Dealing with insurance companies after a hurricane can be a real headache for Florida residents. With claims pouring in left and right, you might find yourself facing roadblocks or getting shortchanged by your insurance company.
To help you navigate this tricky situation, we sat down with Jesse Long, a lawyer at Legal Grit who knows insurance claims inside and out. He’s got some great advice to share, so let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Protecting Your Insurance Claims After a Hurricane
While you can’t completely avoid insurance headaches after a hurricane, there are some smart moves you can make to minimize potential issues. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a handy “Prepare Before Hurricane Season” guide with five key points:
- Have an escape plan: Map out how you’ll get out of dodge if needed. Know your routes, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll keep in touch with your family.
- Stock up on supplies: Get your hands on non-perishable food, water, meds, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits. You’ll want to be ready for whatever comes your way.
- Check your insurance and document your stuff: Take a good look at your policy to make sure you’ve got the right coverage. Then, make a list of everything you own and snap some photos or videos. This will be a lifesaver when you’re filing claims later.
- Set up a communication plan: Figure out how you’ll stay in touch with your loved ones during and after the storm. It’s a good idea to have an out-of-state contact who can be your info hub.
- Toughen up your home: Do what you can to protect your place from hurricane damage. Reinforce windows and doors, tie down loose stuff, and think about getting hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass.
Taking these steps will put you in a much better position to handle whatever the storm throws at you and deal with insurance claims afterward.
Hurricane Insurance vs. Flood Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: hurricane insurance and flood insurance are two different beasts.
- Hurricane insurance typically covers wind damage
- Flood insurance deals with damage from storm surges and rising water
You’ll want to take a close look at your policy to make sure you’re covered for both types of damage.
Jesse explains it like this: “When a hurricane hits, insurance companies often start pointing fingers at each other. Hurricane or wind insurance usually comes from private companies, while flood insurance can be from private companies or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This setup often leads to insurance companies trying to push the responsibility onto someone else. In the end, nobody’s eager to foot the bill.”
How Much Insurance Coverage Do You Really Need?
When you’re looking over your insurance policy, you need to make sure you’ve got enough coverage, not just the right kind. Jesse says, “Check that your policy has the right coverage limits. A lot of homeowners find out too late that they’re underinsured for certain parts of their homes.”
For example, “other structures” coverage might include things like screen enclosures and structures that aren’t directly attached to your main house. But these policies often have limits, which could leave you on the hook for big costs if repairs to things like gazebos, docks, or screen enclosures go over the limit. Fencing is another expense that can add up quickly.
To figure out if you’ve got enough coverage, Jesse suggests estimating how much it would cost to rebuild your home if it was completely destroyed. He adds, “If your home’s value has gone up over time, you’ll need to bump up your insurance coverage to match. The same goes for your personal property insurance. It’s a good idea to review your policy regularly and chat with your insurance broker to make sure your coverage keeps up with any changes in your home’s value or your belongings.”
Watch Out for These Insurance Policy Pitfalls
Not all insurance policies are created equal, and some have clauses that could come back to bite you. Jesse warns against buying policies with a “right-to-repair” clause. He explains, “These policies give the insurance company the power to choose who makes repairs in your home. If they deny repairs, it could give them leverage to offer you less money. Also, policies with roof surfacing payment schedules usually won’t pay you back for the full cost of replacing your roof.”
It’s crucial to read through your policy carefully, talk to your insurance broker, and ask questions about anything that seems fishy.
When to Call in the Legal Cavalry
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to lowball or even deny legitimate claims. As Jesse points out, “Insurance companies have pros working for them to protect their interests. This puts homeowners at a disadvantage if they don’t have their own expert to look out for their rights and make sure their policy is enforced properly.”
Getting a good lawyer on your side can level the playing field and help make sure your insurance claim gets the attention and fair evaluation it deserves. An experienced attorney can help you:
- Navigate the complex claims process
- Fight for maximum compensation
- Protect your interests throughout the whole ordeal
How to Tell If You Need Legal Help
Knowing when to call in legal backup is key to protecting your rights during the insurance claims process. Jesse advises, “Ideally, Legal Grit should be your first call after a hurricane. While most people might not think they’ll need legal help right off the bat, a clear sign that you need a lawyer is when your insurance company keeps switching adjusters – we call this the ‘adjuster shuffle.’ It usually means the insurance company is trying to buy time and downplay your claim.”
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to get legal advice. Acting quickly and getting experienced attorneys on your side can make a big difference in how your claim turns out.
How Legal Grit Handles Hurricane Insurance Cases
Legal Grit might be a big-name firm, but they pride themselves on working like a tight-knit team that puts clients first. Jesse explains, “Our firm is boutique, and we really focus on teamwork among our lawyers. This allows us to give our clients top-notch representation and personal attention.”
From Claim to Resolution: What to Expect
At Legal Grit, the process for handling a hurricane insurance case starts with open communication and understanding. Jesse lays out the steps:
- Listen to your story
- Evaluate your claim
- Figure out the cost to fix your property
- Challenge the insurance company’s assessment
- Connect you with estimators and professional engineers if needed
Legal Grit tries to give the insurance company a chance to do the right thing and settle the claim fairly. But if the insurance company doesn’t step up, Legal Grit is legally required to let them know a lawsuit is coming, giving them one more chance to act. Depending on how they respond, Legal Grit will work closely with you to figure out the best way forward.
Picking the Right Insurance Company
When you’re shopping for insurance policies, it’s important to do your homework and choose a reputable, reliable insurance provider. Jesse offers some valuable advice, warning against surplus lines insurers. He explains, “Surplus lines insurers have less oversight from the state, which can lead to policy clauses that aren’t great for policyholders.”
To find out if an insurance company falls into this category:
- Check the Office of Insurance Regulation website
- Do a search for the insurance company
- The site will tell you if the insurer is classified as a surplus lines insurer
Jesse also recommends working with an insurance broker you trust and who knows their stuff, as they can provide crucial information and guidance in selecting the right insurance policy.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with hurricane insurance in Florida can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect yourself and your property. Remember to:
- Review your policy regularly
- Document everything
- Don’t be afraid to seek legal help if you’re not getting a fair shake from your insurance company
Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe out there, Florida!