Hurricane Milton Insurance Claims FAQ
Filing an insurance claim for hurricane damage is one of the first things you should do after a storm impacts your property. The sooner you file, the sooner the insurance provider can start reviewing your claim and get you the settlement you’re owed. This is especially true for homeowners struggling to put their lives back together after Hurricane Milton. But as with most insurance claims, hurricane damage claims are more complicated than you initially expect. Your Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney shares some frequently asked questions about these claims so you can better understand the process and what to expect when you file.
How Long Do Insurance Providers Have to Review Claims?
In Florida, insurance providers are required to review and decide claims within 90 days of receiving the required evidence and documentation for your claim. When hundreds of people in your area are filing claims at the same time, this can lead insurance companies to render decisions without adequately reviewing the evidence submitted. In some cases, this can result in outright denials or settlement offers that are smaller than you deserve.
What Rights Do I Have If There Are Delays?
If an insurance provider takes longer than they should to review your claim, you may be able to hold them accountable for their actions. The best way to do so is to work with an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney who can represent your interests. They’ll point out that the provider is in violation of the law and if needed, help you sue the provider to get the settlement you’re entitled to.
Should I Hire a Private Insurance Adjuster?
The insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage on your property. However, these adjusters work for the insurance company and may try to downplay the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs. When you hire a private insurance adjuster, you’re working with someone who has your best interests in mind, not the insurance company’s. An independent adjuster will give you a more accurate report outlining the likely cost of repairs. You can submit this report to the insurance provider to show why your claim requires a larger settlement than their adjuster recommended.
What Happens if I Make Repairs Before Filing a Claim?
It’s tempting to make repairs as soon as possible, but doing so before you file your claim and meet with the insurance adjuster can create problems down the line. Those repairs make it difficult if not impossible for the insurance adjuster to adequately identify which damage happened during the storm. This can lead to a smaller settlement than you need to fully cover the cost of repairs.
Consider waiting to make any permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster inspects your property. This way, they’ll be able to see the full extent of the damage in its unaltered form.
Can I File Subsequent Claims if I Notice Damage Later?
Some hurricane damage may not be visible immediately after the storm. Reputable insurance companies understand this and allow homeowners to file subsequent claims for damage that appears later but can be tied to the storm. If you think you’ll need to file a subsequent claim, consider working with an attorney as soon as possible. They’ll help you prepare your claim and can negotiate with the insurance provider as needed on your behalf.
Keep in mind that subsequent claims can be difficult to prove. You’ll need to provide detailed evidence showing that the damage associated with the new claim resulted from the storm and isn’t the result of poor maintenance. Your attorney can help you compile the appropriate documentation.
Get Help With Your Hurricane Insurance Claim
If you’re struggling with your insurance claim after Hurricane Milton, you don’t have to go through the process alone. Let an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney at Parrish Law help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let our team guide you through the process.