Tips on filing Hurricane Ian insurance claims in Florida

Hurricane Ian hit Florida with a ferocity that left homeowners and business owners scrambling to put the pieces back together.

Insurance companies have provided help to some but not always with the level of support needed.

Hurricane Ian victims face an additional challenge as unscrupulous individuals, including dishonest claims adjusters, roofing contractors, and fly-by-night lawyers, try to exploit their vulnerability. Thankfully, there are tips that Florida residents looking to file an insurance claim for a hurricane can take to protect themselves and get the fairest settlement possible.

Patience Is Essential

Hurricane Ian quickly laid waste to countless homes and businesses in Florida. In an ideal world, hurricane victims could recoup what they lost just as quickly.

However, the reality is that recouping hurricane damage losses can be long and complicated. It includes cleaning up, contracting construction workers, and dealing with insurance claims. With so many properties destroyed, insurance companies can take days or weeks before they are even able to inspect damaged property.

Patience does not mean being idle. While waiting for an insurance adjuster to come, make sure to document all of the damage. Take steps to prevent further damage. Document all the money you have spent to repair your home or mitigate further damage. This includes recording the expense of moving to an alternate temporary location if hurricane Ian left your home uninhabitable.

Having patience means being patient with yourself as well. Surviving a hurricane and dealing with its aftermath is emotionally exhausting. No matter how it may seem, remember you are not the only one going through this. Your entire community is dealing with similar challenges. Give yourself a chance to breathe and appreciate that progress is being made even if things aren’t moving as quickly as you would like.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Hurricane insurance claims are big business. As a result, unscrupulous people abound. Even before hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida, roofing companies, insurance consulting, and law firms were offering free case reviews, and other too-good-to-be-true offers were circulating.

Remember, anything that sounds too good to be true usually is. Protect yourself from scammers by talking with your insurance carrier or patron’s office.

Scammers take advantage of vulnerability and anxiousness. Remember, you have two years to report your claim. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, people with life-threatening damage will call these phone lines. This doesn’t mean that you should wait forever. The sooner you call, the closer your case will be to the front of the line.

You don’t have to settle if you feel like your insurance company is mistreating you, denying a legitimate insurance claim for hurricane damage, or lowballing you. Talk to our attorneys at The Landau Law Group. We are a permanent Florida fixture who can help you avoid scams and get the compensation you are owed for your loss.

Tips on Filing Hurricane Ian Insurance Claims in Florida

Here are a few tips to help you successfully file a hurricane damage insurance claim in Florida.

1. File an Insurance Claim

This step might seem obvious. However, if you don’t file a claim, your insurance company will not know that you need help, and you won’t get the compensation you deserve. Be patient because insurance companies are busy, so you may have to wait in line for an extended time.

2. Mitigate Damage

This means putting tarps on the roof and covering broken windows as long as you can do so safely. If you don’t prevent further damage to your property, your claim could get denied. Keep detailed records of the money you spend during this process.

3. Document Everything

Pictures and videos of water level damage and damage to your home will make it easier for you to get insurance reimbursements. Photograph everything, including the outside and inside of your roof, a water line showing how high the water is, broken windows, holes in the side of your home, and any damage. Keep track of the receipts connected to your relocation. It’s recommended that you pay for things with a credit card as this will help you keep detailed records and receipts for the insurance company.

4. Only Work with Professionals

From your insurance adjuster to your lawyer to your roofer, only work with people authorized by Florida law to do the job. You can verify you’re working with professionals by visiting the website www.beclaimsmart.com.

Attorneys Who Support Hurricane Ian Victims

At The Landau Law Group, we have decades of experience helping hurricane victims deal with insurance companies and getting fair compensation for their losses. We look forward to being advocates for you and your family.