How can a policyholder contest a denied claim under Florida law?

A policyholder can contest a denied claim under Florida law by filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). This agency is responsible for regulating insurance companies and ensuring that they comply with state laws and regulations. When a complaint is submitted, the DFS can investigate the circumstances surrounding the denied claim, assessing whether the insurance company acted in accordance with applicable laws and contractual obligations.

While appealing directly to the insurance company is a valid step to take, it does not offer the same level of oversight or recourse that involving the DFS provides. Additionally, contacting a lawyer could be beneficial, especially in complex situations, but it is not necessarily a formal method of contesting a claim within the framework of Florida law. Ignoring the denial and allowing the policy to lapse is not a proactive or advisable approach, as it does not resolve the denial and could result in additional complications for the policyholder. Thus, filing a complaint with the DFS is the most direct and legally supported method for contesting a denied insurance claim in Florida.