnuson Insurance at (863) 606-5147. Photograph the damage, prevent further damage and keep receipts. Florida law requires notice of a property claim within 1 year of the loss, and the insurer must pay or deny within 60 days of notice. After a car crash, get medical care within 14 days to keep PIP benefits.
Report it to your insurance company, then call us
Your insurance company handles and pays claims, so the claim starts with its claims line, app or website. Every carrier we work with is listed in our claims and payments directory with its claims number. Many take reports at any hour. Then call Magnuson Insurance at (863) 606-5147, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm. We can't approve or pay a claim, but we can help you through the process, answer coverage questions and follow up with the insurer.
Home and property damage
- Make sure everyone is safe. Stay out of a damaged building until it's safe, and keep away from downed power lines and standing water.
- Prevent more damage. Tarp an open roof, shut off the water to a burst pipe, and board broken windows. Keep every receipt; reasonable emergency repairs are usually part of the claim.
- Document everything before cleanup. Take photos and video of the damage and the cause. Keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them, or photograph them thoroughly if they must go.
- Report the claim and write down the claim number and the adjuster's name. An adjuster who inspects your home must give you their name and state license number.
- Make a list of damaged property with rough values, and keep a log of every call and email about the claim.
After a hurricane or tropical storm
A hurricane claim usually involves your hurricane deductible, a percentage of your dwelling limit, rather than your regular deductible. Rising water is flood damage, which a standard homeowners policy doesn't cover; it's paid by a separate flood policy or a flood endorsement if you have one, and it's reported to the flood insurer.
- Watch for contractor pressure. For residential and commercial property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, you can't assign your insurance benefits to a contractor (section 627.7152). A contractor can't adjust your claim or interpret your policy unless licensed as a public adjuster (section 489.147).
- Public adjusters' fees are capped. As of October 2026, a public adjuster can charge no more than 10% of claim payments for claims tied to a governor-declared state of emergency made within a year of the declaration, and 20% otherwise. You can cancel a public adjuster contract within 10 days of signing, or longer after a declared emergency (section 626.854).
- Before you sign anything, call the Department of Financial Services consumer helpline at 1-877-693-5236, or call us.
Our hurricane season insurance checklist covers what to do before a storm, too.
Car accidents
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe place if you can.
- Report the crash to police right away if anyone is injured or killed, or the damage appears to be at least $2,000 (section 316.065, as of October 2026).
- Exchange information with the other drivers: names, phone numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers, plates. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and any injuries.
- Get medical care within 14 days. Florida's personal injury protection (PIP) pays medical benefits only if you receive initial care within 14 days after the crash (section 627.736).
- Report the claim to your insurance company even if the other driver was at fault. If they have no insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
Business claims
- Work injuries: an employee must tell the employer about a job injury within 30 days (section 440.185). Report it to your workers' comp insurer promptly and keep a copy of what you sent.
- Lawsuits and demand letters: send any claim, demand letter or lawsuit to your insurance company right away, and don't admit fault or promise payment. Late notice can put coverage at risk.
- Property and business income: keep records of lost sales, extra expenses and repair costs from the day of the loss. Business income claims are paid from documentation.
Florida claim deadlines and rules
As of October 2026. Your policy may set its own requirements too, so read it alongside this list.
| Rule | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of a new or reopened property claim | Within 1 year after the date of loss | s. 627.70132 |
| Notice of a supplemental property claim | Within 18 months after the date of loss | s. 627.70132 |
| Insurer acknowledges your claim communication | Within 7 calendar days | s. 627.70131(1) |
| Insurer begins its investigation after proof of loss | Within 7 days | s. 627.70131(3) |
| Insurer pays or denies a property claim, with a written explanation | Within 60 days after notice | s. 627.70131(7) |
| Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights sent to you (personal residential policies) | Within 14 days after your first claim communication | s. 627.7142 |
| Report a crash to police: injury, death or apparent damage of at least $2,000 | Immediately | s. 316.065 |
| First medical care after a car crash, to use PIP | Within 14 days | s. 627.736 |
| Employee tells the employer about a work injury | Within 30 days | s. 440.185 |
| Cancel a public adjuster contract without penalty | Within 10 days of signing (longer after a declared emergency) | s. 626.854 |
If you disagree with the decision
Ask the insurance company for its written explanation; Florida law requires one when a property claim is paid in part or denied. For many residential property claims you can request free mediation through the Department of Financial Services, and the insurer pays the cost (section 627.7015). Your policy may also offer appraisal for disagreements about the amount. Call us before you decide; we can help you read the decision and the policy.
Have this ready when you call
- Your policy number and insurance company (on your ID card or declarations page)
- Date, time and place of the loss, and what happened
- Photos and video of the damage
- Police or crash report number, and the other driver's information
- Receipts for emergency repairs, and any contractor estimates
This page is general information about Florida claims, not legal advice. Your policy decides what's covered, and your insurance company decides the claim. Coverage can't be bound or changed through this website.