Hurricanes can be devastating. It is because of this that there are ways to protect yourself in the event that your home is damaged by these storms. This can be done with homeowners insurance. After a hurricane takes place and you have damages, you can make a claim with your insurance company to receive coverage. Continue reading below to learn more about how this is done and contact an experienced Florida hurricane claims attorney.
Tips for Filing a Claim After a Hurricane
After a hurricane damages your home, you can file a claim with your insurance company. In doing so, it is important to keep a few things in mind. The following are helpful tips to remember during this time:
- Make temporary repairs. This can protect your property from further damage. However, it is crucial to save the receipts for this work to send to your insurance company for reimbursement after the fact. Keep in mind, payments for temporary repairs are part of the total settlement.
- Keep receipts if you need to relocate. Sometimes, families are displaced by a terrible storm. This can force them to need other accommodations while their home is being repaired. During this time, be sure to keep the records of these expenses. Homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for additional living expenses when a home is damaged by an insured hurricane.
- Prepare for a visit from an adjuster. Your insurance company may send you a proof of loss form to complete or an adjuster will visit your home first. This is a person professionally trained to assess the damage that was done. The more information you have about your damaged possession, the faster your claim can be settled. This can include descriptions of the items, approximate date of purchase, and the cost to replace or repair the items.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim After a Storm?
When you wish to file a claim in order to receive coverage after a storm, it is important to do so within the proper time frame that is allotted. Generally, the statute of limitations to file a claim after a hurricane in Florida is three years from the date of the storm. If you wait too long to file a claim with your insurance company, you may miss out on the chance to do so.
Contact our Firm
To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.