A storm like a hurricane will easily leave us all in a state of chaos as we struggle to recover from the storm’s impact. Hurricanes, after all, are very scary and bring a lot of damage along with them.
This is especially the case with the most recent Hurricane Ian, which we witnessed in September. This was one of the most powerful storms that have ever struck the United States, and its devastating effects are still evident in many parts of Florida that were in its path.
Property That Is Commonly Damaged in a Hurricane
When there is a hurricane ripping through the region, hardly anything has the chance to stand against it. At On Target Claims, we’ve helped hundreds l Floridians get the necessary compensation as they recover from the damage caused by hurricanes. Even the strongest of trees, roofs, and foundations can sustain significant damage in the wake of a hurricane. Below is a brief listing of some of the things most likely damaged in the storm.
Roofing
Roof structures are built to last and protect us from everything that is outside as we rest in our homes. However, hurricanes have a way of destroying that essential comfort and safety. Why, with winds of 150 mph that Hurricane Ian brought, many roofs got to feel the brunt of the storm. The winds themselves are strong enough to rip off a roof. But, when they cause objects to fly through the air and fall wherever they land, not too many roofs will remain unaffected.
Windows and Doors
High winds have the power to shatter doors and rip off windows, leaving homes vulnerable to even more damage. Anything that is flying in the air like debris, trees, poles, or signboards can also crash in and break windows and doors, causing cracks, chips, or complete shattering. Additionally, the pressure changes that come with hurricanes can cause the windows and doors to fail, especially if they are not properly secured or reinforced.
Electrical Systems
The damage that electrical systems sustain from hurricanes can be quite extensive. Ranging from power outages, electrical fires, and flooding, electrical systems seem especially vulnerable to electrical systems.
Trees
Even the studies of trees are often susceptible to hurricanes, especially when it is as strong as Hurricane Ian. It is not uncommon to see a fallen tree on top of a house or car after the hurricane has had its mark on the region.
Vehicles
Hurricane-force winds and flooding can cause significant damage to vehicles, including cars, trucks, and boats. Vehicles left in low-lying areas or close to waterways are particularly vulnerable. And as we’ve mentioned above, many vehicles also become a landing bed for fallen trees, which crush them.
Landscaping
Along with trees, the landscaping and gardening areas don’t stand a chance against the power of a hurricane. It is very common to find the front and backyards to be in great disarray after the storm is over.
Foundations
Believe it or not, hurricanes can also be strong enough to move the foundations of homes! If you end up with this problem on your hands, you may need to vacate the home for a while as the damage gets assessed and repaired by a professional contractor.
Infrastructure
Hurricanes also damage infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports, causing significant disruptions to transportation and logistics systems.
Filing an Insurance Claim in Florida on Damaged Residential Property
If you find yourself in a pickle where your property has suffered at the strength of a hurricane, one of the first to do as you’re navigating the mess is to file an insurance claim in Florida. If you’re one of the many households still recovering from Hurricane Ian, you still have the option to take advantage of the assistance of residential public insurance claims adjusters in Florida. We will walk you through every step of the process outlined below to get your money back and restore your home back to order.
- Assess the Damage
You will need to assess the damage that your property is left with after the storm. Take the time to properly inspect your house and the outside area, taking pictures as you go. Please keep your safety at the forefront of your mind, however. Wait for the storm to come to a complete stop before heading outside to complete your assessment.
- Review Your Insurance Policy
Once you’ve narrowed down the damage, you will then need to review your insurance policy to see what would be covered. Insurance policies also usually have the contact information of your insurance adjuster or the necessary contact people who will help you start the process.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
With your insurance policy number and detailed information on the damage in hand, you can now contact the insurance company. You will need to get in touch with the company’s claims department to report the damage. It is likely that you will be put through to an adjuster who will take down all the information and help get the ball rolling.
- Meet the Adjuster
Depending on your insurance company, you may end up meeting the adjuster at your home who will conduct their own assessment and inspection of the damage. They will also take pictures and estimate the cost of repairs.
- File the Claim
Together with the adjuster, you will be able to file the complete report detailing the damage and the dollar amount needed to make all the repairs. There will be an array of paperwork for you to go through and sign, but with the help of the adjuster, this process is made easier.
- Wait For the Claim to be Processed
Once the claim has been filed, the insurance company will take the time to review the claim and determine the amount of the payout.
This process takes several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the damage, number of claims being filed, and the efficiency of the insurance company.
- Receive the Payout
You will be notified when the claim is approved, at which point you’ll be able to receive the requested payout. Using this payout, you’ll be able to make whatever repairs are necessary to restore your property.
Common Issues With Hurricane Insurance Claims in Florida
Though the damage caused by hurricanes is often very apparent, filing claims with insurance companies still poses several issues. There are many homeowners who end up with denied claims or underpaid claims.
Reasons for Denied or Underpaid Claims
There are a handful of reasons why insurance claims in Florida may be denied or underpaid. Here’s why this may happen to your claim:
- Failure to meet policy requirements
- Exclusions in the policy that do not provide coverage for certain perils like flooding
- Insufficient coverage for hurricane-related damage
- Disputes over the cause of damage where the insurer believes that the damage was caused by something other than a hurricane
- Failure to meet deductibles
How to Dispute Denied or Underpaid Claims
Have you been dealt a denied claim or just not paid enough to cover the damage? This can be a rather frustrating situation, but don’t give up hope. There are still things you can do to reverse the situation. Here are a few things you can try to get a more favorable outcome:
- Work with your insurance company to provide any other evidence you may have as additional support for your claim.
- File an appeal with the complaints/grievances department of the insurance company, who will review the claim again.
- Seek the assistance of a public insurance claim adjuster who will help you formulate a stronger case and conduct an independent assessment of the damage.
Why Work with a Public Insurance Claim in Florida Adjuster
When you work with a public insurance claim adjuster, such as the ones at On Target Claims, you will find the whole process a whole lot smoother. Here are the benefits of working with a public insurance claim in Florida adjuster:
Expertise
When it comes to assessing and negotiating an insurance claim in Florida, public adjusters are trained and licensed to provide an accurate assessment of the damage.
Representation
When you have a public adjuster representing your claim, you have someone who is working for you and not against you.
Documentation
Public adjusters are instrumental in helping policyholders gather and document the evidence needed to support their claims, such as photographs, repair estimates, and other documentation.
Negotiation
One key benefit of public adjusters is that they are expert negotiators who can work with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement for the policyholder. They will use all the tools at their disposal to ensure that the policyholder receives the maximum payout to which they are entitled under the policy.
Time and Stress
Dealing with the aftermath of hurricane damage is extremely stressful. Your public adjuster will help you by shouldering much of the burden and guiding you through the entire process.
Contact Us for Assistance with Filing Your Hurricane Insurance Claim in Florida
Hurricanes can be very scary and the damage they cause to our properties is sometimes very difficult to restore. Getting an insurance settlement that would cover the restoration and repair fees is just as stressful. However, when you have the help of a knowledgeable and experienced public insurance adjuster, this process will go a lot smoother and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Contact On Target Claims, the home of the most professional and experienced adjusters to ensure that you do not miss out on any settlement money that you are entitled to receive.
Related Content: Wind Damage and Home Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know
