Florida Hurricane Insurance Lawyer
If you have suffered a loss due to a hurricane in Florida and you do not know where to begin, trust the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., to assist you. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, frustrating, and confusing. Without representation, you might not be fully compensated. Call us at (239) 900-3255.
Hurricanes are some of the most devastating natural disasters to hit Florida. Damages can include broken windows, debris cleanup, flooding, structural damage – your entire roof could even blow off. Few people realize that you can be compensated for damage caused by hurricanes and other types of natural disasters. Your insurance may or may not provide reimbursement for the necessary repairs.
Homeowners and other property owners are often uninformed about their rights and what to expect after a hurricane. Not having the guidance and knowledge of what is possible for you can allow insurance companies to take advantage. Expert representation from experienced hurricane insurance lawyers, like at our firm, can help you navigate your policy, the claims process, and the law.
How Can We Help File a Claim Dispute?
Our attorneys can review your policy and determine your coverage and any payments the company is required to make. Attorneys can also conduct a thorough investigation of previous and current home inspections, audits, and other documentation on your home, which can be helpful in settling your claim.
We understand that dealing with an insurance company can be difficult. These companies have made the process of filing and collecting claims a time-consuming task with the hope that most policyholders will drop their claims, especially after being denied compensation. Our goal is to simplify the claim dispute process for you and to ensure homeowners receive the maximum amount available under their insurance policies.
Why Would My Dispute Be Denied If I Suffered Damages?
If your claim has been denied, the first thing you should know is that insurance companies are for-profit businesses; it is in their best interest to avoid paying claims. If your home has been damaged, the insurance company may offer a low settlement or deny the claim entirely to avoid depleting their cash reserves. To avoid paying claims, the insurance company may try to categorize damages as exceeding the scope of the policy. They may blame the damage on factors other than those covered by the policy or offer a low settlement if they believe it is a legitimate, unavoidable claim.
For example, roof damage is often the subject of dispute between insurance companies and homeowners. The homeowner will file a claim that the roof was damaged by hail, wind, or a natural disaster, while the insurance company will claim that the damage is due to wear and tear – which is not covered by the policy. This disagreement is not uncommon in claims disputes, including those involving hurricane damage.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hurricane Repairs:
- DO take pictures of your damage
- DO NOT assign or endorse your insurance proceeds to a General Contractor or anyone else
- DO get a lien waiver or do not work with that Contractor
- DO NOT pay in full up front – pay small performance deposits that they can draw from
- DO your research – get referrals from friends on who to use to make your repairs, check them for licensure and insurance
Additional Resources
For local resources, counseling and additional information, please follow this link 4673 | FEMA.gov to the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Contact an Experienced Florida Hurricane Insurance Lawyer
Repairs to your home can be unimaginably expensive, even if you do not have Homeowners’, Renter’s or Flood Insurance, we may be able to help. If you believe your insurance company is giving you misinformation about your policy coverage, has wrongfully denied your claim or has offered less than what you deserve, please call us at (239) 500-5000 or contact us online.
