Some unique circumstances that your homeowner’s insurance might cover include:

1. Falling objects. When a tree limb falls onto a home or garage during a storm, that is normally a covered (and not shocking) event. When a meteorite hurtles down from space and crashes through a homeowner’s roof, that is a completely different story. Both events may be covered the same under your property insurance policy, though, assuming you took corrective measures afterward to cover the hole in your roof.

3. Dog bites. When a homeowner’s dog bites someone on or near the property, the property owner’s insurer is usually required to foot the bill – with an average dog bite claim costing around $44,000. Thousands of dog bites occur on Florida properties each year, and insurers usually pay out unless the dog was on one of their (sometimes secret) banned breed lists. Insurers have grown notoriously intrusive about the types of dogs property owners have and will sometimes deny coverage simply because of a dog’s breed – even if it has no record of aggressive behavior.

3. Damage from vehicles, aircrafts, and boats. It is rare but not unheard of for a car to skid off the road and into a person’s property or even their home. Similarly, plane crashes, helicopter crashes, boat crashes or falling debris from aircrafts can lead to property damage and a successful insurance claim. The increasing use of drones can also cause accidents and injuries that may be covered through your insurance policy.

4. Injuries and accidents outside the home. It seems surprising, but sometimes an incident that occurs elsewhere – even if the homeowner was at fault – may be covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy. Many homeowners would not even think to check their property insurance policy for coverage in these situations, but the policy may cover even these external events.

5. Riots and public disturbances. Another event that homeowners don’t ever think will happen in their neighborhood – especially to their property – is a public riot or other disturbance that leads to damage. Even if the protest is blocks away, electrical lines, gas lines, and other utilities can be damaged. These and other types of damage may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Our Florida Property Damage Attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., Are Here to Help You Understand Your Insurance Policy and Enforce Your Rights

When a property owner takes out homeowner’s insurance, they expect damage from certain natural disasters and other events to be covered. They might not know about other unexpected issues that can also be covered under their policies. It is important not only to be aware of these covered items, but to speak up and enforce these terms of the policy when problems happen. The Daytona, Florida property damage insurance attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., will help you understand all terms of your policy and make your voice heard if the insurer tries to dismiss or downplay a claim. If you have any questions, call our Daytona law offices today at (386) 252-5170, or schedule a consultation with our Daytona Beach property damage attorneys online.

Source:

yahoo.com/meteorite-slammed-her-house-barely-170102327.html

Unfortunately, this part isn’t always so simple. Roof damage claims can hit snags in any number of ways. Insurance companies often look for reasons to deny your claim, such as:

• You failed to mitigate damages by performing timely roof repairs before the incident
• Your roof doesn’t need a full replacement, because less than 25% of the roof requires fixing
• Roof damage was caused by an event not covered under your policy
• Your roof was “too old” to begin with

New Changes in Law May Help Insurers Deny Claims 

Recently-passed Florida legislation introduced limitations on insurance coverage for roofs over 10 years old. If your roof is over 10 years old and it gets destroyed during a hurricane, for example, your insurance company could adjust your claim for the old roof’s cash value at the time, instead of paying 100% of the replacement cost. Insurers could also offer reduced coverage at the outset of your policy, based on the roof’s age.

This can put many homeowners in a bind, considering that most shingles are designed to last 20 years if not more. If your roof is over 10 years old, it may help to have annual roof inspections conducted to verify the integrity of your roof before a weather incident takes place. Having regular inspection reports with a date attached to them, along with “before” photos of your roof in its normal condition, are part of a good roof maintenance plan.

Other preventative measures – such as trimming trees when needed and securing any potentially hazardous objects in your yard – will help not only to reduce damage but to avoid headaches with your insurer after a damaging storm.

Florida’s 25-Percent Rule for Roof Replacement

According to the Florida Building Code, Section 708.1.1, “Not more than 25% of the total roof area or roof section of any existing building or structure shall be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period unless the entire existing roofing system or roof section is replaced to conform to requirements of this code.”

In short, this means that if more than 25% of your roof was damaged, insurance companies might have to cover the cost of a partial or full roof replacement.

This leads to disagreements in coverage claims, as property owners would clearly prefer the roof damage estimate to exceed 25%. Meanwhile, insurance companies would like appraisals to fall below that 25-percent threshold.

If your insurer seeks to squabble over your roof’s age or pre-storm condition, don’t fight that battle on your own. Talk to an experienced property damage attorney with years of experience in this area. They can help you through the process and secure the claim that you deserve for your property.

Contact Our Daytona Beach Property Damage Claims Attorneys

Property damage caused by storms can be expensive and time-consuming. To get the most out of your claim and get your roof back in its best condition, reach out to Bundza & Rodriguez. Call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage attorneys online today and request a consultation to protect your rights in filing a claim.

Source:

news4jax.com/i-team/2021/02/15/florida-sb-76-could-change-how-insurance-companies-cover-old-roof-replacements/

Take Precautions To Prevent Wind Damage 

According to statistics from the Insurance Information Institute (III), heavy winds are one of the most commonly cited causes of damage in homeowner’s claims. Gusty winds along the coast due to tropical storms and hurricanes are a common hazard. Taking the following precautions now can help to prevent wind damage:

• Secure shingles: When shingles come loose from your roof due to a storm, they can leave vulnerabilities that allow water to get in. In addition to the risk of mold and water damage to your personal property, areas of weakness are likely to get bigger with time, creating serious structural issues. Inspect your roof now to ensure shingles are securely attached and make repairs as needed.
• Inspect your siding: Even seemingly mild winds can end up dislodging siding on your home or creating gaps. Again, thoroughly inspect the exterior of your property regularly and make repairs as needed.
• Reinforce your garage door and windows: Vulnerabilities in these areas are among the most common causes of wind damage. Reinforcing these areas reduces the risk while helping protect your family’s overall safety.
• Perform routine yard maintenance: Pay close attention to trees and trim branches as needed. Eliminate dead branches or other debris that may be on your property.
• Inspect porches, decks, sheds, and other outdoor areas: Loose boards and any unsecured items could easily become projectiles in storms. Carefully review all outside structures to ensure they are sound.
• Have a plan to quickly secure items: Heavy winds happen frequently in our area and can come on with very little notice. Have a plan in place to secure pools, lawn furniture, yard decor, and other types of items.

Review Your Wind Insurance Coverage 

Bankrate advises that while wind protection coverage is not required when purchasing property insurance, lenders will generally request it. Most homeowner’s policies include provisions for wind damage but depending on where you live in the Daytona Beach area and how close to the coast your home is, you may have to purchase it separately. Steps you should take to ensure you are adequately covered include:

• Carefully review your property damage insurance coverage to ensure you are protected against wind damage;
• Make note of policy limits and any deductibles that are in place;
• Look for provisions if items from your property, such as trees or loose shingles, cause damage to others;
• Make sure you have an updated inventory of items in and around your home for use in filing a claim.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help 

At Bundza & Rodriguez, we can protect your rights when dealing with insurers and in disputes over whether wind damage claims. To request a consultation with our Daytona Beach wind damage attorney, call or contact us online today.

Source:

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance

Pedestrians Injured By Hit and Run Driver 

Hit and run accidents can impact motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. According to a January 20, 2021 Daytona Beach News-Journal report, a recent crash in our area left two people suffering broken legs.

The accident occurred Sunday at roughly 4:00 p.m. on Adams Street. Witnesses claim that a driver in a dark blue Ford four door vehicle was approaching Dr. Mary McLoad Boulevard when they lost control of their vehicle, striking two pedestrians on the sidewalk. The driver continued going and did not stop to offer aid to the victims, who were taken to a local hospital. Police are continuing to search for the car and driver involved.

Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are common in our area. Drivers who choose to flee accident scene often do so for the following reasons:

• They panic and hope to avoid financial responsibility.
• They were driving without insurance, a valid driver’s license, or vehicle registration.
• They were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• They were engaged in illegal activities or had concerns regarding warrants for their arrest.

Protecting Yourself Against Hit and Run Drivers 

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that 25 percent of all accidents in our area involve hit and run drivers. You can help protect yourself by being alert for motorists near you who may be engaged in dangerous or erratic driving behaviors and by getting a description of the vehicle and the driver in the event a crash occurs.

Leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious crime in Florida. Penalties include fines of up to $5,000, up to five years in jail, and  a three-year driver’s license suspension. The hit and run driver can also be held liable for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you suffer through a personal injury claim. Our Daytona Beach hit and run accident attorneys take the swift legal actions needed to protect your rights in filing a claim, including:

• Revisiting the accident scene and talking to any witnesses to get a description of the driver;
• Reviewing surveillance tapes from nearby stores or traffic signals to get a description of the vehicle;
• Soliciting tips from the general public and speaking to local mechanics, where the hit and run driver may have taken their vehicle for repairs.

Reach Out to Us Today for Help

At Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., we help you hold hit and run drivers accountable for damages you suffer. To get our team on your side, call or contact our Daytona Beach car accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.

Resource:

news-journalonline.com/story/news/crime/2021/01/20/daytona-beach-hit-and-run-leaves-pedestrian-broken-legs/4235380001/

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/looking-at-the-evidence-in-your-criminal-case/