In general, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will pay for hurricane damage in Florida. Flooding may require a separate policy and filing an additional claim depending on how the water damage occurred. Hurricanes are among the most destructive types of natural disasters and they occur fairly regularly in our state. In addition to massive amounts of rain and flash flooding, there are also intense winds and a storm surge that can inundate inland areas. It is essential to understand your insurance coverage and any exclusions before a hurricane damages your property. So who pays for Florida hurricane damage if you do not have adequate coverage? You will get stuck with the bill.
You May Need to File More Than One Insurance Claim After a Florida Hurricane
Homeowner’s insurance coverage is the primary way to pay for hurricane damage to property you own in Florida. This type of coverage provides for damage from winds, falling trees, and hail. It also covers your fences, outbuildings, sheds, and other structures on the property, up to the policy limit. If you rent your home, your renter’s insurance will cover the contents of your home only. The property owner should have insurance to cover the structure.
Homeowner’s Insurance Pays for Wind Damage
Most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover wind damage to your home and other structures. However, there may be a separate hurricane deductible you must pay if the damage occurred because of a named storm. This deductible is generally a percentage of the value of your property and may be significantly higher than your normal deductible. Coverage limits are another serious concern. Your insurance company will not payout beyond the coverage limits outlined in your policy. If you need $300,000 to rebuild your home and have a $150,000 limit, you will need to find a way to pay the rest. If your policy limits are too low, you may want to supplement them with a hurricane- or windstorm-specific policy before bad weather arrives.
Separate Flood Insurance Policies May Be Necessary
Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from a flash flood or storm surge. If you are in a flood-prone zone, you should consider investing in a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, sometimes called FEMA insurance. It is important to note, however, that your homeowner’s insurance policy will likely cover water damage that occurs because of damage to your roof or siding. Review your policy carefully to ensure this is the case.
Your Auto Insurer May Pay for Vehicle Damage
Your homeowner’s insurance generally will not pay out to cover the damage to a car, truck, van, or another vehicle. You will need to file a claim based on your comprehensive auto insurance coverage if you carry this type of policy.
Getting Your Payout for Florida Hurricane Damages Is Not Always Easy
At the Landau Law Group, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to try to recover the money you deserve after a Florida hurricane. Even though your insurance policy promises you have coverage for the hurricane damage to your home, it is not always easy to get the payout you deserve. Many clients who call us already face:
- Delays in appraising losses or offering payouts
- Lack of organization at the insurance company hindering the claims process
- Mistakes or misinformation from the insurer about what their policy covers
- Lowball repair estimates and appraisals
- Unfair and offensive settlement offers
Our team will review your policies and evaluate your options for free and handle filing your claims for you at no out-of-pocket cost to you. We do not get paid until we recover the insurance payout you deserve. We will do what it takes to secure a fair settlement offer or award on your behalf. Let us fight for the hurricane damage money you deserve based on your insurance policies. Call us today at 866-703-4878 to get started with your complimentary consultation with a member of our team.
Talk to a Florida Hurricane Insurance Lawyer About Your Concerns
At the Landau Law Group, we want to ensure you get the payout you deserve from your insurance company after a Florida hurricane. For many, navigating the insurance claims process is worse than weathering the storm itself. Our Florida hurricane damage claims lawyers can take this task on for you and your family, leaving you to focus on healing from any injuries and getting back to your everyday life. Call us today at 866-703-4878 for a free, no-obligation case review. You owe us nothing until we recover compensation on your behalf.