Hurricane Earl is one of the names given by the National Meteorological Center for this year’s upcoming Atlantic hurricanes or tropical storms. While we don’t yet know whether or not Hurricane Earl will form or impact Florida, it’s important to know how you can prepare and what to expect if you need to file a claim with your hurricane insurance policy. This is critical to ensuring you get the coverage you need to rebuild and recover.
Unfortunately, many home and business owners find that the application process is much more complicated than they expected, especially after diligently paying premiums for years.
Steps For Filing a Hurricane Insurance Claim
If you need to file a claim, it is easy to quickly feel overwhelmed by the process. Here are a few steps to get you started in the right direction:
- Contact your insurance agent or broker. They will be able to guide you through the next steps and put you in touch with the right people at your insurance company.
- Gather all relevant documentation, including pictures of the damage, repair estimates, and any other records that will support your claim.
- Be prepared to answer questions about the hurricane itself (e.g., date, time, location, intensity, etc.) as well as the specific damages that were sustained.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional if you need it. Hurricane insurance claims can be complex, and there’s no shame in seeking assistance from someone who knows the ins and outs of the process. 1-800-Injured can connect you with a hurricane claims attorney who will be able to help you get through this process successfully.
Tips for Filing Your Claim
Here are some important tips for filing a successful hurricane insurance claim:
Understand your policy: Before you can start the claims process, it’s important that you thoroughly understand your hurricane insurance policy. What types of damage does it cover? What are the deadlines for filing a claim? What is the process for appeals? Knowing the answers to these questions (and more) will help you navigate the claims process much more smoothly.
Don’t wait to file: It’s important to file your hurricane insurance claim as soon as possible after the damage has occurred. Not only do most policies have strict deadlines for filing, but it will also be easier to gather the necessary documentation if you act quickly.
Be thorough: When you’re documenting the damage sustained during the hurricane, it’s important to be as thorough as possible. Include pictures, repair estimates, and anything else that will support your claim. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of getting the coverage you need.
Be patient: The claims process can be lengthy, and it’s important to be patient throughout. In most cases, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the amount of coverage you’re entitled to. This can take some time, so it’s important to be patient and keep in mind that the process is designed to ensure that you get the coverage you need.
Lawyer up: Hurricane insurance claims can be complex, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you need it. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that you get the coverage you need to rebuild and recover.
If you or someone you know gets affected by Hurricane Earl this season and needs help filing an insurance claim, 1-800-Injured can put you in touch with a hurricane claims attorney who can assist you.
We will schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney in your area.