Since 2006, Florida statutes require that residential property insurance policies include hurricane windstorm protection. This coverage is supposed to protect you from loss or damage from a hurricane and associated wind, cyclone, or other weather events.
If your insurance company is giving you a tough time about a hurricane claim, it is time to consult a hurricane property claim lawyer. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine have hurricane property claim lawyers in Plantation who will hold the insurance company accountable. To request a free consultation, please call 1-800-747-3733.
Why You Should Call a Hurricane Property Claim Lawyer in Plantation
Florida’s location along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean makes it twice as vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. According to the Tampa Bay Times, property damage from Florida’s most recent storms, Irma and Michael, are estimated at $40 billion. Some insurance companies have raised their premiums as a result. Other insurance companies try to increase their profit by collecting your premium and refusing to pay your legitimate claim.
A hurricane property claim lawyer in Plantation will deal with your insurance company if they undervalue or refuse to pay. This “bad faith” behavior is unacceptable. If you have paid your premiums and can document the damage to your home or business, you deserve access to your coverage.
What You Should Do if Your Claim Is Disputed
It may take up to 90 days before your insurance company either pays or denies your claim. If your claim is denied or certain valuations are disputed, call a hurricane property claim lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine right away. Sometimes there is a simple explanation for the dispute. A hurricane property claim lawyer in Plantation can help get you the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Our hurricane property claim lawyers will find out why the insurance company is disputing your claim and take immediate action to rectify the situation. This action may include:
- Ensuring that all the paperwork is correct – a single misplaced digit in your policy number might be the reason your claim is disputed;
- Reviewing your policy to make sure you have a legitimate claim based on your coverage;
- Collecting receipts, estimates, and other proof of property damage and loss; and
- Compiling photos or videos with time and date stamp as proof that damage occurred during a hurricane.
Your insurance company may have a deadline by which you must submit new information or file an appeal. Please call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 to request a free, no-obligation consultation.
Insurance Requirements for Florida Property Owners
Florida property owners have requirements unique to the state’s insurance regulations. The state began revising basic property insurance after 1992 when Hurricane Andrew devasted many parts of South Florida including Plantation. Florida does not require that you have property insurance, but a mortgage lender does.
According to the Task Force on Long-Term Solutions for Florida’s Hurricane Insurance Market, residential property insurance policies must have hurricane windstorm coverage. This covers loss and damage including:
- Physical exterior loss or damage.
- Interior damage if the direct force of the storm causes an opening for rain, sleet, sand, hail, or dust.
A hurricane property claim lawyer in Plantation will review your policy so that you understand the compensation for which you might be eligible. Depending on your coverage, you may also be entitled to other expenses, such as food or temporary accommodations.
Hurricane Windstorm Deductibles Can Be Costly
This may be the first time that you file a hurricane property claim on your home or business. You should be aware that some insurance policies ask for a separate hurricane windstorm deductible. This deductible is a fixed percentage of your policy value. You may pay from 2 to 5 percent, depending on the building type or if you have a lien.
For example, if your policy value is $100,000 and your hurricane windstorm deductible is 2 percent, you must pay $2,000 out-of-pocket. Because your hurricane windstorm deductible is costly, it is wise to have a hurricane property claim lawyer in Plantation on your side if your claim is denied or disputed. Most people do not have the money to make repairs without help from their property insurance coverage.
To get help with your hurricane property claim, please call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733. We would be happy to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
We work on a contingency basis only. This means that you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Getting Legal Aid from a Hurricane Property Claim Lawyer in Plantation
Our hurricane property claim lawyers go the extra mile to make our clients whole. Unlike some firms, you will be assigned to an attorney who will keep you informed at each stage. A hurricane property claim lawyer in Plantation is your safe, confidential, and experienced legal advocate. We hope that our legal and professional staff will be a comfort to you in the uncertain aftermath of a hurricane. Please call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to request a free consultation: 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
