How long do I have to file a Florida hurricane damage claim?

Understanding the Time Limitations and Steps to Take for a Successful Hurricane Damage Claim in Florida

Hurricanes can cause severe damage to homes and other properties, leaving individuals and families grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. If you’re a Florida resident, you might be wondering how long you have to file a claim for hurricane damage. Filing your claim in a timely manner is crucial to getting the financial assistance you need to repair and rebuild your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore the time limitations for filing a Florida hurricane damage claim, factors that can affect these limitations, and steps you can take to ensure a successful claim.

Time Limitations for Filing a Hurricane Damage Claim in Florida

Florida law requires that insurance companies provide a timeframe for policyholders to report their losses and file a claim. According to Florida statutes, policyholders have up to one year from the date of the hurricane to file a new claim for hurricane damage and 18 months to reopen a claim. However, many insurance policies have specific provisions that shorten this timeframe, so it’s important to read your policy and understand the terms and conditions.

Exceptions to these time limitations may apply in cases of extenuating circumstances such as a declared state of emergency or other unforeseen circumstances that prevented timely filing.

Factors That Can Affect the Time Limitations

Several factors can affect the time limitations for filing a hurricane damage claim in Florida. For example, the type of damage can impact the time limit for filing a claim. In some cases, damage caused by flooding may be covered under a separate flood insurance policy, which may have different filing deadlines.

The terms and conditions of your insurance policy can also affect the time limitations. Policies may include exclusions or limitations that could affect your ability to file a claim, so it’s important to understand the details of your policy.

The nature of the disaster can also impact the time limit for filing a claim. For instance, if the hurricane caused widespread damage, insurance companies may experience delays in processing claims due to high demand.

External factors, such as court decisions or changes in the law, may also impact the time limitations for filing a hurricane damage claim.

Steps to Take After a Hurricane

To ensure a successful claim, it’s essential to take the right steps after a hurricane. Here are some important steps to take:

• Report the loss to your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Document the damage by taking photographs and videos of the damage to your property.
• Communicate with your insurance company to ensure that you understand the process for filing a claim and to provide any additional information requested.
• Seek legal advice if necessary. A qualified hurricane damage attorney can help you navigate the claims process, review your policy, and represent you in negotiations with the insurance company.

Florida Hurricane Damage Insurance Lawyers

Filing a claim for hurricane damage can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, it’s crucial to file in a timely manner to ensure that you receive the financial assistance you need to rebuild and repair your home. Understanding the time limitations, factors that can affect those limitations, and taking the right steps after a hurricane can help ensure a successful claim. 

At Landau Law, we have vast experience helping clients with hurricane damage insurance claims. A few recent examples include:

• A settlement of over $850k was obtained for a single residence severely damaged in Hurricane Michael. The insurance company failed to timely communicate and fairly adjust the claim and had paid nothing until we were brought on board. We obtained the full policy limits.
• A settlement of over $500k was obtained for a large condominium in downtown Miami which sustained substantial damage including the roof, windows, sliding doors, exterior and interior due to Hurricane Irma. The insurance company had initially admitted there was damage, but they claimed that the amount of damage was less than the deductible.
• $550k obtained through arbitration for a substantial office complex in downtown Miami sustained that suffered extensive damage, including to the roof, windows and interior, due to Hurricane Irma. The claim was initially underpaid by the insurance company.

If you’re having difficulty navigating the claims process or understanding your policy, contact Landau Law today to speak with a qualified attorney who can help you protect your rights and interests.