How to Navigate Property Damage Claims After a Florida Storm

Storms in Florida can vary from tropical storms to major hurricanes, each capable of inflicting severe roof failure, water intrusion, and structural weakening. Understanding the type of storm damage you’ve experienced is critical to documenting losses and proving causation under Florida insurance laws. 

Our Florida property damage claims attorneys at The Morgan Law Group provide legal assistance for businesses and homeowners pursuing storm claims, guiding them through each phase of the Florida storm damage claims process to help maximize storm damage settlement amounts.

Important Steps to Take After a Florida Storm 

After a storm, prioritize your safety and that of your family. Once secure, assess and document the damage as soon as possible.  Detailed documentation strengthens your claim by providing visual proof of the losses incurred.

Next, prevent further damage to your property if it is safe to do so. This may involve covering broken windows, applying cover to damaged roofs, or temporarily reinforcing damaged doors or walls. 

Remember, most insurance policies explicitly require policyholders to mitigate further damage wherever feasible, and failing to take these steps could negatively impact your claim.

How to Proceed with Your Storm Damage Claims

The resulting storm damage can create uncertainty about insurance coverage and the proper steps to file a property damage claim.

Here’s how to promptly and effectively handle your storm damage claim:

1. Promptly Notify Your Insurance Provider

In Florida, insurers typically require prompt reporting of storm-related damages. Delaying notification could negatively impact your insurance claim. 

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and initiate your claim. Clearly describe the extent of the damage, providing documented evidence and any immediate actions you’ve taken.

2. Complete the Proof of Loss for Storm Damage 

A proof of loss for storm damage is a sworn statement detailing every aspect of your loss: the date of the storm, nature of damage, repair estimates, and total claimed amount. Under Florida’s timeline for property damage claims, you generally have 1 year from the date of loss to file a claim to your insurer, but for proof of loss, usually within 60 days after request. 

3. Cooperate with the Insurance Adjuster

An adjuster will inspect your property damage and estimate repair costs. Accompany the adjuster during their visit and provide them with all collected evidence, receipts, and documentation. This interaction significantly influences the adjuster’s assessment and the subsequent settlement offer.

Once your adjuster issues an estimate, compare it against independent contractor bids for property damage repairs after a storm. Florida storm deductibles set a percentage of coverage, usually between 2% – 10%, significantly affecting how much the insurer pays you.

If your deductible is, for example, 5% on a $200,000 policy, you’re responsible for the first $10,000. Submitting multiple bids can demonstrate reasonable repair costs and support a higher storm damage settlement.

4. Evaluate the Settlement Offer Carefully

Insurance companies may initially offer lower settlements than you expect. You have the right to contest or negotiate this offer. If you believe the settlement is insufficient, consider hiring a public adjuster or consulting a Florida property damage claims attorney. Professional representation can substantially improve your compensation outcomes.

Promptly notifying your insurer, providing accurate documentation, and carefully evaluating settlement offers will greatly enhance your chances of a satisfactory outcome. If you encounter challenges or disputes, consulting a Florida property damage claims attorney can help.

Insurance Policy Coverage for Storm Damage 

Commercial and homeowners insurance policies often include specific provisions related to storm damage, which can significantly affect claim outcomes. Common coverages include dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and additional living expenses.

However, insurers may dispute claims based on technicalities, exclusions, or policy interpretations. For example, flood damage is typically excluded from standard homeowners’ insurance policies, necessitating separate flood insurance coverage. 

Understanding these distinctions ahead of time enables you to set appropriate expectations and proactively address potential disputes.

Storm Insurance Claims Disputes

Many Florida property owners encounter common obstacles when pursuing storm damage claims. 

• Challenges frequently include:
• Undervalued Damage Assessments
• Prolonged Investigations
• Delayed Payments
• Denial of Legitimate Claims

Insurance providers might attempt to limit their financial responsibility by attributing damage to pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, or exclusions detailed within the policy.

Insurers often dispute repair estimates or drag out claim processing, placing homeowners in difficult financial circumstances and prolonging their recovery. Familiarizing yourself with Florida’s insurance laws, such as statutes governing timely claim handling, empowers you to challenge these unfair practices effectively and ensures you are not unfairly disadvantaged.

Legal Help from Storm Damage Claims Attorneys in Florida

Navigating property damage claims after a Florida storm is often frustrating, especially when insurance companies resist paying fair compensation. Engaging experienced legal representation can dramatically improve your claim outcome by providing crucial advocacy and legal insights.

A skilled storm damage attorney in Florida will:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of your insurance policy.
• Advocate aggressively on your behalf during negotiations with insurance adjusters.
• Facilitate independent damage assessments to provide objective evidence of your losses.
• Ensure strict compliance with critical deadlines, policy requirements, and procedural rules.
• Pursue litigation, if necessary, to secure fair and adequate compensation.

Florida law specifically protects homeowners by mandating good-faith practices from insurance companies. If insurers fail to comply, they could face additional liability, further strengthening your position when represented by a knowledgeable attorney.

Talk to Our Florida Insurance Claim Attorneys Today!

Storm damage claims in Florida involve high stakes and complex policy details. Taking swift, informed actions can significantly influence your claim’s success. 

If your Florida home has sustained storm damage, let our dedicated legal team at The Morgan Law Group fight for your rights, ensuring you achieve the fair settlement you deserve.

Call us today at (866) 305-1690 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Begin your journey toward full restoration and compensation.