After a hurricane, a homeowner or business owner who has suffered damage to their property will commonly file a claim against their homeowners’ or business insurance. Once submitted, an adjuster has 14 days to issue a response, and in most cases, has 90 days to make at least a partial payment. However, does this mean you can expect to have the money in your account within 90 days of initiating your claim? Well, the answer to that question depends on whether or not you want to get all of the money you are owed because blindly following a claims adjuster through the process is an easy way to end up with much less than the money you actually deserve.
Remember: insurance companies, like all companies, are in the business of making money, and paying full amounts on claims is not profitable. That is why it is important to negotiate with the adjuster and understand what you are entitled to receive to ensure you get all of the money you deserve. However, keep in mind that this will push your 90-day timeline back, perhaps indefinitely.
For example, if a claim is denied, you may want to know what your options are for appealing the decision or negotiating a settlement. Additionally, suppose an offer made by an adjuster is less than what you think you deserve. In that case, it is important to know how to evaluate the estimate properly and whether or not it is worth countering the offer.
Ultimately, while an insurance adjuster may have 90 days to respond to a hurricane claim at least partially, that does not mean that your process will follow the same timeline. Depending on the complexity of the claim, you may spend much longer than 90 days trying to get all the money you deserve. Therefore, it is worth understanding your rights and options for maximizing your compensation so that you can get what you are owed in a timely manner.
The First Offer Usually Isn’t The Best Offer
Remember: always take the time to understand your rights, research your options and negotiate with the adjuster to get all the money you deserve. Additionally, it is important not to accept any offers until you have done your due diligence. The first offer from an insurance adjuster is usually not the best offer, so don’t be afraid to counteroffer and make sure you get what you are owed. With proper research and negotiation, you can ensure that your hurricane claim gets settled fairly.
Take the Steps To Get the Money You Deserve For Your Hurricane Claim
As we’ve already established, there is a pathway toward an insurance payment within 90 days of initiating your claim. The problem is this: if you accept a payment, you will be required to waive your rights to any additional payment, meaning that if you don’t get the full amount of money you deserve, you will not be entitled to ask for more — even if new information arises down the road, or you realize that you are in a difficult financial position once you’ve used all of the funds. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to maximize your claim and get the money you deserve.
Hiring a hurricane claims lawyer is one of the best ways to make sense of your situation. They can help you understand your policy coverage and how your damages are handled under your policy. Furthermore, they will be able to handle all of the administrative steps, including communications with your adjuster, filing paperwork, gathering and submitting evidence, and negotiating for a fair settlement.
If your attorney is unable to reach an agreement during settlement negotiations, the next step may be to file a lawsuit in the Florida courts. This is usually seen as a final option, as trials are both time-consuming and risky. Still, if your attorney believes that you are rightfully owed substantially more than the insurer is willing to pay out, this may be the best option. And even though you are filing a lawsuit, this does not mean that you will ultimately make it to trial. Many cases are settled during the discovery period.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation For a Hurricane Claim?
Ultimately, while an insurance adjuster may have 90 days to respond to a hurricane claim, it is important to understand that this does not mean your process will follow the same timeline. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you could end up spending much longer than 90 days trying to get a fair payment.
The best way to make sense of your situation and reach an equitable resolution is to hire an attorney to help you navigate the process. They will be able to evaluate your claim, assess your rights, handle all of the administrative steps, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. They may also be able to file a lawsuit if necessary to maximize your compensation.
1-800-Injured is a lawyer and medical referral service that can connect you with an attorney for a free consultation. During your consultation, you will be able to go through all of the details of your case and understand what steps need to be taken to receive compensation for your hurricane claim. Even something as simple as speaking with an attorney can help you better understand your rights and options and help you receive the money you deserve.
To learn more about how a lawyer can assist with hurricane claims, contact 1-800-Injured today for a free consultation.