When Should I Hire a Lawyer for Hurricane Property Damage?
Filing a hurricane insurance claim can be stressful when all you want to do is get your life back in order. Though the claims process should be straightforward, some insurance providers like to make things difficult. Working with an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney can help you navigate the process with confidence but knowing when the time is right to hire an attorney may not be as simple as you think. Here are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to hire a lawyer.
You’re Confused About Your Policy
Insurance providers rarely ever provide policy details in a way that’s easy for non-insurance experts to interpret or understand. This can make it tough for homeowners to figure out what’s covered, what’s not, and how much money you could be entitled to. If you’re confused about your policy in any way, hiring a lawyer can be a good idea.
Your attorney will be able to review your policy’s details and explain them to you in language that’s clear and informative, and can answer your questions in real time. If they feel that your insurance provider isn’t abiding by your policy’s terms, they’ll help you hold your provider accountable.
Your Insurance Provider Is Taking Too Long to Process Your Claim
Under Florida law, insurance providers have 14 days to acknowledge your claim and 90 days to reach a decision on your claim. If your insurance provider is dragging their feet or hasn’t stuck to the legally required timeline, hire an attorney now. They’ll be able to contact your insurance provider and find out what’s causing the delay. If there’s no reasonable justification for the delay, your attorney can help you hold them accountable and get your claim moving forward.
Your Settlement Amount Doesn’t Seem Fair
Insurance providers always have to keep their bottom line in mind. This means they may not be motivated to offer you the settlement you deserve. If you’ve reviewed your settlement offer and it seems far lower than it should be or it doesn’t align with the estimated cost of repairs you received from local contractors, hire an attorney to help you appeal the decision. They’ll help you submit the necessary documents and initiate the appeals process to hopefully increase your settlement amount.
Your Claim Was Denied
Just because your insurance provider denied your claim doesn’t mean you have to accept that decision. You can and should appeal if you believe the damage your home suffered during the hurricane is covered under your policy’s terms. Hiring a Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney can help you appeal their decision.
You Disagree on the Damage Assessment
Insurance providers only cover damage resulting from the hurricane. If the damage doesn’t look like it was the result of the storm, they may not include it in your settlement amount. This can lead to settlements that are too low or cause your insurance provider to discount your entire claim in some cases.
If you and your provider disagree on the damage and when it occurred, it’s a good idea to speak with a Florida hurricane insurance attorney. They can help you put together evidence supporting your claim and may be able to get your insurance provider to reach a different conclusion.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re worried about your hurricane insurance claim or just want an experienced professional to help you interpret your insurance provider’s decision, don’t wait. Let the experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorneys at Parrish Law help.
We know that every case is unique and we’ll take the time to get to know you, your situation, and help you better understand your options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.