The suit limitation period in a homeowners policy commonly runs one to two years from the date of loss, meaning the date of the storm, rather than from the date a claim is denied. It is frequently shorter than the general statute of limitations in the state, and time spent in correspondence with the carrier does not pause it. Missing it ends the claim permanently regardless of its merits.
What to do with the date
Write it somewhere you will see it. If it is close, or has passed, that is a reason to speak to a policyholder-side attorney in your state promptly rather than to keep corresponding with the carrier, and it is a better use of your money than buying anything, including from us. More on the two clocks.
This calculator does arithmetic on the numbers you give it. Your actual deadline depends on your policy wording and your state's law, including whether your state restricts short limitation clauses and whether anything in your claim tolled the period. Read your own policy and take advice if the date is anywhere near.
Questions
When does the deadline on a storm claim start?
Usually at the date of loss, meaning the date of the storm, rather than at the date of denial. This is the most expensive misunderstanding in storm claims. A homeowner who spends fourteen months in correspondence and then receives a denial may have very little of a two year period remaining, or none of a one year period.
Where is the suit limitation period in my policy?
In the conditions section, under a heading such as Suit Against Us, Legal Action Against Us, or Suit Limitation. It will state a period and specify what it runs from. Read the exact wording rather than relying on a general rule, because a minority of states restrict or void short limitation clauses and some policies are more generous than the norm.