Storm Damage Claims

Storm Damage Claims

Orlando may be a lower-risk hurricane zone, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t get its fair share of powerful storms. So far, it’s had seven hail reports in 2023. What’s more, it doesn’t take ice falling from the sky to cause storm damage your home. Even a powerful thunderstorm with strong winds can loosen shingles, damage gutters, and/or blow debris into your home’s siding and windows.

Home insurance should cover these forms of damage if you have the right policy; unfortunately, getting the compensation you need and deserve isn’t always easy. That’s why the Morgan Law Group specializes in offering legal advice and assistance to homeowners who’ve experienced home damage. We’ll not only help you navigate the storm damage claims process but also head off any attempts by your insurance adjuster to underestimate the damage.

What to do After a Storm

There are also some things you can do to increase the odds of receiving insurance compensation for storm damage:

• Assess and Document the Damage
  Make a list of all forms of damage to your home. Use your phone to take pictures and videos of all the damage that occurred inside and outside the house. If your belongings are insured, take pictures of them as well. Keep copies of these images and video files as you’ll need them for evidence.
• File a Storm Damage Claim
  You’ll need to file a storm damage claim as soon as possible. Failure to do so could lower your odds of receiving payment. Once you’ve filed a claim, an adjuster will be assigned to your case. He or she will come to your property and evaluate the damage.
• Talk to a Contractor
  It can be wise to hire a licensed contractor to check the home if you’re concerned about hidden damage. A contractor can also tell you how much it will cost to fix the damage.
• Compile Paperwork
  You’ll want to keep a folder of all the paperwork related to your storm damage claim. Such paperwork includes not only pictures of the damage and a contractor’s repair estimate, but also your insurance policy, home inventory lists, and previous appraisals of your property. If you can’t live in the home before or while it’s being repaired, keep all accommodation and food-related recipes as you can claim compensation for additional living expenses (i.e. hotel bills, food bills, etc.) while the home is being repaired.
• Do Emergency Repairs
  Some forms of damage will need to be addressed right away. Broken windows should be boarded up to prevent accidents and stop wind and rain from getting into the house. If your roof leaks, you may need to cover part of it with a tarp to prevent further damage to the interior of your home. Debris may need to be cleared from the yard and piled up in a single location
• Hire an Insurance Attorney
  Navigating the insurance claims process isn’t easy, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive a fair payout at the end. An experienced insurance lawyer from the Morgan Law Group can work with the insurance company on your behalf. We have experience handling many different kinds of storm claims and our team has the expertise you need to increase your odds of receiving all the compensation that is your due.

What to Expect from the Storm Damage Claims Process

Once you file your storm damage claim, you should hear from your insurance adjuster in the next 24 hours. The adjuster will want to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Talk with your insurance lawyer to work out a time when the lawyer can also be present for the inspection. Bear in mind your attorney will need a letter from you stating that he or she is representing you in the matter. Your attorney should also have all the images and videos that you took of the damage in order to ensure that the adjuster doesn’t omit anything from his or her report. If major repairs are needed, and you have a contractor you want to hire for the job, make sure the contractor is present as well.

Your attorney will examine the property with the adjuster. He or she will counter any attempts by the adjuster to downplay damage to your property. Once the adjuster files his or her report, you’ll receive a settlement offer. Your insurance lawyer can examine this offer to ensure it’s fair. If it doesn’t provide adequate compensation, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a better offer.

Your home is one of your most valuable assets. There is no reason to allow storm damage to significantly lower its value, especially when legal help from an experienced insurance attorney is readily available. If your home has been damaged in a storm, or you’re concerned about future storm damage, get in touch with The Morgan Law Group at your convenience to schedule a free consultation.