Hurricanes are among nature's most destructive forces, capable of devastating homes and entire communities in just a few hours. The resulting property loss and emotional toll can be overwhelming. While having a homeowners insurance policy might offer some peace of mind, issues arise if your insurer denies your claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, leaving many property owners—who have diligently paid their premiums—without the compensation they need to recover from a disaster.
Don’t let this happen to you.
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, it’s crucial to secure your property and ensure your insurance policy is comprehensive. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a major storm and how to fight for the compensation you deserve if your property is damaged.
If you’ve been hit by a hurricane and are having trouble getting your insurance claim paid, contact an attorney immediately. Our Morgan & Morgan hurricane insurance recovery group lawyers can help you recover the money you need to rebuild.
The Five Categories of Hurricanes
Hurricanes bring strong winds and heavy rains, often leaving behind scenes that resemble war zones. The extent of the damage depends on the hurricane's strength, determined by the storm’s wind speed. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale outlines the damage expected at each level:
Category 1: Winds above 74 mph. Causes damage to roofs, shingles, siding, gutters, and power lines, potentially resulting in power outages.
Category 2: Winds above 96 mph. Leads to major roof and siding damage, uproots trees, and severely damages power lines.
Category 3: Winds above 111 mph. Uproots deeper-rooted trees and almost certainly knocks out electricity and water.
Category 4: Winds above 131 mph. Severely damages homes by ripping off roofs and exterior walls, snaps trees, and downs power poles, complicating rescue efforts.
Category 5: Winds above 155 mph. Destroys well-built homes, causing total roof failure and wall collapse, topples deep-rooted trees, and turns street signs into dangerous projectiles. Heavy rains can cause severe flooding, especially with slow-moving storms.
Steps to Take Before a Hurricane
Prepare for a hurricane by watching our video and downloading our FREE Storm Guide, featuring tips from a leading hurricane attorney.
Steps to Take After a Hurricane
Even with the best preparations, hurricanes often leave behind damage. Here’s what to do if your home or business is affected:
Cover Up Your Damaged Property: Use tarps to prevent further water damage. Insurance companies might deny your claim if additional damage occurs because you didn't protect your property.
Document Everything: Take wide-angle photos of your property, then move in for detailed shots. Create a written inventory of damaged items to support your claim.
File Your Insurance Claim Promptly: Most policies require fast action after storm damage. Submit your claim quickly to avoid complications.
Contact a Hurricane Insurance Claim Attorney
If your home or business has suffered hurricane damage and your insurance company is denying, delaying, or lowballing your claim, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation. With over 35 years of experience and more than $20 billion recovered for our clients, we know how to take on insurance companies. It costs nothing to get started, and we only get paid if we successfully resolve your case. Don't give up just because your insurance company said "No." Contact us today.
What Does My Insurance Cover?
Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, while flood insurance is usually purchased separately. Coverage details vary by state, so familiarize yourself with your policy and state insurance rules.
In Florida, for example, homeowners insurance covers wind damage but has a special hurricane deductible based on the policy amount. Other states have different rules, which can lead to confusion and exploitation by insurance companies. Read your policy thoroughly to know what's covered and what might require a separate policy.
What Tactics Can I Expect From My Insurance Company?
Insurance companies may use various tactics to avoid paying for storm damage:
- Denial of coverage existence
- Claim exclusion or partial exclusion under your policy
- Delayed claim processing
- Forcing settlements under less favorable coverage categories
- Offering undervalued settlements
- Suggesting you don't need a lawyer
- Requiring a release of any supplemental claim for payment
- Marking checks as “full” or “final” when you have additional claims
If you encounter any of these issues, handling them alone can be challenging. Contact us for a free, no-risk case evaluation. We’re here to hold insurance companies accountable and help you get your life back on track.
Is There a Deadline for Taking Legal Action?
There may be various deadlines under state law or your policy terms. If you’re having trouble with your claim, don’t wait. Call us right away to see if we can help resolve your hurricane or storm damage claim.