When a Category-3 hurricane strikes, the ensuing harm to life and property can be devastating. People who lose access to water, electricity, and housing see their lives come to a grinding halt. It can be an agonizing experience to recover from these catastrophes, especially when insurance companies don’t fulfill their obligations to their policyholders.
We understand how crucial it is for anyone to get the claims they are due in accordance with their insurance policy. In this article, we will cover the things you probably don’t know about hurricane damage claims insurance but should, as well as the critical steps you need to do if a hurricane has damaged your home.
What is Hurricane Damage Insurance?
Hurricane insurance is a combination of various insurance coverages, such as extensive homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and other endorsements like sewer backup or windstorm policy. This insurance covers damages caused by strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes, storm surge, and other weather-related risks depending on the combination of coverages you choose to purchase.
A comprehensive hurricane insurance policy is essential in protecting your property from losses and assisting you with repairs needed to help you get things back on track after a hurricane. Below are some things you should keep in mind about hurricane damage insurance claims.
Basic homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from hurricanes
It’s crucial to understand that the majority of Florida’s standard homeowner’s insurance policies only cover water damage caused by normal or intense rains, and will not provide coverage from hurricane damage. To file a claim for hurricane damage, you must have a separate insurance policy dedicated to such natural disasters.
Hurricane policies may not cover flood damages
Homeowners hurricane insurance will cover rain brought in by the wind as well as water that enters your house through the roof, windows, doors, or walls. Many people believe their hurricane insurance will cover flood damages, but this is not the case. It is necessary to apply for a separate flood insurance policy that covers damages caused by flooding or water that rises from the ground up, water overflow, or a storm surge.
There is a higher deductible for hurricane damage.
Although a homeowner’s hurricane insurance policy covers damage caused by wind and rain, many insurers have separate wind deductibles, increasing your out-of-pocket expenses. Instead of a set percentage, the deductibles are calculated between 5% to 10% of your coverage.
For example, you have property insurance with a 5% wind deductible, and you claim $20,000 worth of roof and siding repair as a result of strong wind. Your insurance will only pay $19,000 for the losses and repairs, accounting for the wind deductible that you will instead shoulder.
Familiarize yourself with the guidelines for felled trees
Even if a hurricane didn’t completely knock down your house, there is a possibility that felled trees around or near your property might have still caused some damage. If part of your property, say a garage or fence, is destroyed by a felled tree from your neighbor’s property, your insurer may try to collect from your neighbor’s insurer through subrogation as reparation for the damages.
Make sure to have water backup protection
After a hurricane passes your area, sewage overflow is the last thing you want to see. If sewage water backs up into your home through floods, a plumbing system, or a sump pump, water backup coverage helps protect your house and personal belongings from water damage.
Find out if you qualify for other assitance
Wind damage may not be covered in areas that are vulnerable to hurricanes or tornadoes. If you want to be covered for damage brought on by wind, you must purchase windstorm insurance. A homeowner’s insurance policy may include deductibles for windstorm or hurricane damage; your insurer will specify what is covered in the windstorm deductibles.
Homeowner's insurance policies contain coverage for additional living expenses
You would want more than just a regular insurance policy when you need to find temporary shelter in case your property has been completely damaged. Some of the living costs you may incur while your home is being rebuilt is offset by additional living expenses. There are a few additional coverage limits, especially if you are recovering from a hurricane loss.
Things to Do When Filing a Hurricane Damage Claim
If a hurricane has caused damage to your Florida property, you should get in touch with your insurance provider. You risk being taken advantage of if you don’t have a clear understanding of your homeowner’s insurance policy, so we recommend doing the following when filing hurricane damage claims.
- Assess the damage and list all damaged items—from windows to appliances.
- Take pictures of the damages showing that the hurricane is to blame for them.
- Save all receipts for repairs and replacement purchases for damaged items.
- Carefully review all your documentation to avoid being devalued or denied.
- Contact your insurance provider and inform them of the damage.
- Present all your records when the insurance adjuster visits your home.
- Speak with a public adjuster and have them look at your case.
Choose SRQ Public Adjusters for Your Hurricane Damage Claims
No matter how well-prepared you are, your insurance company can be difficult to work with and may try to deny, minimize, or disregard your claim. Seeking help from an experienced public adjuster to examine your case will prevent your claims for urgent repairs from being denied or undervalued.
SRQ Public Adjusters comprises professional public adjusters who can work to prevent this from happening. Contact us right away to ensure that your insurance claim has the support of a qualified public adjuster who will fight to ensure that you receive your well-deserved compensation.
