The Restoration Industry's Battle with Big Insurance in Florida

How prepared are Florida homeowners for this year’s storm season? In this episode of Contractor Talk, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon discuss the realities of navigating insurance claims before and after major storms. Joined by special guest John Richardson of Kennon Law, the conversation explores how El Niño and La Niña weather patterns may impact hurricane activity, why documenting damage early is critical, and the strict deadlines Florida homeowners face when filing or supplementing claims. The episode also takes a deeper look at how insurance companies evaluate claims, including the use of engineers, ladder-assist vendors, satellite imagery, and wear-and-tear arguments that can lead to denials. Richie, Hans, and John break down common policy pitfalls such as right-to-repair clauses, roof payment schedules, and takeout policies, and discuss reports of increased denials following Hurricane Milton. If you’re a Florida homeowner, contractor, or property owner trying to better understand storm damage claims and insurance coverage, this episode offers valuable insight into the current landscape.