Florida has had its fair share of hurricane damages this year. Even though the hurricane season started slowly, it ended up with billions of dollars of damage to Florida homeowners. If you’re considering filing a property damage claim due to a hurricane, you’ll want to keep these insurance tips in mind. Even if you don’t plan on filing for one now, knowing how to file a hurricane insurance claim can benefit you in the future.
Understand the Different Types of Insurance
Many homeowners don ’t realize that there are multiple types of home insurance coverage in Florida until it comes time to file a claim. Windstorm insurance covers damages from the high winds of a hurricane. This is in addition to a traditional insurance policy. Many lenders in Florida require homes to carry windstorm insurance since the state is prone to strong storms.
Flood insurance is a different policy, also in addition to traditional insurance and windstorm coverage. Flood insurance covers your home from flooding, which includes storm surges. Not all homes in Florida are covered by flood insurance. In fact, many lenders won’t require flood insurance unless the home is in a flood zone.
Not being in a flood zone doesn’t mean your home can’t flood. In fact, too many homeowners are left without the funds they need to make repairs following flooding from a hurricane.
It’s best to understand your risks and choose the policy you need before a hurricane hits. If your home sustains damages from a hurricane, make sure you check your coverage.
Know Your Time Limits
Knowing how to file a hurricane insurance claim also means knowing how long you have to do so. If your property sustains damage, you must notify your insurance company as soon as possible. While this time limit may vary depending on your provider, the general time limit in Florida is three years. If you don’t file your claim within this time period, it’s likely that they will deny it.
After you file your claim with your insurance company, they must acknowledge the claim within two weeks. From here, they’ll send out an adjuster who will take note of the damages.
Gather Evidence
Even though the insurance company will likely collect their own evidence, you should also take photographs of all damages. You’ll also want to keep any receipts of items you need in the meantime, like roof tarping. Don’t throw away any damaged items until you talk to your insurance company.
Carefully Review All Documents
It’s also important to carefully review any documents or letters the insurance company sends you during this time. These documents may contain important information or things that you need to do. Be wary of accepting the first settlement offer, as this may not fully cover the cost of your damages.
Making a list of your damages and expected repair costs could help you evaluate how much you need from the insurance company. If the amount they offer you is far less than what’s necessary to repair your home, it may be worth it to reach out to a lawyer. A lawyer can also help speed up your case if your insurance company is taking too long to acknowledge or respond to a claim.
Knowing How to File a Hurricane Insurance Claim is Important. Contact a Pembroke Pines Lawyer to Discuss Your Property Damage Case in Florida
Did your home sustain damages due to a hurricane in Florida? Don’t let the repair bills pile up while you wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients with damage to their homes because of a hurricane in Pembroke Pines, Broward County, Weston, Coconut Creek, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, FL.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm