After hurricane strikes in Florida, homeowners and business owners often face overwhelming property damage, flooding, and financial uncertainty. Filing hurricane insurance claims quickly and correctly is critical to recovering your losses and rebuilding your home or business as soon as possible. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, we have extensive experience in dealing with and negotiating with insurance companies. We know how they think and the tactics they often use to reduce or avoid paying claims. We can help guide you through every step of the claims process. The following is a high level overview of what to do after the storm.
Step 1: Survey and Document Hurricane Damage
Before beginning any repairs, thoroughly document all storm-related damage to support your filing hurricane insurance claims:
- Take photos and videos of interior and exterior damage, including structural issues, roof damage, water intrusion, and destroyed belongings.
- Use clear angles and timestamps where possible.
- A home or business inventory list, especially one created before the storm, can be very helpful in proving losses.
Your visual evidence will be essential when filing hurricane insurance claims and can help prevent your insurer from undervaluing or denying your damages.
Step 2: Identify All Applicable Insurance Policies
Hurricane-related damage may fall under multiple types of coverage:
- Homeowners Insurance – Typically covers wind damage, broken windows, roof leaks, and structural issues caused by flying debris.
- Flood Insurance – (A separate policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program) is required to cover damage caused by rising water or storm surge, which is not covered by standard homeowners insurance.
- Commercial Property Insurance – For business owners, coverage may include building damage, inventory loss, and business interruption.
- Auto Insurance – If your vehicle was damaged during the hurricane, comprehensive coverage may apply.
Gather and review these policies before filing your hurricane insurance claims to determine which coverages apply to your losses. If you like, our legal team would be happy to help you identify the coverage that you have and assist in filing claims with the proper carrier.
Step 3: Prevent Further Damage and Save Receipts
Take steps to protect your property from further damage:
- Make temporary repairs such as boarding windows, placing tarps on roofs, or pumping out water to prevent additional losses.
- Save all receipts for materials and labor related to emergency repairs. These costs may be reimbursed by your insurer.
- Do not discard damaged items until a claims adjuster has inspected them and documented your losses.
Preventive action is not only smart, it’s often required to avoid claim denial for “failure to mitigate damages.”
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Prompt reporting is essential when filing hurricane insurance claims in Florida:
- Call your insurance company as soon as you’re safe and able.
- Provide your policy number, the date and type of storm damage, and a general description of your losses.
- Ask for details; your claim number, deadlines, and when to expect an insurance adjuster.
- Complete a Proof of Loss form, which outlines the scope of damage and the estimated cost of repairs.
Delays in filing hurricane insurance claims can result in delayed or denied compensation.
Step 5: Understand Your Rights and Seek Legal Help If Needed
Insurance companies don’t always act in good faith. If your claim is underpaid, delayed, or denied, you don’t have to face the battle alone.
McGRATH GIBSON LAW can help:
- Evaluate your hurricane policy and explain your coverage details and rights in filing hurricane insurance claims.
- Assist with filing hurricane insurance claims and disputing underpayment or denial of payment.
- Negotiating with insurers and represent you in litigation if necessary.
Get a Free Policy Review or Hurricane Claim Evaluation
If you’ve suffered property damage from a hurricane, don’t wait to take action. Let our experienced attorneys help you navigate the complex process of filing hurricane insurance claims in Florida and ensure that you are properly compensated for your loses. Call McGRATH GIBSON LAW today at (904) 358-3300 for a free consultation and policy review.
