1. Not Getting Your Property Ready
2. Not Purchasing Homeowners Insurance or Not Notifying the Homeowner’s Insurance Company Before the Storm
3. Not Correctly Documenting Hurricane Damage
4. Communicating with the Insurance Company without Counsel and Accepting the First Settlement Offer
5. Failing to Submit Your Hurricane Ian Claim at the Appropriate Time
6. Failing to Reduce Hurricane Damage Until Inspection by the Insurance Representative
7. Working with Unlicensed Contractors
8. Ignoring the Advice of a Hurricane Damage Attorney
Being part of a powerful storm like a hurricane may be pretty unsettling on many levels. Feeling anxious and unclear about what to do before and after the storm is common. You must, however, take care to avoid a few blunders while filing your Hurricane Ian insurance claim. If specific steps are not taken, your insurance claim may be in jeopardy, and you may not receive the money you are due for your Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim.
1. Not Getting Your Property Ready
You must take proactive measures to safeguard your property, such as board windows. Make sure that all of your windows and doors are shut and secure. Remember that your roof could blow off if internal pressure inside your house combines with wind power from the outside. If you have the time, you might also want to consider upgrading your home, such as adding storm shutters, strengthening your garage doors, or setting up hurricane anchors and roof clips. Bring any furniture from the outside inside to avoid the possibility of damage to your home’s exterior.
By taking these precautions, you safeguard your house and demonstrate to the insurance provider that you have tried your best to minimize storm damage. Additionally, it might make the process of having your property repaired and your insurance company settling your storm claim less complicated.
2. Not Purchasing Homeowners Insurance or Not Notifying the Homeowner’s Insurance Company Before the Storm
Now is the time to ensure you have homeowner’s insurance covering hurricane damage. Then alert your insurance provider you may be on the route of a hurricane. They should also be able to provide instructions on how to submit a hurricane insurance claim, including the phone numbers to call and the documents or supporting documentation you’ll need.
3. Not Correctly Documenting Hurricane Damage
Keeping records is essential both during and after a hurricane. All homeowners should photograph their homes and personal belongings before any harm occurs. Take inventory of your possessions.
After the hurricane or other storm, take more images to highlight the damage that has been done to your property, especially all structural damages.
4. Communicating with the Insurance Company without Counsel and Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Before speaking with the insurance provider, you should also have legal representation on your side, preferably from McClenny Moseley & Associates PLLC Insurance Lawyers. Your lawyer can assist in defending your rights and stop you from saying something benign that could jeopardize your case. Additionally, your lawyer will be well aware of the value of your Hurricane Ian claim. Further, you should never take the insurance company’s initial settlement offer because it will be a lowball offer.
5. Failing to Submit Your Hurricane Ian Claim at the Appropriate Time
Not contacting your homeowner’s insurance provider immediately after a hurricane is one of the most frequent errors homeowners make. There may be stringent time limits for making these types of claims under some insurance policies, such as a few days to a few months. Let’s say you fail to submit your claim by the deadline specified in the contract. Unfortunately, the insurance provider has a solid case to reject it in that situation.
Additionally, since the situation could alter, it’s to your best advantage to submit a claim straight away. Imagine your house after a hurricane as a crime scene. The more time passes, the more likely it is that something may change that could make it more difficult for you to obtain fair compensation for your claim. For instance, your insurance provider can try to claim that hurricane-related damages were caused by something else and occurred after the disaster.
6. Failing to Reduce Hurricane Damage until Inspection by the Insurance Representative
It is also your duty to stop any future harm to your property after you have filed a claim. Do it as soon as possible; don’t wait until the insurance adjuster arrives for an inspection. In addition to utilizing tarps or boards to cover exposed portions of your home, this may entail turning off the water and electricity. Do everything you can to keep your house safe. If you don’t and it sustains additional damage, your insurance provider can decline to cover it.
7. Working with Unlicensed Contractors
Ensure the contractor you select to fix the damage to your house has the appropriate state-issued license for the job you require. It is essential to work with a professional contractor because
- They’re insured.
- They are more likely to document the work completed properly
- Contractors who aren’t licensed may have criminal histories, endangering your family, home, and yourself.
- Unlicensed contractors might not adhere to regionally specific building codes.
Although you might save money using an unlicensed contractor, it is unquestionably not worthwhile. You might pay a steep price if you do this in the long run.
8. Ignoring the Advice of a Hurricane Damage Attorney
In Florida, homeowners that have legal representation typically obtain higher compensation for their storm claims. An adept Hurricane Ian lawyer, such as McClenny Moseley & Associates PLLC Insurance Lawyers, can help you negotiate a reasonable settlement and get the money you need to repair your property. However, because homeowners believe they need money to do so, many avoid engaging an attorney. Most Florida hurricane lawyers only accept contingency fees, which means they won’t be paid until your lawsuit is successful. When you receive a settlement or award, they receive a predetermined portion in return for their services.
Even if you don’t think you need to hire a lawyer, it never hurts to have a qualified advocate on your side who can review your claim and make sure your insurance provider treats you fairly under the law.
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