It’s time to file your insurance claim after a hurricane has caused damage to your property.
Contact Your Insurance Agent or Insurance Company: Let them know that you have sustained damage to your property. In order for the process to go more smoothly it is always a good idea to have your policy number ready. Also be prepared to give them your phone number as well as your email address
Inspect for Damage: After first determining that it is safe to do so, inspect the damage. Structures that have been compromised by the wind can allow water to come inside causing more damage.
Make Any Repairs Necessary to Mitigate Further Damage: Be certain to cover any broken windows, doors, or skylights with plywood or tarps. This will prevent even more damage from happening. Be sure to save all of your receipts for any materials that you may purchase to make repairs.
Do Not Begin Permanent Repairs: The repairs that you make should be temporary and done with the sole purpose in mind of preventing future damage.
Make a Detailed Inventory of All Damaged or Destroyed Items: If you can remember or give an estimate of the value, brand, and any other pertinent details that relate to your possessions this will be extremely helpful. Having such an inventory can save time when it comes to successfully processing your claim.
Take Pictures of the Damage: In an effort to provide the insurance company with enough evidence to support your claim, take pictures of the damage that your property suffered. If you have pictures or video of your property before the damage occurred this will is also extremely helpful. Be sure to take pictures from multiple angles so that the adjuster can see a true representation of the loss.
Contact an Attorney: Immediately after you have sustained wind damage to your property you need to contact an attorney who can guide you through the claims process and stand up for you to the insurance company should the need arise. Contact the knowledgeable attorneys at our law firm by calling 877-890-6372 and scheduling a free case review today.
Why Would My Wind Damage Claim Be Denied After a Hurricane?
Normal Wear and Tear: Repeatedly, insurance companies try to deny wind damage claims by asserting the damage was caused by normal wear and tear and not the result of hurricane force winds.
Failure to Pay Premiums: If you fail to pay your premiums, then you will no longer have insurance coverage. Be certain to pay your premiums so that if you do need to make a claim you have the ability to do so.
Damage Did Not Exceed the Deductible: If the damage that occurred does not cost more than the deductible, then the coverage will not kick in.
How Long Does it Usually Take Insurance Companies to Pay a Claim?
Normally, if the insurance company has approved your claim, they are legally obligated to pay your claim within five business days. One a claim is filed the insurance company has 15 days to acknowledge it and request the policyholder submit any necessary documentation. In most cases, your claim must either be approved or denied within 15 days of your insurer receiving the required documents.
Insurance companies also have the option of requesting a 45 day extension in order to process your claim.
Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Contact our law firm by calling 877-890-6372 for a free consultation with one of our experienced wind damage attorneys. We can answer any questions that relate to your claim and advise you how to best move forward.
