Hurricane Irma in 2017 called attention to the necessity of having sufficient homeowners protection from a storm, including flood insurance, well in advance of a storm’s approach. Storms like Hurricane Andrew (1992) and the turbulent hurricane seasons between 2004 and 2005 inspired legislative measures that affected several industries, from construction to homeowners’ insurance.

Hurricane insurance is not necessarily one “package” that you get to cover your home or business. Instead, it’s usually a combination of homeowners’ insurance, and supplemental insurance to cover flood damage and wind damage. Sometimes these plans also cover hail damage. Every homeowner must review what their plan has, and take action to get covered if they are not yet.

Preparation

Time is the only advantage anyone has against a storm, which is why preparation is critical. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not take effect for 30 days after they are opened. So if you purchase homeowners insurance just before a storm, then you may have your claim denied. Long before a hurricane arrives there are some steps that you should take:

• Review your insurance policy. It’s important to understand your coverage and to make adjustments to your plan if needed before a storm arrives.
• Check if you have active flood insurance. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover enough. If a hurricane causes waters to rise and enter your home, then flood insurance will cover the damage.
• Check if you have windstorm insurance. This is a type of insurance that, like flood insurance, you may have to purchase in addition to the traditional homeowner’s insurance policy. This protects your home from damage caused by high winds, such as the ones experienced during Hurricane Irma.
• Purchase a safe, fireproof, and waterproof box that can store all of your important documents, which includes your homeowner’s insurance policy. Take this box with you if you evacuate. This box can also store all of your other important documents, from the deed to your house to your passport and social security card.

Hurricane Irma caused a “reverse storm surge” in Tampa where water was pulled out of the bay, while apartment buildings in Miami were flooded fully on their bottom floors for weeks. Hurricane Irma also caused small tornados within the storm that affected Floridians all over the state. These traits surprised forecasters and emphasized the importance of comprehensive coverage.

When You Need An Insurance Claims Attorney

When you file a hurricane insurance claim with an insurance company, you expect them to provide you with the coverage and compensation that you need to make your home livable after it has been damaged. If your home or business requires repairs, replacements, or major renovations due to a hurricane, then you need your claim to be approved to cover your expenses. You pay a premium to your insurer, so you deserve to get what you need after a storm has caused damage to your home.

Denying, Short-Changing or Delaying Claims

If your claim is denied, then the insurance company is not going to want to listen to you. Worse, their attorneys might try to talk you into accepting a deal that that is far less than you need. Or the insurance company may delay the payment, while you wait and watch conditions worsen. If your home or business has suffered damage due to a hurricane, and you’re not satisfied with the answer from the insurance company, then visit higgslawpa.com today to learn more about what action you can take.