Your Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Insurance Claims

Hurricanes can cause massive destruction, and the property damage can be overwhelming. Most home and business owners have some form of property insurance, but unfortunately, insurance companies aren't always quick to pay what you’re owed after a storm.

If your property suffered damage in a hurricane or tropical storm and your insurance company is denying or undervaluing your claim, it’s crucial to contact an attorney right away. They can figure out how much you’re really owed and negotiate with the insurance company for full compensation. If the insurance company still won’t pay, a good attorney will take them to court — and you won’t pay a dime unless they recover money for you.

Here’s how you can boost your chances of getting compensated for property damage caused by a hurricane or tropical storm.

Preparing for a Hurricane

Before a storm hits, there are steps you can take to make sure you’re ready for a successful insurance claim:

1. Check Your Insurance Policy: Make sure your policy is active and see exactly what it covers, including the deductible. If it’s lapsed, renew it right away.
2. Get Flood Insurance: Most homeowners policies cover wind damage but not flooding. To prevent the insurance company from arguing about the cause of the damage, get a flood insurance policy.
3. Photograph Your Property: Take wide and close-up photos of both the interior and exterior of your home or business. Store these photos online as proof that the damage occurred during the storm.

These actions will put you in a better position to get the money you need to recover after a hurricane.

Recovering From a Hurricane

After the storm, if your property is damaged, there are more steps to take to strengthen your insurance claim:

1. Take More Photos and Keep Records: Use your “before” photos and now take “after” photos to show the damage. Document everything, inside and out, and make a list of all the damages.
2. Protect Your Property: Cover any damage with a tarp to prevent further loss. Insurance companies might claim that additional damage was your fault if you don’t protect your property.
3. File Your Claim Quickly: Most insurance policies require you to file a claim promptly, often within a week or two. Check your policy and file the claim as soon as possible.

By following these steps, it will be harder for the insurance company to deny your claim.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Even if you do everything right, your insurance company might still deny, delay, or undervalue your claim. They might:

• Delay processing or payment
• Argue that certain damages aren’t covered
• Demand you sign a release for supplemental claims
• Make lowball offers
• Pressure you to accept an unfair offer

If you face these issues, contact a hurricane property damage attorney. They can evaluate your claim, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

How to Get Started

If your property has been damaged and your insurance company is denying or undervaluing your claim, reach out to Morgan & Morgan. We’ve been fighting insurance companies for over 35 years and have recovered more than $20 billion for our clients. As America’s largest personal injury law firm, we have the resources to take on big insurance companies. Best of all, it costs nothing upfront to hire us, and we only get paid if you win.

Even if the insurance company told you “No,” you might still have a case. Contact us today.