Things To Avoid When Filing A Hurricane Insurance Claim
Florida residents are about to enter the height of hurricane season. This year, Florida is expected to have anywhere from 12 to 17 hurricanes, with up to four of them being major storms. There are many things Floridians can do to protect their home from the damage and destruction hurricanes bring. However, it is also important to start preparing for filing a claim with the insurance company. One way to do this is by knowing the things to avoid doing. Below, our Daytona Beach hurricane insurance claims lawyer explains what these are.
Do Not Throw Out All Damaged Property
While it may seem at first like high winds and water have completely destroyed portions of your property, that is not always the case. You may be able to salvage some of your property and protect it from further harm. In fact, the insurance company likely requires you to make temporary repairs to damaged parts of your home to mitigate the damage. Additionally, if you throw out property that has been destroyed, such as your personal belongings, you cannot prove the extent of the damage to the insurer.
Do Not Wait to Call Your Insurance Company
If your insurance policy has a ‘prompt notice’ clause, you must notify your insurer as soon as possible after a hurricane. If you do not, it may give them reason to cancel your policy entirely. Also, the sooner you notify your insurance company, the sooner they can send an adjuster out to investigate damage and start your claim.
Do Not Try to Explain the Cause
You can tell the insurance company that your home was damaged due to the hurricane, but do not try to explain further and diagnose the damage. This could actually result in you not receiving the full coverage you need. For example, if you tell the adjuster that your home was damaged by flooding and not wind, that may give the insurer reason to deny your claim.
Do Not Accept the Insurance Company’s Initial Estimate
Insurance is a big business and the main priority of insurers is to protect their bottom line. It is not to provide the full coverage you are entitled to. If you accept the initial estimate, you will not have sufficient funds to properly repair or replace the damage and you cannot go back to the insurer again in the future. Always speak to a lawyer before accepting any offer the insurance company makes to ensure that it is fair and will provide you with what you need.
Our Hurricane Insurance Claims Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Deal with the Insurer on Your Behalf
Dealing with insurance companies is intimidating and stressful. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach hurricane insurance claims lawyer can deal with the insurer on your behalf so no mistakes are made and you obtain the full coverage you are entitled to. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys and to learn more.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html
