When you're dealing with the aftermath of a storm, you may be busy caring for injuries and reviewing the damages to your home. You'll need to call the insurance company to inform them of the damages and injuries, but what happens when the insurance company delays processing the claim or tries to get away with paying you less than what you need?
In that case, a North Miami Beach hurricane damage lawyer with Dolman Law Group can assist you in protecting your rights for the money you deserve.
What You Need to Understand About Hurricane Damage Insurance
Before you file your claim, you will need to understand a few things about the extent of your coverage as a homeowner and the insurance policies.
- The insurance companies may have rules in their policies that demand higher deductibles for losses incurred as a result of a hurricane.
- Home insurance doesn't usually cover flooding. You'll need to get flood coverage separately.
- Depending on the insurer, the amount of money, and the coverage specified in your policy, hurricane damage insurance policies may differ. Make sure you know the basics of your coverage.
Common Hurricane Damages to Properties
You may qualify to file a hurricane damage claim if your property sustained:
- Leaky roofs with torn shingles
- Broken windows
- Electrical shortages
- Damage to cars
- Destroyed items in the home
- Flooded floors
- Damage to outdoor equipment
- Blocked roadways
- Damage to building foundations
- Exterior wall damages
Common North Miami Beach Hurricane Property Damages
The compensation you get from the insurance company depends on your damages and the nature of your policy. It may cover the following expenses and losses:
- Cost of repairing your home: If a hurricane damages areas of your house, you may be eligible for compensation to pay the expense of repairing broken windows and roof damage.
- Relocation cost of out-of-pocket expenses: You may have an insurance policy covering relocation and housing fees, including hotel room fees.
- Property clean-up cost: You may seek compensation to clean up your home from fallen trees, branches, and debris.
- Personal property replacement: You may be eligible for getting compensation for all damaged items in your home, including electronics, furniture, and clothing.
- Boarding up your home: After a hurricane, pests may enter your home, or there may be floods in your home. Your insurance policy may cover the costs of boarding your windows and protecting your home from future floods.
How Insurance Companies Avoid Full Payouts to Policy Holders
Insurance adjusters and representatives could use questionable language to avoid compensating you. The common tactics include:
- Challenging the seriousness of your losses
- Denying that some coverage exists within your policy
- Convincing you not to get a lawyer to assist in resolving the claim dispute
- Requiring you to provide a written release of supplemental claims as a condition to get compensation
- Undervaluing the economic impact of your losses and low-bailing the presented offers
Why the Insurance Company Might Deny Your Property Damage Claim
The hurricane season spans several months between June and November—that's a long time for insurance companies to be at risk of major payouts.
An insurance company doesn't always deny your claim out of bad faith. However, insurance companies may try finding ways to avoid paying large amounts of compensation. This could include filing late or inadequate proof of damages. Keeping a record of damaged items can help with this. The company might also exclude certain types of damages (like storm damage) from your policy.
How a Hurricane Damage Lawyer on Our Miami Beach Team Can Help You
After a hurricane, you may have to deal with an insurance company that may find reasons not to compensate you. Here's how we can help fight for your rights:
- Gathering information and evidence: The key to getting compensation is gathering enough evidence to provide to the insurance company. The evidence includes photographs of the damages and quotes for the repairs.
- Filing for an appeal: In case the insurance company denies you compensation, an attorney at our firm can negotiate a settlement and/or will assist you in appealing after reviewing the initial claim. They will investigate the reasons for the denial and file an appeal on your behalf.
- Represent you in court: An attorney with our firm can represent you in court when the insurance company refuses to negotiate.
- Beating the time limit: Each insurance company sets filing deadlines. Your lawyer can review your policy to see how long you have to submit your claim or appeal. No matter how long you have, insurance companies can take a long time to process your claim. Your attorney can help move things along.
While legal fees can seem intimidating, we work on a contingency-fee arrangement. That means you won't have to pay any upfront costs or fees. We only take a fee if we settle your claim.
What You Should Do When a Hurricane Hits your Home
Hurricanes may cause significant property damage and bodily harm, including electrocution and flying debris. Strong winds can wreak havoc on your roof, causing it to leak or burn out your electrical connection, while stormwater floods your home.
Despite the dangers, it's important to keep calm. Here's what to do when your home is hit by a hurricane:
- Stay inside until the authorities declare it safe to go outside.
- Stay away from fallen power lines or cables.
- Call 911 if you smell gas.
- Examine survivors for injuries.
- Document the damage to your property through photos or videos.
- Contact your adjuster to handle your insurance claim.
- Hire a hurricane attorney to help you with any disputes between the adjuster and the insurance company.
Don't Put Off Your North Miami Beach Hurricane Damage Claim. File Now!
Our lawyers can interpret insurance companies' legal verbiage. Trust us with your case as you concentrate on healing and recovery. Call Dolman Law Group today for free consultation and advice.
North Miami Beach Office
1820 NE 163rd St #306,
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 676-8154