If you’re one of the many people who were affected by Hurricane Ian this year, you know that the process of filing an insurance claim can be a long and frustrating one. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help increase the settlement amount you receive from your insurer.
The following tips are just a few that can help you increase your settlement amount and get the money that you are rightfully owed after diligently paying into your insurance policy for years. Of course, this does not play a factor in the adjuster’s goal, which is to settle your claim for as little as is reasonably possible while avoiding any future issues.
Document Everything
One of the best things you can do is to document everything. This includes taking photos or videos of the damage to your home or business and keeping receipts for any repairs or replacements you’ve had to make. This documentation will give your insurer a clear picture of the extent of the damage and will help them determine a fair settlement amount. They will also help your attorney reach a complete understanding of what you are rightfully owed for your claim.
It can also be helpful to document any conversations you’ve had with repair people, specialists, and any other professional who has given you feedback, estimates, or quotes for necessary work. It isn’t uncommon for an insurance adjuster to overlook or accidentally omit important information, so having your own documentation can be a valuable way to ensure that all the relevant details are considered when settling your claim.
Get Multiple Estimates
When you’re dealing with repairs or replacements, always get multiple estimates from different contractors. This will help establish a fair price range for the work that needs to be done, and it will also give you some negotiating power when it comes to dealing with your insurer. It’s important to understand what the upper and lower estimates for the work look like so you clearly understand which ranges the adjuster is basing your settlement offer on.
Keep in mind that the lowest estimate isn’t always the best option, as this could be a sign that the contractor is cutting corners or using lower-quality materials. Instead, focus on finding a middle ground between the highest and lowest estimates that still fall within your budget.
Have Patience
It’s also important to be patient when dealing with your insurer. The claims process can take weeks or even months to complete, so it’s important to be patient and understand that they are working as quickly as possible to get you the money you deserve. This is especially true after a major event like Hurricane Ian, where tens of thousands of claims will be submitted in a short time — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Suppose you are working with an attorney (the last tip in this list, and also the most important). In that case, they will help you understand what you can expect from the timeline of your claim and will be able to give you a better idea of when you might realistically see a settlement.
Of course, there is no surefire way to guarantee that you’ll get the full settlement amount you’re entitled to from your insurer. However, following these tips can help increase the chances that you’ll receive a fair settlement that covers the cost of all necessary repairs or replacements.
Ask Questions
Also, talk to your insurance agent about the process and see if they have any insight into how other claims have been handled in the aftermath of Ian. This won’t necessarily help you get more money for your claim, but it will help you understand what the other side of your claim process looks like in terms of the volume of claims and how they are being settled.
While asking questions may not directly lead to a higher settlement, your insurance agent may be able to give you some insights as to how other people have fared in similar situations.
Keep all of these factors in mind as you work through your hurricane insurance claim, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. The most important thing is that you get the money you need to repair or replace your home or business so you can return to your life as soon as possible.
Get a Lawyer
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if you feel like you’re not getting a fair settlement from your insurer, don’t be afraid to hire an insurance claims attorney. These professionals are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and will fight to get you the money you deserve. They will also be able to help you understand the claims process and what you can do to increase your chances of a successful claim.
Not only that, but an attorney can also help with things like documenting damage, getting multiple estimates, and dealing with your insurer. In short, they will handle everything related to your claim so that you can focus on rebuilding your life after the hurricane.
In some cases, they may be able to appeal your insurer’s decision or even take them to court if necessary. While this may seem like a drastic step, it’s important to remember that you have the right to get a fair settlement from your insurance company, and an attorney can help you get it. You do not deserve to take on the financial burden for things that are supposed to be covered by your insurance policy, and your lawyer will be prepared to fight to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
While there is no guarantee that you’ll receive a higher settlement amount by hiring an attorney, it’s certainly worth considering if you want to give yourself the best possible chance at receiving the full amount you’re entitled to.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Connect With an Attorney
1-800-Injured is an attorney referral service that connects people with attorneys who can help them through insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and more. To be connected with a hurricane lawyer who is ready to help you with your hurricane settlement, contact us as soon as possible and we will schedule a free consultation on your behalf.
Remember, if you’ve been affected by Hurricane Ian, you’re not alone. There are many other people in the same situation, and there are resources available to help you through the claims process. With a little patience and perseverance — and perhaps some legal support— you should be able to get the money you deserve from your insurance company.
The sooner you contact 1-800-Injured, the sooner we can get started on connecting you with the right attorney for your case. Once your attorney has taken over your insurance claim, you will be able to stay focused on getting the rest of your life back on track after this devastating storm. This is a difficult time for many, and if learning all about the nuances of insurance claims is not something that you feel you have the time for, then partnering with a lawyer is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. Even someone well-versed in insurance may find it nearly impossible to handle their own claim while dealing with the aftermath of this historic hurricane.