Each year, Florida property owners brace for the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1st through November 30th and typically brings 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA. The destructive nature of hurricanes is unparalleled. In fact, hurricanes are the leading cause of weather-related property damage, causing over $1.3 trillion in damage in the last four decades. It doesn’t take a major hurricane, however, to cause significant property damage to your home or business property. If your property does sustain damage in a storm, you understandably expect your insurance company to cover the expenses related to repairing the damage or replacing your property. To help ensure that the claims process proceeds as smoothly and efficiently as possible, take the following steps:
Document the Damage: Do not re-enter the property until the appropriate officials have declared it safe. Document the damage by taking photographs and/or videos before making any repairs. In addition, gather receipts, appraisals, and other evidence of the value of damaged or destroyed property and keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses you incur related to the property damage, such as the cost of staying at a hotel or eating out. Finally, obtain your own independent estimates if the damage is extensive because your insurance company may attempt to undervalue the cost of repairs.
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Contact Your Insurance Company: Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Most insurance companies offer an online option for filing claims that makes the process easier. Be sure to follow up with your claim and check your email for correspondence that may ask for supporting documentation to prevent delays with the processing of your claim.
Mitigate Damages: Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Within the terms of that contract, you are obliged to mitigate damages, meaning you are required to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Examples of mitigation include things such as putting a tarp over a hole in your roof, boarding up broken windows, or shutting off the water supply when pipes break.
Research Contractors: Contrary to what many property owners are led to believe, you are not required to use a contractor selected or referred by your insurance company. Do your own research, however, before hiring a contractor. Along with checking reviews and references, search the Florida Department of Professional and Business Regulations to ensure that they are properly licensed and insured. Do not ever pay a contractor in advance to repair your home or business property. If a contractor insists on payment upfront, choose a different contractor.
Consult with an Experienced Storm Insurance Attorney: You have fulfilled your obligations under your insurance policy, so you expect your insurance company to do the same; however, insurance companies frequently try to pay less than the full value of a claim, delay payment of valid claims, and even deny legitimate property damage claims. If you have concerns about your property damage insurance claim being paid in full and without delay, consult with an experienced storm insurance attorney right away. Your attorney can act as your advocate during the claims process and make sure that your rights are protected, and your claim is paid in full.
If you have additional questions or concerns about getting a property damage insurance claim paid when you have experienced storm damage in Florida, contact the experienced storm damage insurance attorneys at Reed & Reed.