Hurricane Ian pummeled the west coast of Florida on Wednesday before making its way across the state where it brought flooding and high winds throughout the peninsula. The storm caused significant property damage during its slow trek across Florida.
The team at Anidjar & Levine is standing by ready to help those who need property claims assistance after the storm. If your home sustained damage from Hurricane Ian, you can file a property claim to cover your losses or the cost to repair your home.
Fill out the contact form on the right for a free review of your property damage and storm loss claim.
Latest on Hurricane Ian
Update: September 30, 2022, 6 pm et
Ian is now a post-tropical cyclone. Officials have begun surveying the damage across the Florida peninsula, finding extensive damage and devastation in the storm’s wake.
FEMA disaster assistance is now available to individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Seminole counties.
Those with insurance can file a claim with their insurance company, as FEMA assistance cannot help with losses covered by insurance.
Update: September 29, 2022, 2 pm et
Hurricane Ian is now Tropical Storm Ian as it leaves Florida and moves north-northeast into the Atlantic at about 9 mph.
The storm has left a trail of damage and destruction as high winds and storm surge wreaked havoc across the peninsula.
Ian – with winds hitting 150 mph as it came ashore on the Gulf coast – was among the strongest in Florida history. The storm delivered considerable flooding and high winds to residents on the west coast in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. As the storm moved across the state, it brought flooding and high winds to Orlando, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and many other communities in central and north Florida.
Early reports reveal roads, homes, and communities underwater; bridges and buildings washed away in high waters or destroyed by strong winds; hospitals evacuated for flooding; and millions without power.
Update: September 29, 2022, 8 am et:
As of 8 am et on Thursday, September 29, Ian is about to complete its path across the state of Florida and reenter the Atlantic. The storm is moving northeast at about 8 mph.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for much of the state.
The National Weather Service reports water levels receding along the west coast of Florida, but warns of life-threatening storm surge in the northeast of the state.
Update: September 28, 2022, 5 pm et:
As of 5 pm et on Wednesday, September 28, Hurricane Ian is 5 miles east of Punta Gorda, FL. The storm is moving north-northeast at about 8 mph.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for much of the west coast and parts of Central Florida. South Florida, the northwest coast, and parts of Central Florida are under tropical storm warnings.
The National Weather Service warns of life-threatening storm surge from Marco Island to the Tampa Bay area. Follow the latest Hurricane Ian forecast.
Update: September 27, 2022, 5 pm et:
Refer to local officials for any evacuation orders in your community. Currently, evacuation orders are in effect for parts of Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, and Sarasota counties.
The state of Florida has declared a state of emergency. Residents can find out more about the state’s response to the storm on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
What to Do if Your Property Is Damaged by Hurricane Ian
If your property sustains hurricane damage through the course of the storm, you can file a claim with your property insurance company.
Follow these steps if your home sustains damage:
- Assess the damage after the storm passes
- Document all damage by taking photographs
- Contact your property insurer to report your home sustained damage
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy
- Speak with a property claims lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Read more about what to do if your home sustains damage in a hurricane.
Understand Your Hurricane Coverage
Florida homeowner policies typically include hurricane coverage and a specified hurricane deductible. Types of damage your policy may cover include:
- Roof damage
- Water damage resulting from roof damage
- Building structural damage
- Broken windows and doors
- Garage or shed damage
- Fence damage
- Debris clean-up costs
- Temporary relocation expenses
Further, a homeowners policy generally does not include flood insurance, which homeowners may purchase separately. Learn more about hurricane vs. flood insurance.
Be sure to review your homeowners policy before the storm as well as after if your home sustains damage. You will need to properly document the damage to file a claim.
Work With a Lawyer With Hurricane Damage Claim Experience
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine’s property claims attorneys have experience helping homeowners on the Florida west coast with hurricane and storm claims.
Nicholas Basco helps homeowners in Tampa and Sarasota with their hurricane damage claims, and Joshua Molandes helps homeowners in Fort Myers with theirs.
Some insurance companies may extend a settlement offer with a sum that would be much lower than what you need to repair your home or cover your losses. If you find yourself in this situation, our attorneys can help.
An Anidjar & Levine attorney can take over communication with the insurance company and help you pursue a full and fair settlement.
Get the Documentation You Need and Determine the Value of Your Losses
Your lawyer can advise you on the kinds of documentation you will need to support your claim. When it comes to hurricane damages, the type of documentation you need will depend on the type and extent of the loss you suffered.
Save receipts or invoices for out-of-pocket expenses you incur because of the hurricane, such as the cost of moving to a new location while your home is being repaired or the cost of replacing any essential household items.
We Negotiate with Your Insurance Company
Having a lawyer who has experience dealing with insurance companies can make a huge difference. Your attorney can act as your representative during negotiations with your insurance company and make sure any offer fairly compensates you for your damages under the terms of your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Damage Claims
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Hurricane in Florida?
You typically have three years to file a hurricane damage claim in Florida. The clock starts ticking the day the storm makes landfall. Read more about the deadline to file a hurricane claim.
What Is The Average Settlement For Hurricane Damage In Florida?
Your settlement will depend on your hurricane coverage and the losses and damage you sustained in the storm. Our attorneys help you document your losses and pursue a fair settlement that allows you to make repairs, replace losses, and take back control of your life. Read more about settlements for hurricane damage in Florida.
Do I Still Have to Pay My Mortgage If My House Is Destroyed in a Hurricane in Florida?
Yes, you have to pay your mortgage even if your home is destroyed in a hurricane. But you can pursue compensation for your loss via a property claim with your homeowners insurance. Read more about your responsibility to pay your mortgage if your home is destroyed by a hurricane.
If Your Insurance Company Refuses to Offer Fair Compensation for Hurricane Damage, Call Anidjar & Levine
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is happy to help negotiate a fair settlement for your hurricane-related losses. Call us at 1-800-747-3733 if your home sustained damage in Hurricane Ian and you need help with your property claim.
