Insurance Claim
If your Florida home, condo, or business has been damaged for any reason, including from a fire, flood, or hurricane, you may be thinking the same thing most people in your situation do, “Thank goodness for insurance.”
If you have never had to file an insurance claim in Florida before, there are steps you should take to ensure the insurance company can respond quickly to your needs, especially if your property damage is severe and has left you without somewhere to live or work.
To follow is a list of steps you should take to file an insurance claim in Florida, and what you can do if your insurance company delays, undervalues, or denies your insurance claim in Florida.
Initial Steps to Take When Filing an Insurance Claim
Prompt and precise actions not only ensure a smoother insurance claims process in Florida but also optimize your potential for receiving a fair settlement. Here are some of the initial actions to undertake immediately after you’ve encountered property damage, guiding you on how to effectively notify your insurer, document the damage, and submit a detailed proof of loss.
1. Notify Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company will not be able to respond to your coverage needs if they do not know that damage occurred.
If you have an insurance agent at your disposal, contact him or her first. The response time may be shorter, and the service more personal.
If not, contact the 24-hour call center and provide the necessary details to begin a record of your claim.
2. Record the Damage Without Delay
The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage, but until they arrive, you will need to record the damage that has occurred through photographs, video, and a complete list of your damaged or destroyed items.
Make sure your adjuster knows about absolutely everything you lost.
DO NOT clean up any of the damage before the adjuster arrives. If you must move an object for safety reasons or prevent more damage before then, be sure to record its original position and the damage it caused properly.
It is important they see the damage as it occurred because it will factor into how they evaluate your claim.
3. Submit a Detailed Proof of Loss
Prepare a comprehensive proof of loss statement, which is a formal document listing the extent and value of the damages you are claiming. This should be supported by all relevant documentation, such as photos, videos, independent estimates, and receipts for any immediate repairs.
Other Steps to Take When Filing an Insurance Claim in Florida
Once the immediate steps are addressed in managing your insurance claim, there are further measures you can take to ensure that your interests are fully protected and that you are well-prepared for the possible challenges in the claims process. This segment delves into proactive measures such as protecting your property from further damage, maintaining an insurance claim diary, obtaining independent estimates, and the strategic benefits of consulting with an insurance claim attorney in Florida.
4. Protect the Property from Further Damage
Take reasonable measures to protect your property from additional damage. This may include temporary repairs or protective measures. Keep receipts and records of any expenses incurred, as these may be reimbursable under your insurance policy.
5. Maintain a Claim Diary
Keep a detailed log of all communications related to your insurance claim, including dates, names, and summaries of conversations with insurance representatives, contractors, or anyone else involved. This diary will be invaluable if there are disputes about the timeline or handling of your claim.
6. Get Estimates for the Damage on Your Own
The insurance company’s adjuster will give you an estimate of the damages, and what it will cost to repair or replace them. Keep in mind, the insurance adjuster is employed by the insurance company, so do not be surprised if the number looks lower than you imagined.
Get an estimate for the total costs of repair and replacement on your own. Most public adjusters and insurance claim attorneys representing policyholders will provide them.
This is typically the moment when the policyholder learns just how far apart from their estimates are from the insurance company’s assessment, as it is usually undervalued by the insurance adjuster.
7. Consider Consulting an Insurance Claim Attorney
If the claim is significant or complex, you might benefit from hiring a professional to advocate on your behalf. Public adjusters specialize in handling insurance claims and may help you achieve a more favorable settlement. An attorney can be helpful, particularly if there are disputes or if the insurance company denies your claim.
What to Do When Delayed, Undervalued, or Denied Insurance Claims Happen
When dealing with insurance claims in Florida, policyholders may occasionally face challenges such as delays, undervaluation, or outright denials of their claims.
Communicate and Document
Maintain all communication with your insurance company in writing. If your insurance claim is delayed, ask for specific reasons for the delay and document these interactions. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the matter. Ensure you comply with all requests for information and documentation from the insurance company to avoid giving them grounds for delays.
Appeal the Decision
Most insurance policies provide a process for appealing a decision internally. Use this appeal process if you believe your insurance claim was wrongfully denied or undervalued. Submit all required documentation and any additional evidence that supports your case. This may include reports from independent adjusters or assessments from third-party experts.
Contact The Morgan Law Group to Discuss Your Insurance Claim
At The Morgan Law Group, our insurance claims attorneys understand that when policyholders see the difference in the estimated repair or replacement numbers is when they begin looking for answers.
We understand. You have insurance coverage for the purpose of making you whole again. When you are informed that your damage is not covered under your policy, or that the damages are valued at a much lower number than your estimates reflect, it is time to talk to our insurance claim lawyer in Panama City about your policy.
We will review your insurance claim case for free to reveal the terms of your coverage, so you know what is and is not protected. We will assign a public adjuster to assess the complete damage, as an unbiased third party. Finally, we will help you submit your claim to the insurance company completely, on your behalf.
Our experienced Florida insurance claims attorneys at The Morgan Law Group work on a contingency basis, so if we do not win your claim, you do not pay our legal fees. Contact us today by calling (850) 786-4239 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.
