When Florida homeowners file insurance claims for property damage, a contentious issue they may find themselves up against is related to “matching.” Matching refers to the insurer’s obligation to ensure repairs blend seamlessly with undamaged portions of the property to avoid a patchy or inconsistent look (think roof shingles, siding, and the like).
It’s important for homeowners to understand what matching is, if their policy coverage includes matching, and how Florida law protects homeowners when it comes to matching.
Florida Law on Matching Requirements
Fla. Stat. 626.9744 requires insurance companies to cover matching when replacement materials are necessary to restore a property to its pre-loss condition.
If your policy provides for replacement cost value (RCV), your insurer is obligated to use materials that match in quality, color, and size, particularly when the damaged materials are no longer available or when mismatches would be aesthetically glaring.
That said, while this statute provides some protection, insurers have found ways to limit or exclude their responsibility for matching repairs. These limitations are often embedded within the fine print of your policy.
Review Your Policy Carefully for Endorsements and Matching Exclusions
In recent years, insurance companies have increasingly added matching limitation endorsements to homeowner policies. These exclusions are designed to cap the amount insurers have to pay for matching repairs regardless of the total cost needed to maintain uniformity. For instance, some policies limit matching costs to a certain percentage of the coverage, say 1% of the coverage limit.
In a case where a home has $300,000 in dwelling coverage, the insurer might only pay $3,000 toward matching, even if the actual cost of ensuring uniformity is much higher.
Additionally, insurance companies in Florida may try to deny matching claims if they believe the new materials are “close enough” to the originals. We’ve seen insurers argue that replacing damaged sections with similar materials is sufficient even if the result is visibly different.
Another tactic used by insurers is to delay matching payments until after the repairs are completed. This can leave homeowners paying out-of-pocket for the full cost of repairs upfront with no guarantee of reimbursement.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid costly surprises, homeowners should closely review their insurance policies, including any endorsements or exclusions related to matching. Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance company about how matching is handled in your policy. If you’re uncertain about your coverage, consult with an insurance attorneyor a public adjuster to fully understand your rights. It’s always better to know your policy limits before damage occurs.
Matching exclusions in Florida can significantly affect the outcome of an insurance claim. While Florida law provides for matching under replacement cost policies, many insurers are finding ways to reduce their obligation through policy endorsements and exclusions. Don’t let this happen to you.
At Kandell, Kandell & Petrie Law Firm, we are committed to helping homeowners navigate the complex world of insurance claims in Florida, Louisiana and Colorado. If you need assistance with a matching dispute or any other insurance issue, contact our office at 305-858-2220 to speak to one of our Miami claims advisors today.
