Florida residents who have been impacted by a hurricane could experience significant commercial or residential property damage. While insurance companies may cover some or all of the cost of such damage, this isn’t always true. The first step a property owner should take is to read his or her policy to determine what is covered and what isn’t. Generally speaking, flood insurance is sold separate from homeowners or similar policies.
The policy should explain the procedure for making a claim and how long a policyholder has to make it. Furthermore, it should explain whether there is a deductible and how much it is. A deductible is the amount a policyholder must pay before the insurance company is liable for covering additional costs.
Property owners may want to take pictures or videos of their homes and businesses as soon as possible after a storm. This will help to verify that damage was caused by the storm as opposed to another event. It’s also important to take steps to prevent further damage if possible after a storm hits. This could mean putting wet items outside to dry so that they don’t get moldy or allow mold to spread to other surfaces. When making a claim, be sure to ask if the insurance provider has any concerns that need to be addressed immediately.
If a property experiences roof damage or other destruction in a storm, an insurance policy may provide adequate coverage. In the event that a claim is denied, however, a policyholder could benefit from hiring an attorney. This may make it easier to negotiate with the insurance company or take other steps to compel payment for what a policy covers. These steps might include mediation, arbitration or a formal trial.