How to File an Insurance Claim After a Hurricane?

Hurricanes can result in severe damage to property. Understanding the requirements for filing insurance claims for hurricane damages can be confusing, especially if it is your first time.

But, if you break it down into smaller steps, it should be easy enough. Remember that you must make a claim on time and submit all the required documents. You should also get assistance from an insurance attorney to get maximum compensation for the damages caused by the hurricane. Here are the steps you need to follow to file an insurance claim after a hurricane. 

Steps to Take Before Filing a Claim 

It would help if you did a few things before starting an insurance claim, such as notifying the insurance company about the damages and letting them know that you wish to file a claim. You may also request emergency assistance from the insurance company. 

You should also take photos and videos of the damage caused by the hurricane, as such evidence might be needed for the claim. Another thing you must do is to keep all damaged items as evidence. Having sufficient evidence of the damage could allow you to recover maximum compensation. 

Initiate an Insurance Claim

You can file your insurance claim online, but ensure that you file it immediately after the hurricane takes place. Your insurance company could be receiving a lot of claims during the hurricane season, so it is best to be prompt with your claim to avoid delays. 

The next thing you should do is check your insurance policy. Reviewing your insurance policy can help you determine what kind of damages are covered through this insurance and if there are any damages you have to pay for out of pocket. 

You can review the insurance policy documents at home or reach out to your agent online and ask them to walk you through the policy limits. Reviewing your policy will also let you know if there is a hurricane deductible. You would have to pay the deductible before your insurance covers the rest.   

Meet Your Insurance Adjuster 

The insurance company can send an adjuster to record all the damages you sustained to draft a settlement offer. Once the insurance adjuster arrives, they can inform you which damages would be covered by the insurance company and which you have to pay out of pocket. According to Florida Home Claim, P.A., this is a good time to get in touch with an insurance attorney to ensure you are not being given an unreasonably low offer. 

You may also have to meet up with more than one insurance adjuster due to different kinds of damages resulting from the hurricane. You can also consider hiring a public adjuster to help you manage the claim effectively. 

One difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster is that the former works for you, not the insurance company, so they can negotiate your claim on your behalf and get you maximum compensation. After the adjuster has done their job, your insurance company could share the contact information of recommended contractors for repair work.  

Wait for the Contractor to Arrive 

You can hire a contractor of your choice; however, you would have to get your insurer’s approval as they might only offer coverage if you choose from their network. You could follow your insurance company’s recommendation if the repair estimates are reasonable. 

 You would have to wait for the contractor to arrive due to the high demand for contractors during the hurricane season. Sometimes, your insurance company can also reimburse you for additional costs accumulated due to the wait for repairs. 

Collect Your Claim 

Your insurance company can issue payment if you approve of the settlement offer. Sometimes insurance companies have to pay directly to the construction company responsible for repairs. You must ensure that you are satisfied with the job done by the insurance company before you authorize any payments. 

Reopen The Claim If You Discover Additional Damage 

Once the insurance company pays a claim, it is considered closed. However, if you discover any new damage from the original event, you could file another claim or get the previous claim reopened. You can check the insurance laws to see how long you have to start another insurance claim. After the claim is reopened, your insurance company can provide you with another settlement for property damage.

Similar Stories