Hurricane Helene Wind Damage Claims
When people think about hurricane damage, most assume the bulk of the damage came from water. But the high winds associated with hurricanes can end up causing a lot more damage than water alone, even in areas not directly in the path of the storm. After all, Hurricane Helene made landfall with wind speeds as high as 140 miles per hour. If your home was damaged by the storm, filing an insurance claim should be your next move. Here’s what your Hurricane Helene wind damage lawyer wants you to know about filing claims for damage.
What Counts as Wind Damage?
Winds can be high even in tropical storms, resulting in costly damage for homeowners across the affected area. But during strong storms, like Hurricane Helene, higher wind speeds can lead to more extensive damage. Though most homeowners insurance policies will cover storm-related wind damage without issue, it’s still helpful to understand what insurance companies typically regard as wind damage. This includes but is not limited to:
- Missing shingles
- Missing patches of the roof
- Damaged gutters
- Damaged siding
- Broken or cracked windows
- Broken or damaged doors
- Damage to the interior of the home resulting from broken windows and doors
Every policy is different, so be sure to consult with your insurance provider and your policy’s details to see if your damage is covered. If it is, the sooner you can file a claim, the better.
How to Document the Damage
When you file your insurance claim, you’ll want to provide the insurance company with as much proof of damage as you can. This helps them better understand the severity of the damage to your home and may increase the amount you receive in your settlement. Start by taking pictures of the damage, both inside and outside your home. Document the damage from all sides. You may also want to write down a detailed description of the damage, especially if it looked more severe when you found it.
You’ll be able to submit those pictures and written statements to your insurance provider when you file your claim. They’ll use this information when determining a settlement.
How to File Your Hurricane Helene Wind Damage Claim
Not sure how to file a hurricane insurance claim? The insurance process takes time, but it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance provider. To initiate your claim, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider or insurance agent. When you reach out, they’ll ask you for key information and help you start the claims process.
- Document the damage. Take pictures of as much of the damage as you can. The more detailed those pictures are, the better.
- Work with the adjuster. Your insurance provider will send out an adjuster to inspect the damage and give them information about the claim. If you can, attend that inspection and point out any damage you think the adjuster missed.
- Wait for the decision. After the adjuster submits their report, the insurance company will make a decision on your claim. If they accept your claim, they’ll make a settlement offer that you can accept or appeal. If they deny your claim, they’ll typically explain why. You can then either accept the decision or appeal it.
The exact steps you’ll need to follow may vary depending on the insurance provider you’re working with. Speak with your insurance agent for more information about the claims process.
Speak With a Hurricane Helene Wind Damage Lawyer
If you’re underwhelmed by the settlement offer or you’re sure your insurance provider denied your claim unfairly, you can and should appeal the decision. Working with a Hurricane Helene wind damage lawyer can help you throughout the process.
At Parrish Law, our team is here to help you get the money you need to repair your home and get your life back to normal after the storm. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.