What Hurricane Milton Damages Can Be Covered By Insurance?

Hurricanes unleash a fury that can devastate properties, leading to an array of damage types. Understanding the extent of coverage provided by insurance is crucial for policyholders as they prepare to navigate the aftermath and file their hurricane damage claims effectively.

Our Hurricane Milton damage claims lawyers at The Morgan Law Group have a wealth of experience representing homeowners and property owners with hurricane damage claims. In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, many are seeking clarity on what hurricane damages are covered under their insurance policies.

Insurance Coverage for Hurricane Milton Damages

Understanding what your insurance policy covers after Hurricane Milton is imperative for effectively managing the aftermath. 

Here’s what can be covered by insurance in Florida.

• Wind Damage: One of the most prevalent impacts of Hurricane Milton is wind damage. High winds battered homes, tearing off roofs, breaking windows, and ripping apart exterior walls. Insurance policies typically covered these damages, ensuring that the structural integrity of homes affected by such violent winds could be restored. Homeowners are advised to review their policies to verify coverage specifics, such as deductibles and limits, which significantly affect the hurricane damage claim process and out-of-pocket costs.
• Water Damage: Water damage might have occurred when rain entered through compromised sections of homes, like damaged roofs or broken windows. It’s important to note that while this type of water damage is generally covered by homeowners’ insurance, flooding from rising groundwater or overflowing bodies of water is not. Homeowners had to obtain separate flood insurance to safeguard against such risks, a crucial step for residents in hurricane-prone areas. 
• Personal Property Loss: When personal belongings inside the home, such as electronics, clothing, and furniture, are damaged or lost due to Hurricane Milton, personal property coverage provides compensation. Homeowners needed to maintain an up-to-date inventory of all possessions, complete with descriptions and values, to streamline the hurricane insurance claims process and ensure that all losses are adequately accounted for and reimbursed. 
• Additional Living Expenses: If Hurricane Milton rendered a home uninhabitable, Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage becomes a financial lifesaver. This part of a homeowner’s insurance policy covers the costs of temporary housing and living expenses, like meals and transportation, while the primary residence is being repaired or rebuilt. Policyholders need to understand the limits and duration of ALE coverage to plan accordingly during displacement.
• Debris Removal: The aftermath of Hurricane Milton includes a significant amount of debris, such as fallen trees, shattered glass, and structural fragments. Debris removal is a daunting and costly endeavor, but most insurance policies cover these expenses. This coverage is vital as it enables homeowners to clear their properties safely and efficiently, facilitating quicker restoration and rebuilding efforts.
• Damage to Attached Structures: Insurance coverage typically extends to structures that are attached to the main house, including garages, decks, and porches. Damage to these areas is usually covered under the same terms as the primary residence. However, policyholders need to confirm the specifics with their insurer to avoid surprises during the claims process.

Being well-informed with insurance coverage can make a significant difference in recovery speed and effectiveness. 

Hurricane Deductibles in Florida Insurance

Florida’s unique vulnerability to hurricanes has led to specific provisions in homeowners’ insurance policies, one of the most significant being the hurricane deductible. Unlike standard deductibles that apply to various types of insurance claims, the hurricane deductible is specifically designed for damages directly related to hurricanes. This deductible is usually a percentage of the insured value of the home, rather than a flat dollar amount.

For instance, if a home is insured for $300,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, the homeowner would be responsible for the first $6,000 of any Hurricane Milton damage before their insurance coverage begins. This specific structure of deductibles underscores the need for homeowners to carefully assess their financial readiness to cover this amount in the event of a hurricane. It also impacts how much they might ultimately receive in a claim payout, making it a critical aspect of financial planning for residents in hurricane-prone areas.

Separate Insurance Coverage for Flood Damage 

In Florida, the risk of flood damage during hurricanes is high due to the state’s geography and climate. While homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover wind damage, they do not cover flood damage, which can be extensive and costly. This gap in coverage necessitates the purchase of separate flood insurance.

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from private insurers. The federal government backs the coverage provided by NFIP and is designed to offer protection against losses from heavy rains, storm surges, blocked storm drainage systems, and other water-related events. Policies from private insurers might offer similar or more extensive coverage depending on the insurer’s offerings and the homeowner’s needs.

Let Us Help You Determine Your Insurance Coverage for Hurricane Milton Damage Claims

For over 25 years, The Morgan Law Group has been helping policyholders navigate their insurance policies and maximize their insurance claims for damages caused by hurricanes. If you have suffered Hurricane Milton damage and are unsure about the extent of your insurance coverage, our hurricane damage claim lawyers in Florida can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to secure a fair settlement.

By understanding and utilizing your hurricane insurance coverage effectively, you can alleviate some of the financial stresses associated with recovery and ensure that you and your property are adequately protected against future events.

For a detailed assessment of your situation and help with your Hurricane Milton damage claim, call us today or complete our online form. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve to rebuild and move forward after the storm.