Hurricanes can uproot and disrupt functions of everyday life for Floridians throughout the State of Florida. As a common part of the summer season, hurricanes can be a deadly force that can lead to structural damage of one’s home or business. Storm damage can have lasting impacts on Florida residents and excessive flooding or heavy rains coupled with high-powered winds can leave a homeowner feeling helpless after a destructive storm. Falling trees, storm debris, and storm surges can lead to homes and businesses becoming structurally unsound — paired with high heat and humid air, damaged buildings can become a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, and lead to long-term health issues.
Thankfully, property damage insurance protects most property owners from being swamped by accumulating costs after a storm passes through Florida. However, property damage insurance doesn’t always cover all expenses associated with a storm, which can leave policyholders paying out of pocket for storm repairs. If your insurance company denies your claim after a hurricane, contact a civil litigation law firm with Pursiano Barry Bruce Demetriads Simon LLP. Our insurance dispute lawyers can help ensure an ideal solution for your case, and assist you with getting your life back on track after a hurricane.
After a hurricane passes through Florida, your property is likely to sustain some degree of damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, it can lead to lasting financial hardship. Insurance companies are well-aware of the costs associated with hurricane damage, and will find ways to avoid payment through a plethora of policy loopholes. It’s important to understand what your insurance policy covers when filing a claim for hurricane-related damages. According to Florida Statute § 627.0629(6), “an insurer may not write a residential property insurance policy without providing windstorm coverage or hurricane coverage.” However, insurance that provides windstorm protection is not the same as flood water protection, and depending on your policy insurance companies may find ways to avoid payment in the event of severe storm damage. A civil litigation lawyer can help provide support for various issues that may arise such as denied insurance claims, delayed insurance claims, underpayment of claims, and claims regarding damages associated with wind or water damage.
Property owners should have an understanding of what their insurance covers prior to the arrival of a hurricane. The vast majority of residential property insurance policies have different bundles for property damage caused by wind damage versus damage caused by flooding — in most cases, coverage for flood waters must be purchased separately from regular homeowners policies. A certain threshold or deductible must also be met before insurance companies begin their payout process. Deductibles are calculated based on predetermined percentages, which is typically calculated based on the policy amount as a whole. A skilled Orlando insurance attorney can decipher and explain any fine details in an insurance policy, and advocate for your best interest when it comes time to secure an ideal result from an insurance claims case.
A hurricane damage claim could be underpaid or denied for numerous reasons. A lack of proper documentation of damage, failure to protect one’s property after a hurricane has passed, or insurance companies claiming damage was preexisting could all result in a less-than-ideal outcome for an insurance claim. Common tactics employed by insurance companies include unreasonable delays in repayment, attempts to settle claim for less than the cost of damages, or attempts to mislead or dissuade the homeowner during the claims process. If a policyholder properly documented the damages, notified their insurance company, and has the correct coverage for their property, and an insurance claim is still denied, then it’s important to contact a storm damage attorney. We will work tirelessly to find evidence of the insurance companies claim being invalid, and ensure adequate payment is provided.
