Filing a Hurricane Helene Property Damage Claim

Hurricane Helene was one of the most destructive storms the South has seen, and while the worst of the damage occurred in other states, Floridians still saw their homes get damaged by the storm. Filing a property damage claim with your homeowners’ insurance provider is the best way to get the money you need to repair and rebuild your home. But with so many people filing claims at the same time, it’s helpful to make sure you understand the process. Here’s what your Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney wants you to know.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

The sooner you can contact your insurance agent, the sooner you can get your claim started. Remember, thousands of other homeowners are trying to file claims at the same time. The sooner you can file yours, the easier it will be for the insurance company to review your claim quickly.

When you contact your insurance agent, tell them that you’re filing a property damage claim as a result of the storm. They’ll guide you through the claims process and tell you which documents you should submit and which paperwork you need to fill out. If you don’t have a dedicated insurance agent, contact the claims hotline for your insurance provider.

Document as Much of the Damage as You Can

The more you can document the damage, the easier it is to prove the extent of that damage. Take the time to write down a detailed list and description of the items that were damaged as a result of the storm. Then, take pictures of the damage with your phone or camera. The more pictures you can take showing the full extent of the damage, the better. Your insurance company will likely ask for those images as they process the claim.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Once you’ve documented the damage, review your homeowners’ insurance policy in detail. Look at the types of damage covered by your policy, the coverage limits in your policy, and the deductible you’ll have to pay as part of your claim. The more you understand the specifics of your policy, the easier it will be to interpret the insurance provider’s decision regarding your claim.

Meet With the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance companies will send out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage following every hurricane insurance claim. While it’s not required, try to be there during the appointment. This will help you point out damage they may otherwise miss, potentially increasing your settlement amount. Keep in mind that you may also want to work with an independent adjuster to make sure the insurance company’s adjuster created a fair and detailed report that accurately shows the extent of the damage.

Wait for the Insurance Provider to Render a Decision

Under Florida law, insurance providers are required to reach a decision within 90 days of homeowners filing a claim. During that 90-day period, consider reaching out to your insurance agent to request updates. And once you receive notice of their decision, review it. If the claim is covered under your policy, you should have a settlement offer that you can either accept or appeal. If the claim isn’t covered under your policy, your insurance provider will deny your claim. You can and should fight that denial if you believe you’re covered. A Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney can help.

Appeal If Needed

If the settlement amount is lower than what you know you need and is lower than the coverage limits in your policy, you can and should appeal the decision. It’s a good idea to work with a hurricane insurance claims attorney when you appeal the settlement. They can help you submit the appeal and negotiate on your behalf to hopefully increase your settlement.

Schedule a Consultation With a Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney

If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene and you’re not confident in your insurance company’s willingness to give you a fair settlement, reach out to a Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney at Parrish Law. We’ll review your case and represent your interests with your insurance provider. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.