Storm Damage Claims

Storm Damage Claims

Mississippi homes are more vulnerable to storm damage than most homes in the United States. The state gets nearly 36 tornadoes per year and hurricanes that hit the state tend to be severe. Having a good home insurance policy can help you deal with storm damage without taking a financial hit; unfortunately, in the wake of a storm, many insurance companies put a priority on saving money by denying claims and minimizing payouts rather than meeting customer needs. That’s why many people turn to The Morgan Law Group for expert legal representation during the storm damage claims process.

What to do After a Storm in Mississippi

Your safety is your top priority during a storm. Evacuate if you need to, or shelter in place by local officials’ instructions. However, the following actions after a storm can increase the odds of a favorable response to your claim.

• Document the Damage
  Take pictures and videos of the storm damage to back up your insurance claim. It’s a good idea to photograph and video the home from multiple angles, so your insurance agency can see the extent of the damage. If there was hail and some is still left on the ground, take a picture of it with a ruler on the side.
• File the Storm Damage Claim
  Most insurers require that you file a claim no later than one year after the storm. However, it’s always in your best interest to file a claim as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, your insurance agency may determine that the damage to your home wasn’t caused by the storm and so deny your claim.
• Collect Documents
  Collect and send your insurance company all the documents it needs to process the claim. Doing so will shorten the claims process and increase your odds of receiving compensation.
• Get Estimates from at Least One Contractor
  Have at least one contractor come to your home and give a repair cost estimate. This will enable you and your insurer to see how much it will cost to repair storm-related damage. What’s more, the contractor will likely want to accompany your insurance company’s adjuster when the adjuster comes to evaluate the home.
• Hire a Good Storm Damage Attorney
  Legal representation can save you a lot of hassle and problems during the claims process. It can also increase your odds of a payout. A good lawyer will make sure your claim is properly filed. He or she will accompany the adjuster during the home examination to point out any areas he or she may have missed or counteract attempts to minimize damage.

How Does the Mississippi Storm Damage Claims Process Work?

Once you file a storm damage claim, your insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The insurance adjuster will then come to your home, ask questions about the nature of the damage, and examine the damage to determine what caused it and how much it will cost to repair. The adjuster works for your insurance company and thus puts its interests above yours, which is why your storm damage attorney will walk through the home with your adjuster to point out damage and ensure listed damages aren’t underestimated or erroneously attributed to other causes.

Once your adjuster has finished his or her report, the insurance agency will make an offer based on the information the adjuster provided, the documentation you provided when filing a claim, and the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy. The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the nature of the claim. If the storm was particularly powerful and caused extensive damage throughout the state, your claim may take extra time to process as the insurance agency is dealing with numerous storm damage claims at the same time.
If you’re happy with the compensation offer, you can accept it right away. However, if you feel the offer is too low, or you’ve been denied compensation, your lawyer will represent you in dealing with your insurance company to secure a higher offer. If this doesn’t work, your lawyer can file a claim against the insurance agency in court.

Hire a Good Storm Damage Attorney Today

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. If it’s been damaged in a storm and your home insurance policy covers storm damage, you’re entitled to compensation to cover the costs of repairs and even additional living expenses if you can’t live in the house while it’s being fixed. A storm damage attorney from the Morgan Law Group can not only increase your odds of receiving compensation but also help you navigate the claims process. Get in touch with us at your convenience to find out more or to schedule a free consultation.