Florida homeowners often hear this phrase after leaks lead to stains, rot, or mold. A constant and repeated seepage denial means the insurer says the water damage happened over time, not from a sudden event. Insurance companies can use that label to block coverage unless the policy carves out a narrow exception.
The legal professionals at Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. regularly handle these disputes, and our team will explain where a claim stands under Florida law. We are ready to assist you in obtaining the reimbursement you deserve from your insurer. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for a free consultation.
What “Constant and Repeated Seepage” Means
Insurers use this language to describe leaks that occur over weeks or months, such as a pinhole in a pipe or a failed supply line that drips behind a wall. Many policies exclude losses caused by “wear and tear, rust, or corrosion,” which often accompany long-term moisture, so adjusters connect seepage with those exclusions. Damage caused by those issues often falls outside standard coverage unless an endorsement says otherwise.
Florida law also sets timelines for how insurers must handle your claim. A claim communication must be acknowledged within seven days, investigations must start after proof of loss, and insurers have 60 days to pay or deny unless factors beyond their control apply. Interest can accrue on late payments.
Evidence That Distinguishes Long-Term Seepage From Sudden Leaks
Photos, moisture readings, and plumber records are vital in showing when and how a leak started. Discoloration patterns, warped materials, or dry rot often reveal age, while a sudden break that sends water across floors or down walls points to a new failure. Even if discovered later, a recently broken pipe can still count as a sudden event under many Florida policies. Some contracts also provide limited coverage for hidden leaks, depending on the exact wording of the policy.
Florida’s mediation program offers a faster route for resolving property claim disputes before appraisal or litigation. Under Section 627.7015, mediation may be available when the evidence supports coverage and the insurer relies on a denial of constant and repeated seepage. Keeping your plumber’s invoices, moisture-meter readings, and repair photos together in one folder helps document timing and scope – details that become important during mediation or litigation.
If Your Claim Was Denied
Policyholders can request both the adjuster’s estimate and a written explanation that shows how the denial relates to the policy language and inspection facts. Florida’s “Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights” protects that right, requiring carriers to provide a detailed copy of an estimate within seven days of creation and issue payment or denial within 60 days. We will request these documents and compare them closely with the inspection record.
Florida law also allows pre-suit notices and re-inspections, each with specific timelines when coverage is disputed. If an insurer chooses to re-inspect, it must do so within its statutory deadlines. Our legal team will closely monitor these steps, ensure compliance, and work to achieve a fair outcome for your claim.
Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. Can Help With a Constant and Repeated Seepage Denial
Policy language, timelines, and facts decide seepage outcomes, not guesswork. We will review the denial, measure it against Florida’s handling deadlines, and utilize the state’s statutory deadlines to move the file forward.
Our legal team will work to prove when the leak started, how quickly damage spread, and what the contract actually covers, even when the insurer cites a constant and repeated seepage denial. If you would like more information on how Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. can help, please use our online form or call 877-352-7767 for a complimentary case review.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What does “constant and repeated seepage” mean for my Florida insurance claim?
Insurers use this phrase to describe slow leaks or drips that occur over weeks or months, often leading them to deny coverage by citing policy exclusions like wear and tear.
What kind of evidence can help overturn a seepage denial?
Evidence such as photos, moisture readings, and plumber records are vital. A sudden break, even if discovered later, may still count as a sudden event, which is often covered, unlike long-term seepage.
How does Florida law govern property insurance claim handling and denial timelines?
Florida law requires insurers to acknowledge a claim communication within seven days and to pay or deny a claim within 60 days unless factors beyond their control apply. The state’s “Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights” also protects your right to a written explanation.