Florida RV Damage Lawyers

If you want help getting the money necessary to repair or replace your RV after an accident or disaster, a Florida RV damage lawyer from our team can help. We understand how RV insurance works, how to navigate the claims process, and when litigation is necessary to secure a payout based on the liability policy.

Policyholders should not have to fight their insurers to get the money they need and deserve. At Dolman Law Group, our property damage team reviews these cases with RV owners for free. Contact a Florida RV damage lawyer today to get started.

Meet Our Florida RV Damage Lawyers

At Dolman Law Group, we provide property damage representation across Florida. We understand how stressful and frustrating it can be to have damage—but your insurer refuses to pay for repairs. We know how to interpret insurance policies, push the insurer to provide the appropriate payout, and appeal a denial.

Our team of Florida property damage attorneys can manage your claim at any point in the claims process. Some clients come to us before they initiate a claim. Others come to us after facing certain roadblocks. We're eager to lend a helping hand, even if you feel your claim is hopeless.

We Offer Comprehensive Legal Support to RV Damage Claimants in FL

The insurance companies respect us because they know we understand the industry and laws surrounding their policies.

Our clients respect us because we strive to build personal connections and empower them by:

• Assigning an attorney who they work with throughout the claims process
• Giving them their attorney's personal cell phone number
• Allowing them to call or text at any time with questions
• Providing open lines of communication to their lawyer
• Ensuring they know what to expect every step of the way

Our team works based on contingency fees. We don't ask our clients to pay by the hour or make any other upfront payments. We receive compensation only after the case closes, and we recover damages. You don't pay attorney's fees if we don't win your case.

Our Attorneys Combat Uncooperative Insurance Companies

We believe securing legal help is one of the best ways to support an RV damage claim. We review insurance claims, evaluate your coverage options, and seek compensation based on the liable policy's terms. You do not have to settle for what your insurance company thinks your case is worth.

We routinely help RV damage claimants when they face:

• Difficult insurance adjusters
• Demands for unreasonable documentation or proof
• Unreasonable delays
• Bad faith insurance practices
• Denials
• Lowball offers
• Refusals to provide the coverage as promised
• A disagreement about coverage or policy terms

We don't have patience for uncooperative insurance companies. If we sense that you're being treated unfairly, we pursue recovery with everything in our legal arsenal.

We Evaluate Your RV's Damage

Our team documents the extent of your property's damage before we file a claim with the insurer. We want to enter negotiations knowing what you need. This allows us to implement a legal strategy designed to meet your goals.

We review your losses by:

• Consulting with experts. We may consult with RV dealers to learn about your property's current market value. We may also work with mechanics to learn the extent of your RV's damage.
• Adding up receipts and bills. We add up the cost of your repair bills, invoices, and other related documentation to learn about your financial losses.
• Considering your specific situation. If you primarily live in your RV, you may need help requesting compensation for temporary accommodations and other related services. Here, we handle your case differently than an RV owner who uses the vehicle recreationally.

We know there is no uniform settlement for RV damage claims. We fight for an offer that reflects your circumstances—not someone else's.

We May File a Lawsuit Against an Uncooperative Insurer

If the insurance company refuses to work with us as expected, litigation is sometimes necessary. When you sign an insurance policy with a coverage provider, it is a contract. The insurer must uphold its end of the deal and pay out according to the policy's terms.

Litigation requires us to:

• File your lawsuit with the appropriate court circuit
• Understand your damages' cost
• Prove the cause of your RV's damage
• Cross-examine witnesses and combat unfair motions
• Communicate with the other party's legal team

There are certain deadlines we must meet in these cases. Generally, Florida law gives policyholders up to five years from the date of the damage to sue the insurance company for coverage. We handle these lawsuits regularly and represent clients throughout litigation.

We understand that you do not want to wait up to five years—or longer—for the money you need to repair your RV. While there are no guarantees, we work to secure a payout as soon as possible.

Navigating the Florida RV Damage Claims Process

When something happens and causes damage to your RV, travel trailer, or another camper, you likely want to start repairs as soon as possible. This is even more important if you live in the trailer or motorhome full-time.

Assuming you have the right insurance coverage for the accident or peril, your insurance company should provide compensation for:

• The repair or replacement of the RV
• The repair or replacement of your personal effects
• Temporary relocation, if you have this coverage

The claims process doesn't always go smoothly. Insurance companies do not want to pay out more than they have to, even if their policies promise coverage. Some insurance companies take an unreasonably long time to move the claim forward or make a determination about the covered damages.

For full-time RV'ers or those living in stationary travel trailers, quick repairs are even more important. They are out of their home until the insurer resolves their claim. Any delay in the claims process could mean paying more out of pocket for temporary relocation. While some policies cover these costs, others do not or have strict limits.

Our Attorneys Fight for the Damages Our Clients Deserve

Our attorneys review policies and fight for the coverage our clients deserve based on their policies' terms. We document their damage, gather evidence to show causation, and estimate a fair settlement range. Then, we demand the insurance company pay.

Several things can happen at this point:

• The insurance company accepts liability and pays for your damages in full.
• The insurance company makes an offer, leading to negotiations.
• The insurer agrees to pay some parts of the claim but refuses others.
• The insurance company denies the claim entirely.
• We decide to sue the insurer.

What happens after we file the claim and how the insurer responds depends greatly on the circumstances. Our attorneys approach each case based on its own facts and merits. We know how the insurance industry works and the legal strategies that allow our clients to recover compensation for their damages.

When we work together, you can feel confident that you have an advocate on your side fighting for your best interests. We are available with the information, answers, and guidance you want to get the best possible outcome in your case. Our aim is to remove much of the stress and frustration you face in the aftermath of your RV's damage.

Our Florida RV Damage Attorneys Know How to Handle a Claim Denial

Many clients call us only after their insurance company issues a denial based on their initial claim. It's not uncommon for insurers to deny valid claims—and sometimes, they do so hoping to escape liability. Our team knows this is rarely the end of the line for a valid property damage claim.

When you call us, we can assess your case, review your coverage, and determine if the insurer denied the claim fairly. Your denial notice must be in writing and include the reason for the denial. This allows us to understand the insurance adjuster's opinion and how we can challenge their decision.

Some of the most common reasons why policyholders receive denials include:

• The claimant allegedly failed to notify the insurer of the damage on time.
• The policyholder failed to pay their premiums, and the policy lapsed.
• The claimant doesn't have adequate evidence reflecting their losses.
• The damage occurred because of an excluded peril.
• The insurer claims the claimant intentionally caused the accident or damage.
• The insurer accuses the claimant of misrepresenting the damage's extent.

If you believe your insurer will deny your claim (or it's already denied your claim), we encourage you to connect with our team. We only have a limited time to appeal the decision or take other action to recover the compensation you deserve. Sometimes, the insurer may reconsider your claim after learning you hired an attorney. In other cases, we need to file an official appeal.

Each insurance provider must offer a method of challenging a denied claim. While these processes differ somewhat, they generally all work in the same way. We can often gather additional evidence to support the claim, ask the insurer to reconsider, and demand fair compensation based on your case's facts.

How Our Florida RV Damage Lawyers Combat Denied Claims

You do not have to navigate the appeals process or weigh options on your own. Our attorneys help clients in similar positions daily. We know how stressful and frustrating it is to battle an insurance provider.

We can:

• Review and understand your available coverage options
• Determine why the insurance company denied your claim
• Identify your options for fighting the denial
• Navigate the appeals process or demand reconsideration
• Sue the insurer and ask the court to award coverage

If you received a denial notice, do not give up hope. There are still ways to recover just compensation and get your RV repaired. A denial is rarely the end of the conversation, and we can guide you through the necessary steps.

Understanding Florida RV Damage and Your Options for Compensation

When many RV owners think of damage to their camper, a traffic accident is their first thought. However, this is not the only way RVs, travel trailers, and other types of campers suffer damage.

Some causes of damage include:

• Trees or branches falling
• Fire and smoke
• Water damage from broken appliances or burst pipes
• Flooding
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes and other wind events
• Collisions
• Animal attacks
• Hail

In many of these cases, you should have insurance coverage to pay for the necessary repairs and property replacement. However, this depends on your policy. In general, insurance options for your RV depend on your use and your needs. Weekend warriors need different coverage than someone who lives in a stationary travel trailer year-round or uses it as a vacation property.

Your Options if You Use Your RV for Part-Time Recreational Use

Florida regulates RV insurance in the same way it does cars.

Florida law requires motorhome drivers to carry:

• $10,000 for property damage per accident
• $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage

If something happens and you cause a crash in your RV, your property damage coverage will pay for repairs to the other vehicle. When another driver causes the accident, their property damage liability policy will cover your repairs up to the policy limits. For additional coverage or to ensure you have an option if you cause the accident, collision and comprehensive damage policies are available.

If you have a travel trailer, the tow vehicle's insurance must meet these minimum standards. You do not need liability coverage for the trailer. However, you can still invest in an RV policy that provides comprehensive and collision coverage.

Your Options if You Use Your RV Full-Time

If you live in your RV full-time and travel, your insurance needs increase significantly. Not only must you carry the minimum required policies, but you must protect yourself from claims filed by those hurt in or around your RV. Some insurers offer full-time RV policies.

They include:

• Personal liability coverage if someone else is hurt and makes a claim against you
• Medical payments coverage for the medical bills of someone hurt in or near your RV
• Loss assessment coverage

Many insurance companies have additional coverage available for an extra fee. You should consider all your options before going full-time on the road. You must have the right coverage as a full-time RVer. Your insurance company could deny your claim if you are living in your RV full-time but do not have the appropriate coverage to do so.

Other coverage available includes:

• Total loss replacement
• Roadside towing and repairs
• Personal effects coverage
• Emergency expenses for temporary relocations

Options if You Use Your RV for Parked or Stationary Use

Many people opt to park their travel trailers—or motorhomes, although this is rare—and use them as a home or vacation home. Some owners even build foundations and remove the wheels. This changes the requirements for insurance. While full-time RV coverage provides the necessary coverage for liability, there are other considerations.

Since your travel trailer is your full-time home, you could have coverage that includes total loss replacement, personal effects coverage, temporary relocation, and permanent attachments coverage for any porches, awnings, and other attachments.

What Coverage Is Available After Sustaining RV Damage in Florida?

The coverage available to you after an accident, natural disaster, or another peril depends greatly on your coverage. Our attorneys review policies like yours daily and examine your coverage and terms to understand how your insurance will meet your needs.

RV coverage varies widely depending on use and the purchased coverage. Unlike car insurance or homeowner's policies, many people do not have “standard” coverage. When it comes to full-time RV insurance, only a few companies offer comprehensive packages, and even these vary widely. Letting our team review your coverage after an event ensures you know your rights.

Some of the most common types of coverage our clients turn to after serious damage to their RVs include:

Repair or Replacement of the RV

The first thing most RV owners look for in an insurance policy is coverage for the repair of their travel trailer or motorhome after an accident or covered peril. For part-time, recreational users, collision and comprehensive RV policies could cover the damage up to the policy limits. Insurers could deny a claim if you only have this type of coverage and live in your RV full-time. You need additional coverage provided by a full-time RV policy.

There are also add-on policies available that replace your seriously damaged RV with the full replacement cost if it is under five years old. This is a good option for those living in a new motorhome full-time.

Coverage for Personal Effects

Some perils damage much more than the RV. Fires, floods, and water damage can cause significant damage to many of your personal effects in the motorhome or travel trailer. These effects could include furnishings, electronics, appliances, and more. Having coverage for the repair or replacement of these items is important, especially if you live in your motorhome all the time or for extended periods.

There is some coverage available after an accident, but the limits are generally low and will not provide replacement funds for a wide range of losses. Many full-time RV insurance packages include replacement or cash-value coverage for damaged personal effects.

Coverage for Permanent Attachments

Many RV owners invest a lot of money in permanent attachments to their motorhomes. These include awnings, lights, and other accessories. Those who live in a stationary travel trailer could have porches, decks, foundations, and other significant structures designed around their home. Many RV insurance providers cover permanent attachments in standard RV policies or offer them as add-ons.

The replacement costs of these add-on accessories add up quickly when you have serious damage to your RV and need to replace items all at once. Having insurance coverage makes replacement easier.

Temporary Relocation Expenses

Not all RV owners have or need coverage for temporary relocation expenses. This is not a problem if you are a recreational user and just take your RV out a few times a month. However, more and more families are turning to full-time RV living. When you live in your RV—whether over the road or in a stationary setup—it is your home.

When something happens, and your RV requires repairs, you need to find a temporary place to stay. Some insurance policies for full-time RV users provide coverage for a hotel, transportation, food costs, and other related expenses up to the policy's limit. Our attorneys help clients determine their covered expenses and seek fair reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Florida RV Damage Claims

Our attorneys provide answers to many of the questions we commonly hear from clients who call us about RV damage claims. These are general answers and might not apply in your case. To get specific answers based on your policy and circumstances, you can connect with our team.

Why Would I Want a Florida RV Damage Lawyer to Help With My Claim?

Many people assume that their insurance company is on their side. After all, they pay monthly premiums to access certain coverage, and their policy is a contract, right? While this is true, it does not stop some insurance companies from paying out as little as possible for every claim. Insurance adjusters generally worry about protecting the company's bottom line, not compensating you fairly.

An attorney can help if you run into any issues navigating the claims process. These issues could include unreasonable delays, difficult claims adjusters, lowball offers, or denials. You do not have to fight the insurance company on your own. We manage your RV insurance claim and everything it entails.

When Should I Consider Calling a Lawyer About My Claim?

We encourage you to contact our firm as soon as you feel unsure about your next steps. For some people, this is as soon as the damage occurs. For others, they call after the insurer contests their claim.

Our initial consultations are free, and there is no obligation. During your hassle-free conversation, we can discuss the extent of your RV's damage, your relationship with the liable insurer, and other pertinent facts of your situation.

How Can I Find out if My Insurance Covers the Damage to My RV?

We often see situations when a policyholder believes their insurance covers a certain peril or type of damage, and the insurance company disagrees. If this happens, our team can review your policy and explain your coverage options. We parse through complicated legalese, so you can make informed decisions about pursuing damages.

If we believe you have coverage, we can present evidence to the insurer to support your claim or challenge its denial. Remember: your insurance policy is a contract. The insurer must provide the promised coverage. We can take the case to trial if the insurer refuses fair compensation.

How Does Florida Handle Car Accident Damage to an RV?

Florida requires all drivers to carry property damage liability coverage. If your RV suffers damage because of another driver's negligence, you could file a claim with their insurer. However, the law only requires they carry up to $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. If there is significant damage to your RV, repairs could be much higher.

Depending on the coverage you chose, you could have access to additional compensation, such as:

• Your collision coverage
• Total loss replacement
• Personal effects coverage

Where Can I Live While My RV Is Damaged?

If you are a full-time RV'er or live in a stationary travel trailer, your insurance could provide coverage for emergency expenses in the event that you cannot remain in your home. Coverage could account for travel, lodging, and meal expenses. You could have additional covered expenses, as well.

How much money this provision provides (and for how long) depends on your policy's terms. Our team can review your policy and determine your next steps. We aim to secure a fair payout so you can repair or replace your RV.

What Do I Do If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

If the insurance company denies your claim based on RV damage, our team is here for you. We encourage you to contact us and explain your situation. A denial is rarely the final decision in these claims. We can appeal, sue, or take other steps to fight for the payout you need and deserve based on your policy's terms.

We can review your policy, denial letter, and other information to determine the legal strategies available. Our attorneys navigate the claims process every day, including appealing claim denials. We know what it takes to secure the appropriate compensation for our clients.

How Do I Pay for My Florida RV Damage Lawyer?

Our property damage attorneys work based on contingency. We do not charge clients by the hour or ask for a retainer upfront. Instead, we build your case using our firm's resources to gather evidence, pay our team, and handle other expenses. We only charge our clients after we secure a payout based on their claim or win in court on their behalf.

We know how difficult things often are financially after an accident or disaster. You should not have to spend money on paying our team when you have so many other pressing expenses.

How Can I Find Out More About Dolman Law Group?

Dolman Law Group offers free consultations for those who have questions or concerns about their Florida RV damage claims. We can assess your options, review your insurance coverage, and answer any questions during this conversation. We can also share more about our team of attorneys and how we've handled similar cases.

How Can I Support My Florida RV Damage Claim?

There are many measures that could bolster your RV damage claim—and many of these measures are in your control. We suggest that you:

Document Your Losses

Take pictures of your RV both inside and out. Be sure to keep any receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. We can use these items to present the full scope of your damages to the insurer. We can also combat any allegations that the RV's damage isn't as severe as you claim.

Refuse to Give a Recorded Statement

You only have to supply the liable insurer with basic information regarding your RV damage claim. You don't have to give a recorded statement, even if the claims adjuster says it's mandatory. A recorded statement only gives the insurer more information to work with when contesting your case.

Mitigate Further Damage to Your RV

The insurer will only offer compensation for a covered event. It will not offer compensation for the damage that came afterward. You should board up any windows that could allow water to seep in. You should also use tarps to prevent damage to personal possessions. Each of these measures can prevent damage from worsening and insurers from denying your claim.

Carefully Review All Settlement Offers

Signing a waiver of liability effectively ends your RV damage claim. Afterward, you cannot ask for more money or file a second claim; you're stuck with the amount you accepted, even if it doesn't actually account for your losses. By carefully reviewing all settlement offers (and thinking about your RV's future repairs), you can make informed decisions. If you're ever unsure about accepting an offer, consult your attorney.

Let a Florida RV Damage Lawyer From Dolman Law Group Handle Your Claim

Dolman Law Group provides free case reviews. We help those with Florida RV damage determine their next steps in recovering compensation for repairs. We understand how stressful this is—and we offer the support you want. Contact us now at (727) 451-6900 to learn more.

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 N Belcher Rd
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: (727) 451-6900

Client Testimonial

“Extremely knowledgeable team and very professional. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. Thank you so much Dolman and team!"
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tatjana R.
Jan 2020
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