How to Recover Damages Caused by Hurricane Milton
Even minor hurricane damage can result in costly repairs for your home and property. In more severe storms, like Hurricane Milton, damage can be far more extensive. Though your homeowners’ insurance policy should help cover the cost of repairs, actually getting the money you need can be tough if you’re not sure where to start. Working with a trusted Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney can take some of the stress out of the process, but it’s still helpful to understand the steps you’ll need to take to recover damages so you can get your life back to normal. Here’s what you need to know.
Contact a Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney
The first thing you should do is contact a Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney. They’ll help you set your claim up for success and ensure that you’re presenting the best documentation possible to fully show the extent of the damage. They can also represent your interests with the insurance provider. Having an attorney represent you can encourage your insurance provider to review your claim more quickly and may reduce the risk of them unfairly denying your claim or offering a low settlement.
File an Insurance Claim
To be eligible to receive money from your insurance provider, you’ll need to file a homeowners’ insurance claim. The exact process you’ll follow will depend on your insurance provider. However, it’s best to start by contacting your insurance agent or the claims hotline with your provider. They’ll walk you through the process and help you initiate your claim as quickly as possible. If you can’t get a hold of your agent or a representative through your insurance provider’s claims hotline, contact your hurricane insurance claims attorney as soon as possible.
Apply for Disaster Assistance if Needed
FEMA has established a disaster assistance fund for victims of Hurricane Milton, regardless of insurance status or the status of your claim. If you’re worried about covering lodging, food, and other essential costs until your insurance payout arrives, file for disaster assistance now. The open period to apply for disaster assistance has closed, but FEMA is still reviewing applications on a case-by-case basis. You can apply for assistance online.
Review Your Insurance Settlement
Once your insurance provider reviews your claim and issues you a settlement offer, you’ll need to review that offer closely. Your hurricane insurance claims attorney can help you determine if the settlement is fair or if it’s too low for your needs based on the circumstances of your case. Wait to accept the money until your attorney looks at the offer. If you accept a settlement, you waive your right to appeal for a larger amount and are legally unable to sue your insurance provider for additional damages.
Appeal the Decision if Needed
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer low settlement amounts. After all, they’re private businesses that are actively looking for ways to make a profit. The less money they have to pay homeowners, the better it is for their bottom line and their shareholders.
If you believe the settlement is too low, you can and should appeal the decision. Your attorney can help you with the appeal and can negotiate with the insurance provider on your behalf. This will increase your chances of getting a settlement that’s large enough to adequately compensate you for the damage.
Schedule a Consultation With Parrish Law
If your home was damaged during Hurricane Milton, the sooner you can speak with an experienced Florida hurricane insurance attorney, the better. At Parrish Law, our team has represented homeowners across Florida and Louisiana dealing with hurricane damage. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see how our team can help you with your claim.