If hurricane winds and heavy rains caused severe damage to your home or business, you likely want action now. You obtained flood insurance or homeowners insurance and paid monthly premiums for a reason. You have a right to the full financial benefits that will help return your home to its former condition.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming and leave you uncertain about where to turn or what to do next. With the help of a hurricane property claim lawyer in Daytona, you can make a full recovery. Contact a property damage lawyer for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today.
How to Accurately Evaluate Your Hurricane Property Damage Claim
Knowing the right steps to take and what you should expect can make a big difference in your hurricane property insurance claim. That means you must understand how the insurer works and what compensation your policy entitles you to. You also need a working timeline for getting your home repaired, your family back to safety, and your life back to normal.
Hurricane Damage Can Be Overwhelming, But Filing a Hurricane Property Damage Claim Does Not Have to Be
The very first thing you should do in the days following a hurricane is to ensure your family is in a safe location and receives any medical care they need. This can include emergency and follow-up medical care and treatment.
In addition, you deserve a full payout from your insurer. Keep these important steps in mind as you begin to file your insurance claim and rebuild your life:
- Contact your insurance agent immediately after the storm to report the loss.
- If you have flood damage, storm surge damage, or power outages, contact your insurance agent within 48 hours of the flooding.
- Create an inventory of your family’s personal possessions.
- Have a professional inspect your home to determine the extent of the damage caused by the storm.
- Keep every receipt for hurricane-related expenses.
- Take multiple photos of the interior and exterior damage to your home. These images can be used to prove the extent of damage to your home.
- Take video footage of your home’s damage, if possible.
- Obtain photos of your home’s condition before the hurricane.
- Obtain a full copy of your insurance policy.
- Keep all documents and evidence in a safe, dry, easy-to-access location.
- Avoid efforts to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. Doing so could mean you are at risk of being offered a lower settlement amount than you deserve.
- If we cannot reach the right settlement on your behalf, we do not hesitate to take your case to court and ensure your claim is not undervalued or underpaid
Do not hesitate to contact an attorney when ready to start the insurance filing process. Florida has a four-year statute of limitations on filing a hurricane property claim. We act quickly on your behalf to help you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Together, we can collect the documents, photographs, and other articles you need to file an accurate insurance claim as soon as possible. We are your advocates when it matters. We are the Daytona, FL, hurricane damage lawyers you can rely on to hold insurance companies accountable. Call for a free consultation and claim evaluation today.
For a free legal consultation with a hurricane property claim lawyer serving Daytona, 800-747-3733
Know What’s Covered Under Your Insurance Policy
Hurricane coverage and a hurricane deductible are typically included in Florida homeowner policies. They are often referred to as “hurricane protection.” This type of coverage protects you against damages caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, mudslides, wildfires, ice storms, and hailstorms.
In addition to providing financial assistance for repairs, it covers additional living expenses like hotel costs and relocation fees.
Your policy may also cover windstorm damage, such as broken windows and doors. Windstorms cause considerable damage to buildings, especially roofs. If your home suffers severe water damage due to a storm, your insurer could pay for some of the cost to repair or replace damaged items.
In addition, damage to your property may be covered under several different types of coverage. For example, your policy might cover building damage from fire, vandalism, falling objects, smoke, lightning, wind, and hail. Some policies even cover earthquake damage. You may want to check your policy carefully to determine what is covered. Your policy may cover the following types of damage:
- Debris clean-up costs
- Water damage resulting from roof damage
- Roof damage
- Broken windows and doors
- Building structural damage
- Fence damage
- Garage or shed damage
- 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.
DaytonaHurricane Property Claim Lawyer Near Me 800-747-3733
How a Hurricane Property Claim Lawyer Helps Assess Property Damage
Gathering the supporting evidence and necessary documentation to file your insurance claim on your own accurately can be complex and labor-intensive. Our attorney team will guide you through the claims process and ensure nothing is overlooked. Let us help you collect the required information and proof for your insurance company.
We can help you gauge and verify the damage to your home to make sure you submit a comprehensive and complete insurance claim. Some of the ways our attorneys help support your insurance claim include the following:
- Documenting and recording the damage to your home: We document all types of damages, including water intrusion, mold, structural damage, fire damage, and storm damage. We compile photos and videos to show the extent of the damage and the steps needed to restore your home.
- Verifying the extent of the damage: We work with experts familiar with the construction of homes and buildings to determine the damage sustained.
- Determining the value of the damage: We calculate the cost of repairing the damage based on the current market value of similar properties in the area.
- Collecting photos and other documents: We gather photographs and other relevant documents to prove the extent of the damage.
- Preparing an accurate estimate: We prepare an accurate estimate of the repair costs, so you know how much money you need.
- Scrupulously examining your insurance policy for every benefit to which you may be entitled: We carefully examine your policy to find any coverage that applies to your situation. If your policy does not cover the damage, we will explain why it does not.
- Obtaining expert opinions: We hire qualified experts to evaluate the damage and give their opinion as to the cause of the damage.
- Providing legal advice: We advise you throughout the entire claims process. We will answer questions and provide guidance when you need it most.
- Preparing and filing your hurricane property damage insurance claim: After gathering the necessary documentation and proof, we prepare and file your insurance claim.
Our lawyers also assist clients with the following:
- Negotiating settlements: We negotiate with the insurer to obtain the best settlement possible. This includes negotiating with the adjuster assigned to your case.
- Paying out settlements: We pay out settlements to claimants after the insurance company has approved the claim.
- Appealing denials: We appeal the denial when your insurance company denies your claim.
- Applying for additional benefits: If available under your policy or applicable law, we apply for additional benefits.
What Settlement Amount Can I Expect for Florida Hurricane Damage?
The compensation you receive depends on several things, including the severity of the storm, whether or not you had flood insurance and the damage to your home or property.
If you suffered wind damage, you might also qualify for additional compensation based on the number of windows broken, the type of roofing material used, and the age of your house.
We have represented thousands of homeowners across the state of Florida during hurricanes and tropical storms. Our experience allows us to offer fair estimates of what you should expect to recover from your insurance company.
Our lawyers will assist you in documenting your losses and pursuing a fair settlement that will allow you to make renovations, replace damaged property, and reclaim control of your life.
Get Help from a Hurricane Claim Lawyer in Daytona Today
You are not alone in the damage or loss of your home. You faithfully paid premiums to your insurer in good faith. You deserve to have the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine by your side when the disaster of a hurricane destroys your home.
We do not receive compensation until you do. Our goal is to help you and your family reap the benefits your insurance policy entitles you to. We fight for your rights and full recovery with your insurance company to ensure you and your family are made whole. Contact us for a free consultation and evaluation of your hurricane property claim.