Florida may be known as “The Sunshine State,” however, living here comes with a price: severe storm damage to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, filing a storm damage claim under a property insurance policy can be complicated. Although some types of storm damage may be covered, insurance policies typically contain limitations and exclusions. Moreover, certain properties may require separate flood insurance coverage, while properties located in high-risk areas may require additional coverage.
The Law Office of William J. Roe routinely assists property insurance holders with storm damage claims arising from hurricanes, tropical storms, high winds, tornadoes, hailstorms, and other events. Our legal team is well-versed in the applicable insurance laws and is also familiar with all types of property insurance policies offered by insurance carriers operating in the state of Florida. If you are involved in a dispute with your insurer regarding a storm damage claim, we will take the time to explain your rights under your insurance policy and help you obtain the coverage you deserve.
Common Types of Storm Damage in Florida
Storm damage typically depends on factors such as the type and severity of the storm, the style of the home, and the location of the property. Homes and businesses located along either coast of Florida are more likely to sustain flood damage in addition to wind damage. Before a major storm, homeowners are typically advised to take precautions to mitigate damage to their property, such as pruning trees and shuttering or boarding up windows. Some insurers even offer discounts to policyholders who purchase items such as storm shutters and back-up generators. Despite these precautions, common types of storm damage include:
- Broken windows
- Compromised or destroyed doors on homes, garages, and other structures
- Damage from projectiles (e.g. garbage cans, traffic signs, tree limbs)
- Destruction of personal property such as furniture or appliances
- Fire damage from downed wires
- Flooding
- Damage to boats, cars, and other vehicles
- Moisture damage
- Property damage to outdoor fixtures including pools, sheds, and landscaping
- Roof damage –lifting, destruction of shingles, gutters, and siding
- Structural damage to the walls, porches, and outer buildings of the premises
Whether your claim was delayed, underpaid, or denied, our Florida insurance claim lawyers can help you prepare, negotiate, and, if necessary, litigate your claim and hold your insurer accountable to the terms of your property insurance policy.
Filing a Storm Damage Claim
If your property has sustained damage after a storm, you should contact the insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. You will likely be asked to provide a listing of the damaged property, an estimated valuation, photographs, and other supporting documentation. The Law Office of William J. Roe is here to assist you in preparing and safeguarding your rights with respect to your claim. The insurance company will send a claims adjuster to assess and document the damage. Because the insurer’s adjuster’s estimates may be lower than the actual cost of repairs, it is helpful to have the Law Office of William J. Roe on your side throughout the process.
If your storm damage claim is denied, the insurance company is required to provide you with the reason for denial. Insurance companies typically will not overturn a denial, however, which makes having proper representation by an experienced storm damage claims attorney crucial. It is important to note that a denial on the basis of restrictions outlined in the policy is permissible. If the claim is denied due to a reason that is not clearly stated in the policy, however, the insurer may be obligated to honor the claim.
Contact Our Florida Storm Damage Insurance Claim Attorney
If your home, business, and property has been impacted by storm damage, including hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds, and torrential rain, you have a right to expect the insurance company to honor the claim. A common storm damage dispute in Florida is whether wind or flooding caused the damage. Although property owners often assume that their insurance policy covers all damages, many policies do not cover flooding.
At the Law Office of William J. Roe, we are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to deny storm damage claims. Our legal team has the knowledge and skill to help you fight back and will work tirelessly to help you obtain the full value of your claim. We are committed to holding insurers accountable, whether inside or outside of the courtroom. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your storm damage claim. The earlier you contact us the better we can protect your rights.