How to Prove Hurricane Milton Tornado Damage for Your Insurance Claim
It’s been a few months since Hurricane Milton hit Florida and made its way up the East Coast, but that doesn’t mean the damage caused by tornadoes and high winds has been resolved. Homeowners are still dealing with insurance claims and while you have between one and three years to file a claim depending on your insurance provider’s policies, now is the perfect time to file if you haven’t already. But to have a successful claim, you’ll need to be able to prove that the damage was caused by tornados spawned during Milton. Here are a few tips to help you be as successful as possible.
Document the Damage Extensively
If you haven’t already, document the damage done to your home and property thoroughly now. Take pictures of any damage resulting from the tornadoes that happened during Hurricane Milton. You may want to take pictures from different angles to ensure that the full extent of the damage is readily visible for the insurance claims review team.
Write down detailed descriptions of any damage that you can’t easily photograph. Include the location of the damage, the description of the damaged item or items, the approximate replacement cost if known, and any other information you have on hand.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Staying in close communication with your insurance provider is always a good idea throughout the entire claims process. File your claim and follow up on any requests that your insurance agent makes with regards to your claim. Request updates and if your insurance provider asks for additional documentation, try to give it to them as quickly as you can. The sooner you give them the information they need, the easier it will be for your insurance provider to process your claim.
Speak With a Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney
Insurance companies will look for any reason they can find to undervalue or deny your claim. This is why it’s not uncommon for insurance providers to question the validity of your claimed damage by suggesting that the damage didn’t happen as a result of the tornadoes caused by Milton.
Speak with an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney as soon as possible. They’ll be able to represent your interests with the insurance provider and can reduce the risk of your provider denying your tornado damage claims.
Keep Detailed Records Throughout the Claims Process
It’s always a good idea to keep detailed records of your claim throughout the entire claims process. Save or print out emailed communications from your insurance provider so you can refer to them as needed later. If you receive any written repair estimates or documentation from your insurance provider, keep track of it until your claim is settled.
Reach Out to Local Contractors
Don’t hesitate to get estimates from local contractors. They know what tornado damage looks like and can help you document that damage for your insurance provider’s review if needed. Even better, they can give you detailed estimates for any necessary repairs. Their estimates will be based on the actual cost of repairs in your area, not whatever standards the insurance provider thinks appropriate.
If their estimates are significantly higher than what your insurance provider estimates, you can use your contractors’ estimates to appeal the insurance company’s settlement offer.
Proving Tornado Damage Is Doable
Proving that the damage to your home was caused by tornadoes during Hurricane Milton is possible. Just be sure to follow these tips and speak with an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney from the beginning.
At Parrish Law, our team understands that filing a hurricane insurance claim can be stressful. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let our attorneys help you navigate the insurance claims process with confidence.