Filing Property Damage Claims After a Mississippi Storm

The resulting storm damage to any property in Mississippi can be overwhelming. From uprooted trees crushing roofs to flooding that seeps into basements, recovering begins with understanding how to secure your rights stipulated in your storm insurance in Mississippi. 

The Morgan Law Group has been a strong advocate for over 25 years for homeowners and businesses with storm damage claims in Mississippi. As trusted Mississippi property damage claims attorneys, we guide clients through every stage of post-storm property damage claims, ensuring their damaged property after a storm in Mississippi is thoroughly documented and fairly compensated. 

Importance of Reviewing Your Policy Coverage 

Before beginning the Mississippi storm damage claims process, take time to examine your policy’s coverage for storm damage. Typical homeowners and commercial insurance policies include coverage for wind, hail, and water damage, but each policy differs in limits, exclusions, and the storm damage deductible you’ll owe. Make note of any specific requirements for filing a storm damage claim, such as deadlines for proof of loss for storm damage claims or contact information for storm insurance claims.

1. Documenting Storm-Related Damages to Property

Accurate documentation lays the groundwork for a strong Mississippi storm damage claims submission. 

Immediately after the storm, photograph and videotape every damaged area – shingles blown off, broken windows, flooded rooms, or debris-strewn yards. Create a detailed inventory of lost or damaged items, noting purchase dates and approximate values. 

These records support your proof of loss for storm damage claims and help your storm damage claims attorney in Mississippi negotiate a comprehensive insurance settlement for storm damage.

2. Filing Storm Damage Claims in Mississippi

Once you’ve reviewed your policy and compiled documentation, the next step is filing a storm damage claim. 

Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Mississippi insurance laws generally require prompt notice to trigger coverage. You’ll submit a formal notice of loss that outlines the date and time of the storm, type of damage, and estimated costs.

The Mississippi storm damage claims process typically unfolds in stages:

• Acknowledgment: Insurer logs your notice of loss.
• Inspection: Adjuster reviews damage on-site.
• Estimate: Initial repair estimate and deductible calculation.
• Documentation Review: Submission of proof of loss for storm damage claims, contractor bids, and receipts.
• Settlement Offer: Insurer proposes an insurance settlement for storm damage.
• Payment: Funds disbursed after you accept the offer and fulfill policy requirements.

Remember, in other jurisdictions, the deadline for property damage claims may differ – but you must act as early as possible to avoid disputes along the way. Also, timely follow-up on paperwork prevents delays and helps avoid an undervalued storm damage claim lingering unresolved.

3. Working with Insurance Adjusters

After your initial claim filing, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to inspect the damage in person. Be present during the inspection to point out areas you’ve documented and to answer questions. Provide copies of estimates from contractors to repair or replace structural damage and licensed appraisals for personal property losses. 

If the adjuster’s initial estimate falls short, your storm damage claims attorneys in Mississippi can submit supplements or rebuttals to ensure your claim reflects the true cost of repairs.

4. Addressing Denied or Underpaid Claims

A denied storm damage claim can occur for various reasons: alleged lack of coverage, late filing, or disputed cause of loss. Similarly, an underpaid storm damage claim may result from an insurer offering less than you’re owed based on its evaluation. 

In such circumstances, engage a storm damage attorney in Mississippi to:

• Review your policy and claims history under Mississippi insurance laws.
• Identify procedural missteps in the insurance company’s handling of your claim.
• Prepare an appeal or submit a demand package challenging the denial or underpayment.
• Pursue alternative dispute resolution or litigation if necessary to secure fair compensation.

If the insurer still resists, legal action can compel a fair outcome. Engaging a storm damage claims attorney in Mississippi ensures each step is handled efficiently and strengthens your position for the best possible insurance settlement.

5. Insurance Payout and Next Steps

Once you receive an insurance settlement for storm damage, review it carefully to confirm all covered items and repairs are included. If the amount addresses your documented losses and accounts for the storm damage deductible, you can proceed with repairs. 

Keep copies of all contractor invoices and payments to demonstrate proper use of settlement proceeds. Should additional damage emerge later, such as mold from hidden leaks, you may file a supplemental claim before your policy’s deadline.

Considerations for Businesses and Homeowners with Storm Claims

Whether you own a residence or operate a business, understanding how your policy responds to storm damage is essential.

• Business Interruption: If you are a business owner, you should verify whether your commercial policy includes business interruption coverage related to storms in Mississippi, covering lost revenue during repairs.
• Code Upgrades: Some policies reimburse costs to upgrade repairs to current building codes – confirm whether your policy limits include such provisions.

• Damage Mitigation: Under Mississippi law, policyholders must make reasonable efforts to prevent further damage, such as tarping a roof. Insurers sometimes argue that policyholders failed to “mitigate” their damages, shifting blame and reducing settlement offers. Mitigation minimizes disputes over comparative fault.

Filing property damage claims after a Mississippi storm requires prompt action, meticulous documentation, and a clear understanding of your policy under Mississippi insurance laws. When storm season in Mississippi brings destructive winds and flooding, don’t fret about filing property damage claims. 

The Morgan Law Group stands ready as storm damage claims attorneys in Mississippi to advocate for homeowners and businesses, ensuring post-storm property damage claims are handled efficiently and fairly. Call us today at (866) 305-1690 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.