You pay for homeowner insurance every month. Knowing that you have a policy that will protect your financial interests in the event of a hurricane should give you some peace of mind. However, filing an insurance claim for hurricane damage is not always straightforward. In many cases, insurance companies will attempt to limit the amount that they pay to you for your hurricane damage.
When filing an insurance claim for hurricane damage, it is important to know your rights and what to anticipate from the insurance companies. In some cases, you may also need the help of a Miami insurance attorney to help you make a full financial recovery after a hurricane.
What does homeowners insurance cover?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as hurricane insurance. However, a standard homeowners insurance policy will typically cover wind damage. In addition, homeowners can purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
In Miami, a standard homeowner’s insurance policy will cover damage caused by hurricane-force winds. This means that if your roof or siding was damaged by wind, then the damage will be covered. There is a deductible for hurricane damage in Miami however, which must be paid by you before insurance payments can kick in.
Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. This is an important distinction for people living in low-lying areas. Insurance companies, for example, may try to deny a claim by asserting damage to a home was caused by flooding rather than wind.
It is critical to review the terms of your homeowner’s insurance policy to have a clear understanding of what is and what is not covered in the event of a hurricane. If you have questions about your policy terms, you should consult with a Miami insurance attorney who can review the terms of the agreement with you and uncover any attempt to limit what is owed to you.
What happens when I file an insurance claim after a hurricane?
It is important to act quickly and file an insurance claim for hurricane damage as soon as possible. First, however, you will want to document all of your damage and take precautionary measures to prevent further damage.
Once you submit an insurance claim, your insurance company has 14 days to acknowledge and review your claim. Your insurance company must also pay or deny your claim within 90 days of receiving your insurance claim.
However, filing an insurance claim for hurricane damage is not always that easy. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim, parts of your claim, delay the processing, adjustment of payment of your claim, or attempt to settle your claim for less than it is worth.
Do I need to hire a Miami insurance attorney?
If you have questions about your insurance policy or feel like you are not being treated fairly by your insurance company, you should speak with a Miami first-party insurance claims lawyer. Redondo Law helps homeowners and business owners file first-party insurance claims and will fight for your rights to compensation under your insurance policy. Contact Miami insurance attorney Mike Redondo today for a free consultation.
