Citizens has its own rules, timelines, and inspection protocols — and the state’s highest denial rate. PeakShield knows the Citizens process and has helped hundreds of policyholders get claims approved and denials reversed.
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida’s state-created, non-profit insurer of last resort — established by the Florida Legislature for homeowners who can’t obtain affordable coverage from private carriers. As of 2024, Citizens insures over one million Florida properties, making it one of the largest insurers in the state.
Citizens is different from private insurers in important ways. It operates under its own legislative mandates, uses a separate inspection process, and has implemented some of the strictest roof age and condition requirements of any Florida carrier. If you have Citizens, your claim experience will be different from a standard private insurer claim — and that’s important to understand before you file.
Citizens has implemented some of the most restrictive roof age and condition policies of any Florida carrier. For policies written or renewed after January 2023, roofs over 15 years old may require a condition inspection or face coverage restrictions.
Citizens uses its own inspection protocols and, in some cases, its own inspectors. Understanding what they’re looking for — and what documentation supports your claim — is different from navigating a private carrier claim.
Citizens offers a Managed Repair Program using a pre-approved contractor network. Participation is optional. You have the right to opt out and choose your own licensed Florida contractor.
Florida law has significantly restricted Assignments of Benefits for property insurance. PeakShield never requires an AOB — you maintain full control of your claim at all times.
If you’ve filed a claim with a private insurer before, Citizens will feel different. Here’s what to expect.
When you file a Citizens claim, you may be offered their Managed Repair Program — where Citizens assigns a pre-approved contractor from their network to perform the repairs. Before you decide, here’s what to know.
Florida law gives you the right to opt out of Citizens’ Managed Repair Program and choose your own licensed Florida roofing contractor. If you opt out, Citizens issues payment directly to you, and you contract with the roofing company of your choice.
Managed repair contractors are pre-negotiated by Citizens — their pricing and scope are set in advance. You have limited ability to negotiate the scope of work or escalate disputes. If you choose your own contractor, you retain the ability to dispute the settlement, submit a supplemental claim, and work with a company you trust. PeakShield recommends consulting with us before accepting managed repair so you can make an informed choice.
Our process for Citizens claims follows the same core steps as other carriers, with Citizens-specific adjustments at each stage.
PeakShield inspects your roof and creates documentation formatted for Citizens’ specific review process — not just a generic contractor report. Our documentation addresses Citizens’ roof age evaluation criteria, condition thresholds, and storm causation standards. See our storm damage checklist for what we document.
Citizens claims are filed online at citizens.com or by calling Citizens’ claims line. Have your policy number, the date of the storm, and a description of the visible damage ready. Follow the guidance in our claim filing guide — the same rules about what to say and not say apply to Citizens claims.
Citizens may offer you their Managed Repair Program during the claims process. Review the section above and contact PeakShield before making this decision. If you opt out, you retain the right to choose your own licensed contractor — including PeakShield.
Citizens’ adjuster will schedule a property inspection. We attend and walk them through our documentation. Citizens adjusters are trained to their own protocols — having an advocate present who understands those protocols makes a measurable difference in settlement outcomes.
Most claims are approved after the adjuster inspection. If underpaid or denied, we prepare a supplemental claim specifically addressing Citizens’ stated reason. Citizens denials often cite pre-existing wear or roof age — we address both with targeted documentation and, where applicable, argue the storm causation of damage that Citizens is attributing to wear. Read more about how we handle denials.
Once approved, we handle the full roof replacement or storm damage repair. Citizens’ payment schedule is coordinated directly between PeakShield and your carrier. Your 8-Year workmanship warranty is issued at completion.
Citizens has implemented some of the most aggressive roof age policies of any Florida insurer. Understanding how these work is important whether you’re filing a claim, renewing coverage, or trying to get a new Citizens policy.
For policies written or renewed after January 2023, Citizens may require a roof condition inspection for roofs over 15 years old. If the inspection reveals the roof has less than 3 years of remaining useful life, Citizens may decline to insure it. Metal roofs and roofs with documentation of recent repairs may be evaluated differently. PeakShield can inspect your roof and provide a condition report that addresses Citizens’ specific evaluation criteria.
If your roof is approaching 15 years and you have Citizens coverage, a proactive inspection by PeakShield gives you a clear picture of your roof’s condition — and may identify issues worth addressing before Citizens conducts their own review. A new roof can secure your Citizens coverage for another 15+ years.