Hurricane Insurance Claim in Florida

All property owners are well aware of the destructive power that a Hurricane or Tropical storm can cause. Wind damage causes a variety of issues to an insured’s home or business. With the increase in tropical activity occurring over the past several years, it is very important for home owners to purchase Windstorm/ Hurricane Insurance to protect their assets. During a Hurricane event, it is very easy for an insured to be overwhelmed with the damages caused to their property and be able to deal with the insurance company. Insurance companies are notoriously known for under valuing the total damages caused and inevitably under pay claims. Engaging the claim help from a trusted public adjuster will ensure your hurricane claim is given the attention and detail required to obtain quick and accurate insurance settlement.

Alconero and Associates Public Adjusters has been a powerful, effective partner for victims of every named tropical storm or hurricane to hit the United States for the past 15 years including Hurricanes Sandy, Katrina, Andrew, Hugo, Ike, and Opal. Our hurricane adjusters, public adjusters and property damage appraisers win claim settlements that reflect what the insurance company is obligated to pay based on your insurance policy and true valuation of damages, rather than what the insurance company wants to pay or simply offers. Hurricane Damage Miami

Hurricane Insurance Claim Tips:

It could take weeks after a major hurricane for an independent adjuster from your insurance company to get to your property to evaluate your claim. If you’re not ready to hire a public adjuster, these hurricane claim tips will ensure your claim stays on the right track:

  1. Request a certified copy of your insurance policy from your agent or broker ASAP.
  2. Compile your own detailed contents inventory. Include age, brand, quantity, purchase price and a link to where the item, or a comparable one, could be purchased online.
  3. Control ALL of your personal property. Never allow a restoration company to remove your contents for disposal or restoration until you have met with your insurance company’s adjuster and consulted with a trusted public adjuster to know ALL of your rights and options.
  4. Mitigate damage to your property by boarding up windows or tarping your roof.
  5. Obtain independent damage estimates to gauge the actual cost to rebuild your property.
  6. Never sign a “for insurance proceeds” contract with ANY general contractor.
  7. Wait – Never start the rebuild process until you know ALL your rights and options for settlement and have an agreed upon “scope” with your insurance company. Do NOT allow a general contractor to convince you otherwise.Document every point of communication with your insurance company adjuster and insurance company.
  8. Demand an explanation from your insurance company adjuster if your hurricane claim has not settled within 60 days.
  9. Seek to uncover all benefits your policy affords, or consult with a trusted public adjuster. In many total-loss scenarios, a potential 35% in extra coverage above the policy limit may be available.

The problem of hurricanes in Florida

Florida has a natural beauty that is admired by the world. However, just as this is a great attraction, there are also some difficulties typical of the area. One of them is the hurricanes that hit the region periodically, every year. So much so, that hurricane damage in Florida is one of the main concerns of the inhabitants. The costs of repairing the damage can be very expensive, in addition to the risk it represents for people’s lives.

For this reason, many people choose to take out specific insurance to protect their home against the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. This ensures that hurricane damage in Florida will be covered by the company, or at least it should be. In many cases, insurance companies do not act in the appropriate way in these situations. In order to minimize expenses, insurers reject claims or accept them with amounts much lower than those that correspond.

Therefore, the problem of hurricanes in Florida is much deeper than the destruction of nature. Also the intervention of man can affect the lives of people, after they have suffered the destruction of their home. In these cases, having a public adjuster for hurricane damage in Florida can be an effective solution to guarantee the payment of the claim.

What damages are covered by hurricane insurance in Florida

There are many options and varieties of insurance, with different coverage, conditions and clauses. Depending on the type of insurance you have, different hurricane damages in Florida will or will not be covered. The most important thing is to carefully review your policy to be sure what damages fall within those covered by the company.

Hurricane insurance policies generally cover roof, wall, and floor damage caused by water and wind. That is among the most basic of hurricane insurance. Also included are doors and windows, which can be destroyed by the wind. The same happens with elements inside the home, such as furniture or appliances, which can be damaged for the same reasons.

In turn, there are also other indirect damages, such as those caused by objects that fly due to the storm, such as branches or trees. These hurricane damages in Florida may or may not be covered, depending on the insurance policy. Likewise, damages caused by second-degree events as a result of the storm, such as explosions or derived fires, are also counted. And, finally, we must take into account the expense of removing the debris in the days after the event. All this can mean a great expense, which is not always assumed by the insurance company.

How to make an effective hurricane insurance claim in Florida

Making a successful insurance claim is not as easy as it might seem. There are many aspects to take into account, which can be overlooked if you do not have the necessary experience and knowledge. The Florida hurricane damage insurance claim process is often complex and time-consuming. In many cases, this is due to the strategies of the insurance company to reduce the payment, since the client will seek to reach a settlement as soon as possible.

Assessing the total cost of losses is extremely complicated and requires some technical knowledge. In addition, in many cases these damages continue to occur after the passage of the hurricane. It is common for the insurance clauses to include the legal duty on the part of the client to minimize the impact of the damage with all the tools available to them. This may mean putting down tarps or covering broken windows to prevent further water ingress. To know exactly these obligations, it is recommended to read the insurance policy carefully.

Regardless of the issues agreed in the contract, many insurance companies do not behave in the most appropriate way. Even if the claim for hurricane damage in Florida is valid and legal, insurers can refuse to pay. Another option is that they offer an amount much lower than what is necessary to cover all the expenses caused by the hurricane. Given these possibilities, it is essential to have with the help and advice of a professional public adjuster, such as Alconero & Associates.

Trust a Public Hurricane Damage Adjuster in Florida

Having the help of a public adjuster during an insurance claim can be decisive for a successful outcome. As we mentioned, insurance companies use different strategies to delay or interrupt processes, with the aim of achieving the lowest possible payment. They can even deny a Florida hurricane damage claim, even if it’s properly substantiated.

The public adjuster will help you through the process from the beginning, carefully reading the policy to know the legal coverage. This may sound simple, but it really isn’t. The technical language and endless clauses can present a difficulty for non-experts.

Then during the damage assessment, the insurance company will try to minimize costs as much as possible. An experienced public adjuster like Alconero & Associates will stand on the client’s side and perform their own assessment, taking into account all actual expenses resulting from the hurricane. Hurricane damage in Florida can incur extremely high costs, and if not covered by the company will have to come out of your own pocket, making the tragedy even worse.

Finally, the public adjuster will file your Florida hurricane damage claim in a timely manner, so there are no errors that allow the company to deny the claim. This will allow you not only to collect the maximum amount that corresponds to the case, but also to do so in the shortest time possible so that you can return to your normal life as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of damages does hurricane insurance in Florida cover?

Hurricane insurance typically covers damage caused by wind and water to your property, including the roof, walls, floors, doors, and windows. The policy may also include coverage for interior contents like furniture and appliances. Some policies extend to indirect damages caused by flying debris and secondary incidents like explosions or fires resulting from the hurricane. Cleanup and debris removal expenses might also be covered. It’s essential to review your specific policy for detailed coverage information.

What is the process to file a hurricane damage claim in Florida?

The claim process for hurricane damage can be complex and time-consuming. It starts with evaluating the extent of the losses, which can be challenging and often requires technical expertise. Additionally, policyholders are typically required to mitigate the impact of damage with available resources, such as by covering broken windows or placing tarps to prevent further water damage. The next step is to file a claim with your insurance company, which may involve negotiating the settlement amount.

How does a public adjuster help with hurricane damage claims in Florida?

A public adjuster guides you through the claim process, starting with a careful review of your insurance policy to understand its coverage. They then conduct their own assessment of the damage, considering all actual expenses resulting from the hurricane. This can be advantageous as insurance companies often attempt to minimize the assessed costs. The adjuster also helps file your claim timely and accurately, reducing the chance of errors that may lead to claim denial, ensuring you receive the maximum payout in the shortest possible time.

Why is it necessary to engage a public adjuster for hurricane damage claims in Florida?

Insurance companies can employ various strategies to minimize, delay, or even deny payment. A public adjuster, on the other hand, works on behalf of the policyholder to ensure that their claim is fairly evaluated, accurately reported, and promptly processed. They help policyholders navigate the complexities of the claim process, ensuring they understand their rights and get a fair settlement.

What are the potential issues with hurricane damage claims in Florida?

The process of filing a hurricane damage claim can be complex and often time-consuming, mainly due to the extensive and varied damage hurricanes can cause. Insurance companies might undervalue the total damages caused, leading to underpaid claims. Also, the continuous occurrence of damages even after the hurricane can add to the complexity. Some companies may refuse to pay a valid claim or offer a payout significantly lower than what’s necessary to cover all expenses.

Why is hurricane insurance important for property owners in Florida?

Florida frequently experiences hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause extensive property damage. Having hurricane insurance helps protect property owners from bearing the heavy costs of repairing or rebuilding their property after a hurricane. However, ensuring a fair claim settlement can be challenging, making the engagement of a trusted public adjuster beneficial.