Windstorm Damage Insurance Claims
Damaging windstorms are common throughout the state of Florida. Not only is Florida at a particularly high risk for hurricanes and tropical storms, but stray severe storms can pop up at any time of year. Often, major storms will roll through almost no warning. According to data provided by FloridaDisaster.org, the Fort Lauderdale region suffers through thunderstorms during nearly 80 days per year. No other state in the country faces such a high severe weather risk. Whenever a thunderstorm occurs, wind damage is a possibility. Home and business owners must obtain an insurance policy that provides them with adequate protection. In the event that a severe windstorm damages your property, you need to know how to properly recover benefits under your insurance policy. Please consider the following list of four important wind damage tips:
- The Cause of Damage Matters
Insurance policies often define the specific parameters for what type of damage is covered. Most Florida property insurance policies cover damage caused by wind. However, standard policies typically do not provide any coverage for damages caused by flooding. This becomes an issue in many cases because wind and flood damage can overlap. It is important to take proactive steps to document the cause of your damage to the extent that you can. Additionally, you should always review the specific terms of your policy to ensure that you have the desired coverage.
- You Must Act Quickly
Policyholders generally have a legal duty to report their wind damage as soon as reasonably practicable after the event. If you sustained major wind damage, you should act quickly. Do not hesitate to begin the claims process. You will typically need to report:
- The time and date of the wind damage;
- The current condition of your property;
- A list of damaged items; and
- An assessment of likely needed repairs.
You do not need to know the full extent of the damage and all of the details in order to tell the insurance company that wind damage occurred.
- Documenting Losses is Important
In order to obtain a full settlement offer, you will need documentation that backs up your claimed losses. After the windstorm, you should attempt to secure any type of documentation that you can get your hands on. As with any other insurance case, more supporting evidence is always better. That being said, even if you do not have receipts that back-up the value of certain damage, you are not out of luck, but you may need to speak to an attorney who can help you with your claim.
- You Should Be Ready for a Dispute
Finally, and unfortunately, many disputes occur in wind damage cases. Florida insurance companies are not always ready to offer immediate and fair wind damage settlements. In the event that your claim has been denied, you still have legal options. Your insurance company should have sent you an official letter stating the exact reasoning as to why your claim was denied. If you feel any error was made, please get that denial letter to your attorney.
Was Your Broward County Windstorm Damage Claim Denied?
We can help. At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our property insurance dispute attorneys have extensive experience handling wind damage claims. If your claim was denied, or if you did not receive compensation for the full extent of your damages, please call our office today to set up a free review of your case. We represent policyholders throughout Broward County, including in Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines.
Resource:
floridadisaster.org/kids/thunderstorms.htm
