1. Not getting your property ready 2. Not purchasing Homeowners Insurance, or not notifying the Homeowner’s Insurance Company before the Storm
3. Hurricane Damage Not Being Correctly Documented
4. Communication with the Insurance Company without Counselling and Acceptance of the First Settlement Offer
5. Failure to submit your Hurricane Ian claim at the appropriate time
6. Failure to Reduce Hurricane Damage until Inspection by an Insurance Representative
7. Work with unlicensed contractors
8. Don’t ignore the advice of a hurricane damage attorney
A hurricane or a strong storm can be very frightening. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or unsure about what to do during and after a storm. However, you must be careful not to make any mistakes when filing your Hurricane Ian insurance claims. You may lose your Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim if you don’t follow the steps.
1. You don’t need to get your property ready
To protect your property, you must take proactive steps such as board windows. You must ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secured. Your roof may collapse if the wind and pressure from outside combine with internal pressure. You might consider home improvements such as storm shutters, strengthening garage doors, and setting up roof clips or hurricane anchors if you have the funds. To avoid any damage to your home’s exterior, bring furniture from outside.
These precautions will help protect your home and show your insurance company that you did your best to reduce storm damage. It may also make it easier for you to have your property repaired or your insurance company to settle your storm claim.
2. Not purchasing Homeowners Insurance, or not notifying the Homeowner’s Insurance Company before the Storm
You should now make sure you have hurricane insurance. Alert your insurance provider that you are in the path of a hurricane. You should be able to get instructions from them on how to file a hurricane insurance claim. This includes the numbers and supporting documentation.
3. Not correctly documenting hurricane damage
It is important to keep records during and after a hurricane. Before any damage occurs, homeowners must take photographs of their homes and personal possessions. Make a list of all your possessions.
Take more photos after a hurricane or another storm to show the extent of the damage done to your property, including any structural damage.
4. Communication with the Insurance Company without Counselling and Accepting the First Settlement offer
You should have legal representation before you speak with an insurance provider. A lawyer will help you defend your rights and prevent you from saying anything that might jeopardize the case. Your lawyer will also be aware of the importance of your Hurricane Ian claim. You should also not accept the initial settlement offer from an insurance company as it is likely to be lowball.
5. Failure to submit your Hurricane Ian claim at the appropriate time
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not contacting their homeowner’s insurance provider right away after a hurricane. Some insurance policies may have strict deadlines for filing these types of claims, such as a few weeks to a few years. Let’s suppose you don’t submit your claim within the time frame specified in the contract. In such a situation, the insurance provider will have a strong case against it.
You should also submit a claim immediately, as the situation may change. Your house as a crime scene after a hurricane. As time goes by, it’s more likely that something will change. This could make it harder for you to get fair compensation. Your insurance provider may be able to argue that hurricane-related damage was caused by another event and happened after the disaster.
6. Failure to Reduce Hurricane Damage Until Inspection by an Insurance Representative
After you file a claim, it is your responsibility to prevent any further damage to your property. Don’t wait for the insurance adjuster to inspect your property. Do it immediately. You may also need to use tarps and boards to cover any exposed areas of your house. Make sure you do everything possible to protect your home. Your insurance provider may decline to cover your house if you fail to do so and the property sustains further damage.
7. Work with unlicensed contractors
Make sure the contractor you choose to repair the damage to your home has the right license from the state. A professional contractor is recommended.
- They’re insured.
- They are more likely than not to properly document the work done.
- Contractors without a license may have criminal records, which could pose a danger to your home, family, and even yourself.
- It is possible for unlicensed contractors to not follow regionally specific building codes.
Unlicensed contractors can save you money, but it’s not worth the risk. If you do this, you might end up paying a high price.
8. Don’t ignore the advice of a hurricane damage attorney
Florida homeowners who have legal representation are more likely to receive higher storm damage compensation. A skilled Hurricane Ian lawyer, such McClenny Moseley & Associates PLLC insurance lawyers can help you reach a fair settlement and get you the money you need for your property. Many homeowners avoid hiring an attorney because they believe they have to pay the money. Most Florida hurricane lawyers do not accept any contingency fees. This means that they will not be paid until the lawsuit is resolved. They receive a predetermined percentage in return for their services when they are awarded or settle.
Even if you don’t believe you need a lawyer to represent you, it’s a good idea to have someone who is qualified to review your case and ensure that your insurance company treats you fairly.
The post Mistakes to Avoid when Making a Hurricane Ian Claim originally appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.