Earthquakes and Property Insurance: Mitigation and Claims

While earthquakes may not be the first natural disaster that comes to mind when you think of Florida, the state does have a history of seismic activity.  Understanding this risk and taking steps to protect your property is vital for Florida homeowners.

As a Florida earthquake insurance claims law firm, The Morgan Law Group helps you understand Florida’s earthquake vulnerability, how you can mitigate earthquake damage, the importance of having earthquake insurance coverage, and the claims process.

How to Mitigate Potential Property Damage in an Earthquake

While you cannot prevent an earthquake, you can take proactive steps to reduce its impact on your home and belongings. Here are essential mitigation strategies:

1. Structural Strengthening: Consult with a structural engineer or contractor to assess your home. Adding bracing to walls, bolting your house to its foundation, and reinforcing cripple walls (if applicable) can significantly improve its resistance to earthquake forces.
2. Secure Heavy Items: Anchor tall bookcases, armoires, and other heavy furniture to wall studs, preventing them from toppling and causing injuries or damage.
3. Water Heater Safety: Secure your water heater with straps to prevent it from shifting or overturning, which could cause leaks or gas line breaks.
4. Flexible Lines: Replace rigid gas lines with flexible ones designed to withstand movement during an earthquake, reducing the risk of leaks.
5. Automatic Shut-off Valve: Install an automatic gas shut-off valve that senses seismic activity and immediately cuts off gas flow, minimizing fire hazards.
6. Utility Shut-off Knowledge: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to turn off gas, water, and electricity at the main sources, preventing additional hazards in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Mitigating earthquake damage requires a combination of structural improvements, safety measures, and preparedness. Investing in these strategies won’t make your house earthquake-proof, but it will significantly lower your risk of extensive earthquake damage.

Florida Earthquake Insurance: Coverage and Deductibles

Unlike many natural disasters, earthquake damage is not included in standard homeowners insurance policies. This means to financially safeguard your home against this specific risk, you’ll need to purchase separate earthquake insurance in Florida, usually in the form of an endorsement (an addition) to your existing policy.

A typical Florida earthquake insurance policy provides several essential types of coverage:

1. Dwelling Coverage: This is the core of your policy, providing funds to repair or rebuild structural damage to your house caused directly by an earthquake.
2. Contents Coverage: This covers the loss or damage of your personal belongings within the home, such as furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and more, due to an earthquake.
3. Additional Living Expenses: If your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to earthquake damage, this coverage can help pay for the costs of hotel stays, meals, and other necessary expenses while your house is being repaired.

Earthquake insurance policies come with notably high deductibles compared to other types of insurance. These deductibles are often expressed as a percentage of your home’s insured value (10%-20%). For example, a 15% deductible on a home insured for $300,000 would mean you are responsible for the first $45,000 in damages before your insurance coverage begins.

Earthquake Damage Claims and Disputes

The aftermath of an earthquake is a stressful time. Here’s the immediate course of action:

1. Document Damage: Thoroughly document all damage to your home and belongings with photos, videos, and written descriptions. This evidence is crucial for supporting your insurance claim.
2. File an Earthquake Damage Claim: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They will initiate the claims process and likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage.
3. Seek Professional Help: Consider hiring a public adjuster. These professionals specialize in insurance claims and work on your behalf to assess damage, negotiate with the insurance company, and maximize your settlement.

Unfortunately, disputes with insurance companies after an earthquake are common. Here are some reasons why:

1. Undervaluing Damage: Insurance companies may try to minimize your losses to reduce payouts. They may dispute the extent of damage or offer lowball estimates for repairs.
2. Misinterpreting Policy Provisions: Earthquake insurance policies can be complex. Insurers might misinterpret or selectively apply policy language to limit coverage or deny your claim.
3. Unjust Denials: Insurance companies might outright deny your claim, citing reasons that seem unfair or unsubstantiated.

Having an expert like a public adjuster or an experienced earthquake insurance claims attorney on your side can make a huge difference in securing the fair compensation you deserve.

Contacting an Earthquake Insurance Claim Attorney for Legal Help

Earthquakes can be unpredictable, but taking proactive measures can reduce your risks.  By understanding your insurance coverage, mitigating potential damage, and knowing where to turn for help with claims disputes, you can improve your preparedness.

While you might initially attempt to resolve an insurance dispute on your own, our experienced earthquake insurance claims attorney in Florida at The Morgan Group offers valuable advantages when things get complicated.

• Knowledge in Policy Analysis: Earthquake insurance policies are packed with complex legal terms and provisions. A seasoned insurance attorney can closely analyze your policy, clearly explaining your coverage, your rights under the policy, and identify any areas where the insurance company might be violating the terms.
• Skilled Negotiation: Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters and their own attorneys. Having an attorney on your side levels the playing field. They can skillfully negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, using their knowledge of the law and tactics to push for a fair settlement that fully reflects your losses.
• Preparation for Litigation: If negotiations stall or the insurance company refuses to budge, your attorney can initiate legal proceedings. They will handle all legal filings, represent you in court, and zealously advocate for your interests in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

If you face earthquake damage in Florida and need assistance navigating your Florida earthquake insurance claim, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our earthquake damage claims attorneys in Florida are committed to helping property owners secure their rightful compensation.