Your Guide To Navigating Hurricane Damage Claims in Florida

The aftermath of a hurricane, especially in Florida, can be devastating, emotional, stressful, and filled with uncertainties. Families and businesses are left picking up the pieces, both literally and figuratively. Dealing with mental stress while navigating insurance claims is a challenge, especially when insurance companies don’t make it easy to get what you deserve. Understanding how to handle hurricane damage claims and when to contact a hurricane claims lawyer is paramount.

Hurricane damage claims can be incredibly complicated. Unfortunately, many people face resistance from their insurance providers during these stressful times. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. This article provides valuable insights into hurricane damage claims. These strategies will help you understand your rights and maximize your chances of a fair insurance settlement.

Understanding Your Hurricane Insurance Policy

One of the first steps in dealing with hurricane damage claims is thoroughly understanding your insurance policy. People often need to fully comprehend their coverage and, more importantly, what it doesn’t cover along with applicable deductibles, exclusions, and exceptions.

What Your Policy Covers

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies in hurricane-prone areas typically cover windstorm damage. This is frequently one of the most destructive aspects of a hurricane. However, always confirm that windstorm damage is explicitly stated within your policy’s terms and conditions. It’s also essential to check if there are separate deductibles that apply for wind damage and hurricanes.

Understanding What Your Policy Doesn’t Cover

Many homeowners are surprised that standard policies do not cover flood damage. Flooding is another significant concern with hurricanes. It’s often essential to secure a separate flood insurance policy, such as through the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP offers flood insurance that supplements your homeowner’s insurance, which helps protect your home from flood-related damages.

Common Hurricane Damage Claims

Hurricanes are forces of nature that bring a devastating set of elements with them, especially in Florida. Let’s explore common hurricane damage claims. Remember that covered damage can vary based on your specific policy and location.

Wind Damage

This type of damage encompasses a wide array of destruction and is often one of the most claimed. Damage from wind can include:

• Roof damage.

• Broken windows.

• Damaged siding.

• Damaged separate structures

• Damaged fencing/enclosures

• Damage from flying debris.

• Tree damage

Flood Damage

Flood damage can be equally or even more destructive than wind damage. Typical flood damage includes:

• Damage to the home’s structure, including walls, floors, and the foundation.

• Damage to your belongings: furniture, electronics, appliances, and personal items.

• Mold growth as a result of trapped water.

Documenting the Damage for Hurricane Damage Claims

Accurate property damage documentation after a hurricane is critical, as it supports your insurance claims. By taking meticulous notes, videos, and photos, you are creating compelling evidence for your case. Remember, clear records strengthen your position. This simplifies the process of securing fair compensation.

Detailed Photographs and Videos

After a hurricane passes, but before cleanup, capture the damage using photographs and videos. Be as detailed and comprehensive as possible. Clearly document all affected areas, both interior and exterior. Include timestamps on photos and videos to create a visual timeline of the damage. This can be crucial evidence if your claim is denied and you need to engage in a legal battle later on.  Prior to a hurricane striking, it is recommended to photograph your home, the interior, exterior, fences, separate structures, trees, and anything else which may become damage and potentially be covered under your insurance policy.

Inventory of Damaged Belongings

Along with photographic and video evidence, creating a detailed inventory of your damaged property is vital. If possible, try to include purchase dates and estimated values. Also, include receipts if you have them available.  Prior to a hurricane striking, it is recommended to photograph your personal property in its current condition for purposes of accurately inventorying the same.  This removes any argument by your insurance company that a particular personal property item was NOT damaged from the hurricane.

Navigating the Claims Process for Hurricane Damage Claims

The aftermath of a hurricane can feel overwhelming. This is when understanding your rights is critical. Knowledge, alongside swift and decisive action, can safeguard your interests during this stressful period. Promptly contact your insurer. Maintain diligent communication and seek expert advice from an adjuster and lawyer when necessary, as you will significantly increase your odds of a smoother and fairer settlement process. Don’t let the complexities of insurance claims add more burdens.

Promptly Notify Your Insurance Provider

After a hurricane, immediately, within a reasonable time after the storm, inform your insurance company about the damage to your property. Be sure to give them your insurance policy number, contact info, and a brief but clear and precise description of what happened.  A major exclusion an insurance company can raise against a hurricane damage claim is untimely notice.  Find a way to notify them of your claim.  Typically, insurance companies will setup field locations to enable them to start working immediately following a storm and provide their insureds access to them if power and phone lines/cell towers are down and without service, roads are blacked with debris, etc.  Get notice to them as early as possible and get your claim number.  Also, be patient, you are not the only one in this situation and while time is of the essence to get your claim moving forward toward assessment by your insurance company, and ultimately, repairs to your damages, insurance companies have procedures and may take a period of time to get things rolling for you.  Be patient with them, they are there to help you..

Assess Your Property / Emergency Repairs / Mitigation

After a hurricane, you need to safely assess your property to determine what is damaged.  Your insurance company imposes an obligation, a duty, upon you to protect your property from further damages that can be reasonably avoidable after the storm.  Typically, if emergency repairs are required to protect your property from further damage, you are permitted to make them to the minimal extent possible to protect from additional damage occurring.  It is critical that when making any emergency repairs you completely document before, during and after, preferably with photos and video as well as keep any and all estimates, invoices, and/or receipts to support the costs incurred in making any emergency repairs.  Without such documentation, your insurance company, when faced with a question of an emergency repair may attempt to deny your claim for concealing/repairing the damage by attempting to characterize the repair as non-emergency or as a permanent repair and not temporary emergency protections.  Be careful when making any repairs you feel are reasonably necessary on an emergency basis to protect your property from further damage/loss.  Document everything for your benefit and that of your insurance company.  

Engage With the Adjuster

The insurance company will typically assign an adjuster who will inspect the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. It’s crucial to treat adjusters with professionalism and respect. However, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself during the process. Review their assessment for accuracy and ask for clarifications. Keep detailed notes of your interactions with them. This can be really helpful if you encounter disputes later down the road.

Negotiate Your Settlement

The adjuster’s initial assessment may only sometimes accurately reflect the full extent of your losses. You have the right to negotiate for a higher settlement if you believe you deserve more. Use supporting evidence, like your documented records of damage and professional repair estimates. Consider consulting a public adjuster, as this can bolster your case. You may be able to receive a more favorable settlement.

Timeline of a Hurricane Claim

The timeline can vary based on the hurricane’s severity and the complexity of your claim. Being aware of the general timeframe can be beneficial in managing your expectations. In some cases, there are specific deadlines you may have to be mindful of. It’s always a good idea to inquire about these with your insurer. You can also confirm these with your state’s Department of Insurance.

Additional Tips for a Smoother Claims Process

Here are some added steps you can take. These will help make dealing with hurricane damage claims a smoother, less stressful experience:

1. Save all communication, even email correspondences.

2. Consider keeping a journal, jotting down details, interactions, and timestamps relating to your claim. Take photographs and videos, document everything!!!  This record can serve as a reliable point of reference.

3. Understand how to appeal denied or disputed claims.

Conclusion

Dealing with hurricane damage claims can be stressful. Remember to document everything carefully. Understand your rights by reviewing your insurance policies carefully and staying organized. By following these guidelines and seeking professional assistance from a Hurricane Claims lawyer if needed, you can help protect yourself and get back on your feet as quickly and efficiently as possible.

FAQs about hurricane damage claims

What is a hurricane deductible?

It is a separate deductible that applies specifically to damage caused by a hurricane.

What happens if my claim is denied?

Don’t panic – this isn’t the end. You can appeal a claim denial and contact a hurricane claims lawyer, like Attorney Michael Appel, to help fight for you. Provide additional documentation, professional assessments of damage, and testimonials supporting your perspective to your lawyer for accurate and expert advice.