Hurricane Helene Water Damage Claims
Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $110 billion in damage across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. For residents in Florida, recovering from the aftermath of hurricanes is no strange task. But if you’re new to the area or haven’t had to file an insurance claim in recent memory, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the process. Here’s what your Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney wants you to know so you can get your home back to normal after Helene.
How to File Claims for Hurricane Helene Water Damage
Every insurance company has a slightly different claims process, but the steps you’ll want to take to initiate your claim and seek a settlement will largely be the same. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
Review Your Policy’s Details
Before you file your claim, it’s a good idea to review your policy in detail. Look at the coverage limits, the types of incidents that are covered, and any other details that could impact your claim. The better you understand your policy, the easier it will be to navigate the hurricane insurance claims process. If you have any questions about your policy, speak with your insurance agent. They should be able to answer your questions and clarify any confusing details.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
To initiate your claim, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. If you have a dedicated agent, they should be able to help you through the process. But if you work with a larger insurance company, you may need to contact them directly. Reach out to their claims hotline and let the representative know that you need to file a hurricane water damage claim. They’ll help you set everything up and may be able to guide you through filling out the necessary paperwork.
Document the Damage
After you file your claim, you’ll want to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. Walk around your property and take pictures of the damage. Try to document the damage from multiple perspectives. Document damage to your tiles, walls, home siding, appliances, furniture, and anything else the water may have touched. You may also want to write down descriptions of the damage. Do this for any items that were damaged inside your home. If you have them, provide the insurance company with the original purchase receipts for those items. This can strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of getting a fair settlement.
Meet With the Insurance Adjuster (and Hire Your Own)
While you’re not required to meet with the insurance adjuster, it’s almost always a good idea to attend their walkthrough. This gives you a chance to point out any damage they might miss, potentially increasing your settlement. Keep in mind that these individuals work for the insurance company, and may try to undervalue your claim to save their employer money. You may want to hire a public adjuster who works for you to assess the damage. They’ll be more likely to create an accurate report.
Seek Legal Help if Needed
Insurance companies can either accept your claim and offer you a settlement or deny your claim, leaving you with nothing. If your claim is accepted, review the settlement offer in detail and make sure it meets your needs. If it’s too low or your claim was denied, you may need to appeal the decision. It’s a good idea to work with a hurricane damage attorney. They’ll be able to represent your interests with the insurance company and may help you get a higher settlement.
Let a Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney Help
If you’re worried about your hurricane insurance claim for damage that happened during Helene, you don’t have to navigate the process on your own. Let an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney help you with everything from reviewing your settlement offer to helping you hold your insurance provider accountable. Contact Parrish Law today to schedule a free consultation.