Hurricane Julia is a potential hurricane for the 2022 season that Florida may need to prepare for. Whie Julia is only a name on the World Meteorological Organization’s list of future names right now, it’s important to know what to do in the event that your home or business experiences the impact of any storm this year. We put together this guide to help you plan to get through the season safely and confidently with your insurance.
Understanding the Hurricane Claim Process
If your property is damaged in a storm, then you will need to file a claim against your hurricane insurance policy. Unfortunately, many people are shocked to discover that their hurricane insurance policy doesn’t cover as much as they thought it would — something you don’t want to deal with once you need the policy you’ve paid for diligently over the years.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and when a hurricane like Julia results in hundreds or thousands of claims all at once, adjusters spring into action, looking for ways to pay as little as possible while still, technically, fulfilling their obligations to their policyholders. This is typically achieved through the use of “exclusions” — tiny little printouts that list all of the different ways an insurer can deny your claim or reduce the amount they have to pay, as well as a range of other legal manipulation or intimidation tactics that they may use.
If you’re dealing with any hurricane damage and your insurance company is trying to lowball you, don’t take it lying down. Get in touch with a hurricane insurance claim lawyer who can help you understand your policy, file a proper claim, and make sure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy. With an experienced hurricane insurance attorney on your side, you can focus on rebuilding your life — not haggling with insurance adjusters.
Contact 1-800-Injured to connect with a hurricane attorney, and read more below for some tips on getting the most out of your claim, whether you have legal representation or not.
Getting The Money You Need From Your Hurricane Claim
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your claim:
- Take pictures or videos of the damage to your property. This will help substantiate your claim and can help your attorney get a better idea of what they’re dealing with.
- Contact your hurricane insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the damage. Some policies require that you do this within a certain time frame, or your claim may be denied outright, meaning that you will have no possibility of financial relief from the policy you’ve paid for.
- Keep track of all expenses related to the hurricane, including repairs, lodging, and food. These expenses will need to be submitted with your claim. An attorney can review all of your expenses during this time period and make sense of which ones you can include in your claim — omitting expenses will only hurt you.
- Be prepared to negotiate with your insurance company. They will likely try to lowball you, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what your property is worth and what you need to rebuild. When your attorney is handling the claim, they will be able to provide a counter-offer with substantive proof.
- Get in touch with a hurricane insurance claim lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your policy, file a proper claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Contact 1-800-Injured Today
If you are impacted by Hurricane Julia this season, don’t go it alone — get in touch with 1-800-Injured to be connected with an experienced hurricane insurance claim lawyer in your area. With legal representation, you can focus on rebuilding your life while they handle the stress of dealing with the insurance company.
1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service.