Hurricane Milton: How to Maximize Your Insurance Claim After Back-to-Back Storms
The devastation of Hurricane Milton was compounded by the fact that it came within two weeks of Hurricane Helene. The devastation is catastrophic in some areas. Homeowners and businesses are facing insurance nightmares.
According to Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies are treating Hurricanes Milton and Helene as separate events. Therefore, your claim could be denied if you did not or could not document the damage from Hurricane Helene. Furthermore, many people do not have flood insurance, which presents other problems.
If your property sustained damage from Hurricanes Milton or Helene, these tips for maximizing your insurance claim could help you recover the funds you need to rebuild and recover.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Review your insurance policy to confirm the types of coverage included in the policy, deductibles, exclusions, and deadlines. If you do not have a copy of the entire policy, contact your insurance agent to obtain a copy. Some insurance companies have summaries of their policies online, but it is best to review the actual policy to confirm the information.
Prevent Further Damage
Most insurance policies require owners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Therefore, you may need to cover holes in the roof or windows that were broken during the storm. Keep detailed records of your efforts and the expenses you incur.
Document Damages
As soon as possible, document the damage to your property. Take photographs and videos. The more evidence you have of the damage, the better your chances of maximizing your insurance claim. You should also create a log of all personal property damaged or lost because of the storm.
Keep Receipts and Proof of Expenses
Your insurance policy may cover a variety of expenses related to the storm damage. Document all the money you have spent or lost because of the hurricanes. Note the date, amount, reason, and party paid for each expense. Keep receipts to prove you incurred the expenses.
Meet With the Insurance Adjuster at Your Home
If possible, meet the insurance adjuster at your home. Point out the damage that the adjuster may overlook. Ask the adjuster how much experience they have handling disaster claims as severe as hurricane damage. If the adjuster has little to no experience with large claims, they might underestimate damages or fail to note all damages covered by your policy.
Filing Insurance Claims for Back-to-Back Hurricanes
Filing an insurance claim quickly can help maximize damages if another storm or disaster occurs before your home is repaired. The insurance company may deny your claim for the first storm, stating that the second storm caused the damage. Depending on the cause of the damage, your insurance policy might not cover damages from the first storm.
Should I Hire a Jacksonville Property Damage Attorney?
Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming. The legal language in insurance policies can be confusing. The insurance company may try to undervalue your damages. If you are unfamiliar with the claims process or your rights, you may make a mistake that gives the company a reason to deny your claim. A property damage lawyer understands the claims process and the law governing property damage claims. They have the resources to fight the insurance company. An attorney also understands the best way to maximize insurance claims, especially when dealing with back-to-back hurricanes.
Contact the Jacksonville Personal Injury Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167