Living in the Sunshine State—year-round—comes with its price, of course: hunkering down each year from the hurricane menace. Hurricanes in their wind speed category can level houses, ranging from wind-gouged roofs to floods and power spikes. It pays to be prepared, to understand hurricane damage and properly file an insurance claim so that you can repair as quickly and fully as you can.
Here’s what all Florida homeowners must know regarding hurricane damage and the insurance claim process.
Common Forms of Hurricane Damage in Florida
Hurricanes will damage your home in many different ways, including:
- Wind damage to roofs, siding, and windows
- Water intrusion through shattered seals or crested shingles
- Trees are coming down and injuring buildings or autos
- Storm surge and flooding, especially in coastal areas
- Power outages leading to food spoilage or appliance damage
Not all of these are automatically covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy, so it pays to learn about your coverage.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
- Most standard Florida homeowners’ insurance policies do cover:
- Windstorm damage, although it may have a higher deductible known as a hurricane deductible
- Water damage, as long as it flows in through wind-damaged openings (but not rising floodwaters)
Important: Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. To protect against rising water from storm surge or heavy rain, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy, typically through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
How to File a Hurricane Damage Claim in Florida?
1. Document the Damage Immediately
Document all damage with photographs and video before conducting temporary repairs. Document the inside and outside of your home, and list every item that’s damaged.
2. Prevent More Damage
You are bound to make good faith efforts to protect your property. Tar your roof, board up broken glass windows, and drain standing water when it’s safe to do so.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the claim as quickly as possible. Give them a full account and your documentation. Keep records of all communication and claim numbers.
4. Assist the Adjuster
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to survey the property. Attend if possible, and take them through the damage. Give them your documentation and question them if anything appears unclear.
5. Obtain Repair Estimates
You have the right to obtain independent estimates from licensed contractors. Don’t rely solely on the insurance company’s estimate.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a roof damage insurance lawyer. She focuses on insurance claims and property damage. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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