Hurricanes and windstorms can cause significant damage to your home or property, and filing an insurance claim can help you recover some of the losses. The process of filing an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to file a hurricane or windstorm insurance claim.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Before you file a claim, review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Typically, homeowner’s insurance covers damage caused by windstorms and hurricanes, but coverage(s) will vary depending on the policy. For example, some policies may cover wind damage, but not flooding caused by a hurricane. To avoid any surprises in the middle of your claim, make sure you know your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Document the Damage
After a hurricane or windstorm, it’s essential to document the damage to your property. Take photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles, both inside and outside your home. If possible, don’t move anything until your insurance adjuster has inspected the damage. This documentation will be crucial for negotiating a fair settlement for your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Under most insurance policies, it is actually your duty as the policyholder to provide prompt notice to the insurance company if you intend to file a claim. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour claims hotline that you can call. Be prepared to provide your policy number, the date and time of the damage, and a brief description of the damage.
Meet with Your Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage to your property. The adjuster will inspect your property, review your policy, and determine the amount of damage covered by your policy. This is an ideal time to consider having representation involved. A competent Public Adjuster or attorney will be able to meet your Insurance Adjuster at the property and walk them through the damage(s), making sure that nothing is missed.
Submit Claim Documentation
Once the adjuster has completed their assessment, your insurance company may still request more documentation in order to process your claim. They may notify you with a letter, known as a Request For Information (RFI) or Reservation of Rights (ROR) Letter. Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company and cooperate within reason to avoid any delays in getting your claim paid.
Negotiate Your Claim
After completing their investigation, your insurance may issue a payment or they can deny coverage. Either way, it is often the case that the first payment made by the insurance will not be enough to cover your damages. This is when the negotiation process begins and having contractor estimates, expert reports, and proper representation becomes all the more relevant.
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