Insurance Claims
According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 5.5% of insured homes had a claim in 2022. While some home insurance claims are more frequent, like wind or hail damage, others, like fire and lightning damages, are more costly and can upend a homeowner’s finances without notice.
No matter how one’s home is damaged, many policyholders believe their insurance companies will cover the expenses. Unfortunately, they often find out differently when they submit a homeowners insurance claim.
At The Morgan Law Group, our Florida insurance claims attorneys represent clients who deserve more from their insurance providers than delayed responses, decreased coverage allowances, and outright claim denials. When it is time to file an insurance claim for some of the most common — or even obscure — homeowners insurance claims, we can help you get the most from the policy you have paid for all these years.
Wind and Hail Damage
About one in 40 insured homes has a property damage claim related to wind or hail each year. These circumstances caused the most homeowner insurance claims throughout the U.S. over the last 5 years.
Since Florida is home to the most thunderstorms in the country each year, our residents often suffer from widespread wind-related insurance claims, with the average claim valued at around $11,000.
Florida is also home to many hurricanes, tornadoes, and hail storms, which can knock down trees, remove siding from the exterior of the house, damage roofing, destroy windows, and cause severe harm to the structure of the home, leaving no one immune to the damages wind and hail can cause.
Water Damage
Nearly one in 50 insured homes has a property damage insurance claim caused by water damage each year.
Water damage insurance claims are common because they can result from multiple origins, including hurricanes, storm surges, rain, burst pipes, leaking plumbing, and other piping failures.
Insurance companies often cover water damage claims, depending on your coverage, but flood damage may be a different story and surprisingly not covered by your policy.
Water that touches the ground before impacting your home is called “flooding.” This type of water damage could come from a nearby overflowing body of water, water collected from the road, and breaks in a communal main pipe.
Insurance companies do not enjoy paying insurance claims, even when the policy clearly covers the damage. They may look for uncovered circumstances — like flooding — to avoid payment. If so, you may need help from our insurance claims attorneys in Florida to pursue the coverage you deserve.
Fire and Lightning Damage
Fire and lightning damage represents a significant concern for homeowners, as these types of incidents, while less frequent compared to other home insurance claims, typically result in the most costly payouts. On average, homeowners face expenses close to $80,000 per claim, underscoring the severe financial implications of such disasters.
The intense heat and destructive power of fire can compromise the building’s framework, leading to potential collapses and the need for extensive repairs or even complete rebuilding. Additionally, the cosmetic damage to interiors and exteriors can be significant, requiring a broad range of repairs from repainting and redecorating to the full replacement of fixtures and fittings.
Beyond the physical damages to the building itself, the contents of a home, such as furniture, electronics, personal items, and other valuables, can be completely destroyed. The loss of these items adds a personal and often irreplaceable dimension to the financial strain experienced by homeowners.
Given these challenges, the role of comprehensive home insurance coverage becomes clear. It provides essential financial support that many homeowners would struggle to manage without. This support allows individuals and families to recover and rebuild without the crippling financial burdens that such catastrophic events would otherwise entail.
Mold Damage
Mold thrives in moist, warm environments, making Florida’s humid climate a perfect breeding ground. Mold is not just a cosmetic issue; it poses health risks such as allergies, respiratory problems, and other serious health conditions. It can also cause significant damage to building materials, leading to costly repairs.
Common causes of mold in homes include:
- Water leaks from roofs, pipes, or windows
- Condensation, often due to poor ventilation
- Flooding, especially after hurricanes and heavy rains
Typically, homeowners insurance covers mold damage only if it’s a result of a “covered peril,” such as a water leak from a sudden pipe burst. However, if mold results from neglected maintenance, like a long-standing leak or ongoing humidity issues, it might not be covered.
Roof Damage
The intensity and frequency of storms in Florida make roof damage a common and significant issue for homeowners.
- Roof damage is frequently caused by:
- Severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, high winds, and hail
- Falling objects like tree branches
- Gradual deterioration due to age or poor maintenance
Roof damage claims are heavily dependent on the age of the roof and the specific circumstances leading to the damage. Insurance policies typically cover events that are sudden and accidental. However, if a roof is near the end of its expected life span or has been poorly maintained, insurers may only cover a portion of the repair costs, or they might deny the claim altogether.
Break-Ins and Theft
Break-ins and theft can happen anywhere, no matter how safe the neighborhood is. Unfortunately, when a home gets broken into, the damage goes beyond the missing items.
Physical damage can occur when a door or window is broken to gain entrance, or once the intruder is inside, they can toss the home looking for valuables, which can lead to further damage throughout the house.
Artwork, jewelry, and other collectibles are often the targets during break-ins, and most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover theft — when the items are listed in your policy.
That is why it is so important to ensure your content coverage remains updated in real-time, so your possessions are covered when the worst happens.
Non-Theft Property Damage
Property damage, like falling trees that land on a roof or someone backing into a home or garage are common accidents that require homeowners to lean on their insurance policies for coverage.
Other common, non-theft damage can include liability for guests who suffer injury or property damage while visiting your home, including:
- Dog bites
- Slip, trips, or falls on stairs, sidewalks, or railing failures
- Backyard accidents, including swimming pool, trampoline, or sports injuries
No matter the damage that occurs inside or outside your home, the insurance company is going to scrutinize the cause, the coverage, and their responsibility to cover the financial fallout.
We’re Your Advocates When Filing Home Insurance Claims
Homeowners insurance claims in Florida can end in a delayed, undervalued, or denied claim. You deserve more.
Navigating the complexities of house insurance policies and the claims process can be daunting without the right guidance. An experienced home insurance claims attorney can provide the necessary assistance to challenge unfair claim decisions and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Protecting your rights and your property requires proactive steps and a clear understanding of your homeowner insurance coverage. At The Morgan Law Group, we will evaluate your coverage and determine your total damages before presenting a complete insurance claim to your provider, so you can focus on the repair or replacement needs without delay.
If your home has sustained any type of damage from common home insurance claim causes or even once-in-a-lifetime events, let our Florida insurance claims attorneys at The Morgan Law Group assist you. Call us today or complete our online form for a free consultation.
