Wear and Tear or Deterioration Exclusions

When it comes to hurricane insurance claims, policyholders may encounter policy exclusions related to wear and tear, deterioration, and pre-existing damage. Insurance companies may argue that the damage to the policyholder’s property was not caused by the hurricane but instead resulted from these exclusions. However, policyholders can take steps to prove that the damage was indeed caused by the hurricane and overcome these policy exclusions.

One way to prove that the damage was caused by the hurricane is by taking photos or videos of the property before the storm. This documentation can help to establish the pre-storm condition of the property, making it easier to identify and separate hurricane-related damage from pre-existing damage. By having visual evidence of the property’s condition before the storm, policyholders can more effectively demonstrate that the damage was caused by the hurricane and not by wear and tear, deterioration, or pre-existing damage.

Another way to prove that the damage was caused by the hurricane is by obtaining property inspection reports from before the storm. These reports can help to establish that there was no pre-existing damage to the property, contrary to what the insurance company may allege when it raises the pre-existing damage exclusion defense. By showing that there was no pre-existing damage, policyholders can more effectively demonstrate that the damage was caused by the hurricane and not by a pre-existing condition.

In addition to documenting the pre-storm condition of the property, policyholders should also document the damage caused by the hurricane as soon as possible after the storm. This can be done by taking photos or videos of the damage and keeping receipts and invoices related to any repairs or services performed. By documenting the damage promptly, policyholders can more effectively demonstrate the extent of the damage caused by the hurricane and overcome any arguments by the insurance company that the damage resulted from wear and tear, deterioration, or pre-existing damage.

In conclusion, policyholders should take steps to document the pre-storm condition of their property, obtain property inspection reports, and document any damage caused by the hurricane promptly to overcome exclusions related to wear and tear, deterioration, and pre-existing damage. By doing so, policyholders can help ensure that they receive full compensation from their insurance company for their hurricane-related property damage.