Why You Need a Hurricane Insurance Attorney After Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton caused billions of dollars of damage across its path. If you have homeowners’ insurance, at least a portion of those costs should be covered by your policy. But getting the money you need to get your home back into like-new condition isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Insurance companies love to make the claims process more stressful and time-consuming than it should be, and hiring a Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney can help take the stress out of the process. Here are a few reasons to consider hiring an attorney now.
Insurance Companies Like to Drag Their Feet
Though insurance companies are required to follow specific deadlines, it’s not uncommon for them to look for legal ways to drag the settlement out as long as possible. The longer they take to reach a decision, the more frustrated homeowners will become. This can lead homeowners to make repairs out of pocket, which gives the insurance company an excuse to offer a lower settlement. When you work with an attorney, you’ll have someone you can trust to hold the insurance company accountable for their actions and rebut their excuses. This could help you get a settlement faster so you can get your home back to normal.
Insurance Settlements Typically Start Low
It’s in the insurance company’s best interest to lowball your initial settlement offer. Why? Because many homeowners will accept the first settlement offer without complaint, even if it’s less than they need and far lower than they’re entitled to under the terms of their policy. The smaller the settlements they send out are, the more money they keep.
With help from a Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney, you’ll gain access to expert advice to help you get the settlement you need to cover the actual cost of your repairs. They can guide you through contesting the settlement, help you compile additional documentation and evidence showing the true cost of repairs, and communicate with the insurance provider on your behalf.
Claim Denials Aren’t Always Valid
Just as insurance companies try to offer low settlement amounts to save money, many will also look for reasons to deny claims outright. When your claim is denied, the insurance company effectively says that you’re not entitled to a settlement because your claim doesn’t meet specific requirements. After storms like Milton, insurance claims are often inundated with claims, and the more they deny, the fewer they have to work through.
When you work with an attorney, you’ll be able to contest those denials with confidence. Your attorney will review your case and help you understand why your insurance provider is denying your claim, whether your claim should be accepted, and what you’ll need to do to appeal the decision. This increases your chances of getting the money you deserve while giving you the opportunity to hold your insurance provider accountable.
Appealing Insurance Decisions Is Complicated
Every insurance claim is unique, even if the damage your home suffered is almost identical to the damage your neighbors are dealing with. This uniqueness makes appealing the insurance company’s settlement or claim decision difficult if you don’t have years of experience doing it. By hiring an attorney, you’ll have an expert who can guide you through the appeals process, explain your insurance provider’s decisions, and help you get the money you need.
Reach Out to Parrish Law Today
Working with an experienced Florida hurricane insurance claims attorney can dramatically increase your chances of getting a fair settlement. At Parrish Law, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see the difference that having an attorney on your side can make in your insurance claim and settlement.