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More than Attorneys, We are Counselors at Law.
Providing Florida with excellent bad faith insurance claim representation.

Florida Hurricane Damage Lawyer

When a hurricane hits your home, it can have devastating effects. You may end up with smashed windows, flooding, damage to the structure — it’s even possible for your entire roof to blow off.

Not many people realize you can be compensated for hurricane damage and other types of natural disasters, but coverage is available. Your insurance may provide compensation for the repairs that are needed. But it’s also possible that they may try to lowball you.

If you are trying to get compensation for hurricane damage and feel like you are getting the runaround from your providers, you need a reliable hurricane damage lawyer by your side. The Dewitt Law Firm P.A. can help you get the recovery you need.

What Should I Do After a Hurricane Occurs?

After a hurricane occurs, it’s likely you will feel overwhelmed by all you must deal with. But one of the first steps you will want to take is to call your insurance provider. They will tell you what you need to do to start a claim.

What Type of Insurance do I Need to Get Compensated for Hurricane Damage?

There are several types of insurance that will cover your hurricane damage in Florida. These include:

  • All-risk policy: This will cover any perils listed on the policy that aren’t specifically excluded. Note that most all-risk policies exclude wind and flood damage so you may want to get separate policies to cover these damages if you live in a hurricane risk area like Florida.
  • Wind policy: This will cover you for any damage caused by excessive winds.
  • Flood policy: This will cover you for flooding and water damage.

It may be confusing to figure out which policy to use for the various types of damage but your insurance provider will assist you in coming up with a system.

What Does the Filing Process Entail?

Different providers will have different processes in place for filing a claim. For example, some may require you to call while others will allow you to file online.

The filing process may also require you to fill out a proof of loss document. This is a standard form provided by the insurance company that the victim completes. It requires you to list all items that were lost or damaged and how much you expect to be compensated for each.

Once you file a proof of loss, the insurance company is required to respond to you within 30 days.

While it’s not necessary to fill out the proof of loss form the insurance company provides, it’s a good idea to submit some sort of form that accounts for your losses.

Here are some other things that may not be required by your insurance but are recommended.

  • Pictures of all damage that occurred
  • Receipts for items that were damaged if you have them
  • Repair estimates provided by servicepeople
  • An inventory list of everything that was damaged
  • A written account of what happened
  • All documents relevant to the case

Do I Need a Hurricane Insurance Claim Lawyer?

There are instances where you will want to call in a hurricane insurance claim lawyer.

For example, you may be dealing with a hurricane bad faith insurance claim. This is when the provider tries to lowball you on your payout. They may try to say that your damage was caused by a rainstorm or flood instead of a hurricane. This can significantly reduce the amount they must pay out.

They may also try to say that your property or the items that were damaged aren’t worth what you are claiming. This is another strategy the provider will use to lower payout amounts.

Another thing to be aware of is that a home inspection is necessary for an insurance company to deny your claim. If the insurance company is denying your claim and an inspection wasn’t performed, or if your claim is denied for any reason and you are trying to appeal the decision, you need a reliable hurricane lawyer by your side.

You may also need a hurricane damage lawyer if you are called in for an examination under oath. This will require you to answer questions and provide documents backing your claim.

An examination oath is serious business, but you will be permitted to have a hurricane lawyer to represent you. This is advisable as it will increase the chances of a positive outcome.

Have A Hurricane Damage Lawyer to Cover Your Losses

If your property was damaged by a hurricane and your insurance company is trying to pay out less than the damage incurred, don’t take it lying down. Call the DeWitt Law Firm P.A. today.

We can help you out in a hurricane bad faith insurance claim situation and get across to the insurance company what your compensation should be.

Don’t let your insurance provider give you the runaround. Stand up for your rights. Contact DeWitt Law Firm for your legal needs.

Hurricane Damage FAQs

How long after a hurricane can I file a claim in Florida?

You have three years to file a claim after a Florida hurricane. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute, most insurance policies require that you file a claim within one year of a natural disaster.

Do you have to keep paying a mortgage if your house is destroyed in a hurricane?

Unfortunately, you do have to continue paying the mortgage if your home is destroyed or unlivable after a hurricane occurs. If you don’t pay your mortgage, your loan could go into default resulting in a foreclosure. This will only make it more difficult for you to get things back in order.

What damages can I claim for a hurricane?

The damages you can claim after a hurricane occurs includes property damage, loss of belongings, loss of wages, and medical expenses. You may also be able to claim lost business income, contracts, or sales if you own a business.