Handling Hurricane Damage Claims
As most South Florida residents know, hurricanes can cause tremendous property damage, ranging from millions to billions. The top-rated hurricane damage lawyers at The Law Offices of Geoffrey D. Ittleman, P.A., are experienced advocates that can help policyholders hold insurance companies responsible for paying these expensive claims. Our team knows how to hold these mega-companies accountable, and we can address hurricane damage claims and bad faith insurance practices. If you file a hurricane damage claim and your insurance company denies payment or underpays you, we can help you receive the necessary compensation entitled to you under your insurance policy.
Tips for Filing Hurricane Damage Claims:
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Policyholders need to understand the basics behind their insurance policy, including what it does and doesn’t cover. It’s important to note your coverage amounts, the amount of coverage you have and what losses your policy insures against. Most homeowners’ insurance policies in Florida offer coverage for wind damage related to hurricanes, but will not pay for flood damage.
Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
If your property suffers hurricane or tropical storm damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, notifying them of the loss and that you will file a claim in the future. When you initially call, you only need to give your insurer a basic notification, so do not provide details or give recorded statements. At this point, a notification is sufficient.
Document All Your Losses
Many insurance claims are denied due to a lack of documentation. The more records and documentation you provide to help support your claim and case, the smoother your claims process can be. Thoroughly document your losses and retain all your records.
Communicate In Writing
To avoid any issues with your insurance company, we recommend only communicating in writing and not over the phone. Having everything in writing helps to reduce the possibility of miscommunication occurring, but also ensures that if a dispute arises, you can provide all of your documentation to your hurricane insurance attorney.
Seek Legal Guidance
If your insurance company is being difficult and negating your claim, be prepared to consult with an experienced Fort Lauderdale hurricane damage attorney. Big insurance companies often don’t immediately offer policyholders the entire settlement amounts they are owed under their contract for coverage. An attorney can help represent you and communicate with your insurance company to help ensure that you receive the entire settlement you are owed.
Claim Denial or Underpayment
If your insurance company is being difficult, such as undervaluing your damage claim, requesting you provide a sworn statement or simply denying your claim outright, contact an attorney immediately.
Insurance companies do not have the right to make the final decision for your claim, and if your offered payment is less than the value of your losses, you can file an appeal.
Advocates for Insureds
The Law Offices of Geoffrey D. Ittleman are advocates for victims that have been denied insurance claims due to hurricanes or tropical storms in the greater South Florida area. If your hurricane damage claim is denied, you must take immediate and swift action to help protect your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation, and an experienced member of our team will review your documentation, insurance policy and offer a course of action to help ensure that you receive the funds to rebuild your life.