Water damage after Hurricane Milton has caused millions of dollars of damage for homeowners throughout Florida. If you’re one of them, you likely know that the sooner you can file a Hurricane Milton insurance claim, the sooner you’ll get the money you need to make repairs. However, if you’ve never filed a claim before, figuring out the process can be tough. Here are a few essential steps you’ll need to take to set your claim up for success.

1. Assess and Document the Damage

Take the time to walk around your property and your home and identify everything that was damaged by the water. Take pictures of anything you can and write down descriptions for items that you can’t photograph easily. It’s a good idea to take pictures from several angles to show the full extent of the damage whenever possible. You’ll need to submit these photos and descriptions to your insurance provider when you file a claim.

2. Make Temporary Repairs

You’re permitted to make repairs to your home as long as they’re temporary. This may involve covering windows with plywood or a tarp, patching your roof with a tarp, and other similar repairs that will help you keep your home secure and prevent further water damage. If you’re unsure if a repair is permanent, don’t make it. And avoid letting contractors work on your home until you receive and accept a settlement from your insurance provider.

3. Notify Your Insurance Provider

To file your Hurricane Milton insurance claim, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider and let them know that your home was damaged. You can do this by contacting your individual insurance agent or by calling the claims hotline with your insurance provider. This information should be available in your policy details. 

Your insurance agent or the claims specialist will walk you through the documentation you’ll need to submit and can help you file the claim. 

4. Work With the Insurance Adjuster

After you file your claim, your insurance provider will send an adjuster to inspect your property and estimate the cost of repairs. Try to attend that walkthrough if you can. This will give you the chance to point out damage they might miss or highlight the extent of the damage your home suffered. 

Keep in mind that the adjuster works for the insurance company and may underestimate the cost of repairs needed. Consider getting estimates from local contractors for any repairs and submit those estimates to your insurance provider if the adjuster’s estimates are too low. 

5. Accept, Negotiate, or Appeal the Settlement

After the adjuster tours your property, the insurance provider will review your claim and their assessment of the damage. They’ll use this information to determine a settlement. You have three choices once they approve your claim and make an offer:

• Accept the money: If the settlement is fair and provides you with enough to cover repairs, you can accept the money.
• Negotiate: If the settlement is too low, you may be able to negotiate a higher settlement by submitting additional documentation highlighting the severity of the damage. This is often easier with help from a Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney. 
• Appeal the settlement: If the amount is dramatically off from what you need and what your coverage provides, you can request a full appeal of the claim. This triggers a review of everything you submitted and may result in a higher settlement offer.

Get Help With Your Hurricane Milton Insurance Claim

Filing a Hurricane Milton insurance claim can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let an experienced hurricane insurance claims attorney from Parrish Law help. We have decades of experience helping homeowners get the money they need from insurance companies. Contact us today to schedule a settlement.