The sunshine state is known for its exceptional weather and luxurious beaches. However, it is also known for some of the most devastating hurricanes across the world.
If you suffered property losses and are unsure of how to get the insurance company to settle your claim fairly, an Ocala hurricane property claim lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine could help. Contact our office for a free consultation today to find out what your next steps should be.
How Do Insurance Claims Work for Property Damage Following a Hurricane
Homeowners, renters, and business owners will likely have purchased insurance coverage to protect them in the event of a hurricane. However, it is more common than you might think to misunderstand the details of your insurance policy.
For example, you might be shocked to discover that your homeowner’s insurance coverage does not cover water damage. In fact, you should always be prepared to purchase flood insurance separately from your homeowner’s, renter’s, or business insurance policies.
There is no “hurricane insurance“, but having water damage coverage and wind damage coverage should be sufficient to protect your property in the event of a hurricane. It is also important to keep in mind that you will be expected to cover all of the costs of your property losses until you have reached the limit of your deductible.
What to Expect From Your Insurance Claim
Hurricane property claims can be particularly difficult. Generally, you can expect pushback from the insurance company after filing your claim in one or more of the following forms:
- Delaying the processing of your hurricane property claim
- Denying your hurricane property claim
- Undervaluing your hurricane property claim
- Arguing that your damages are not covered under your insurance policy
- Making claim approval contingent on signing a release of supplemental claims
Although insurance adjusters may be friendly, they are not on your side. The insurance company will lose money by settling your case. If you hope to avoid being taken advantage of during this challenging time, be sure to have an experienced legal advocate fighting for the coverage you are entitled to.
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What Could You Recover In Your Hurricane Property Damage Claim?
Although you may have suffered considerable property losses after your hurricane, with your family by your side, you can begin to rebuild your lives. There are some types of losses you should be able to recover through your insurance company.
Some of the different types of compensation you could receive include funds for:
- Repairing or replacing your home deck, fence, pool, or other outdoor buildings or structures
- Storm debris removal
- Your temporary hotel or living arrangements
- Repairing or replacing your home
- Repairing or replacing your patio, sunroom, garage, or other detached buildings
- Replacing your household items including clothing, furniture, appliances, personal items, and more
You can find out exactly what your hurricane coverage should protect you from when you contact your attorney to discuss your insurance plan and further detail.
How to Deal With the Insurer
Dealing with the insurance company could prove more challenging than you thought. However, if you hope to avoid being taken advantage of, here are some ways you can protect yourself:
- Have your attorney handle the negotiation process – Having your lawyer present can go a long way in showing the insurance company how seriously you are taking your hurricane property claim. Your lawyer will also be able to protect you from any unscrupulous tactics the insurer may have up their sleeve.
- Maintain careful documentation of your losses – By taking photos of the property damages, and the damage to your personal items, you can provide the insurance company with the proof you need to get your insurance claim approved.
- Do not hesitate to contact the insurance company – contacting your insurance company in a timely manner is required, and failure to do so could violate the terms of your insurance agreement.
- Keep copies of all your receipts – Evacuation expenses, including gas, accommodations, groceries, restaurant expenses, clothing, and other necessities should all be carefully documented. The insurance company will be responsible for covering these costs accordingly.
- Be sure to protect your property from additional damage – After the storm, you must take steps to prevent further damage, or risk the insurance company denying your claim. This might include boarding up broken windows or making other attempts to cover holes or protect your property from the weather while you wait for repairs to be made.
What Evidence Can Be Used to Support Your Hurricane Property Loss Claim
The insurance company will be looking for opportunities to deny your claim or delay the processing wherever possible. Your Ocala hurricane property claim attorney will gather the evidence needed to prove that your property damages are hurricane related and covered under your policy.
Some of the different types of evidence that could be used to support your case include:
- Receipts that show the value of your personal property losses
- An inventory of your damages
- A copy of your renters, homeowners, or business insurance policy
- Photos of your property both before and after the hurricane struck
- Quotes and estimates for home, vehicle, and property repairs
- Estimates for the cost of replacing specific items
- Videos of the property both before or after the hurricane strikes
- Receipts for your housing accommodations including groceries, restaurant expenses, hotel and motel bills, Airbnb costs, and more
- Receipts for the purchase of items to prevent further damage to your home such as plywood, tools, tarps, tape, or other supplies
Your attorney will go over the details of your case to help you understand which types of evidence you will need to bring into your negotiation with the insurance company.
Meet With a Hurricane Property Claim Lawyer in Ocala Today
Having to convince the insurance company to compensate you fairly after hurricane damage can be frustrating. Get the legal help you need when you need it most.
Time may be limited for you to take legal action. Call our Ocala hurricane property claim lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a no-cost, risk-free consultation today. We are ready to help you get the justice you deserve.
