As hurricanes continue to impact the state of Florida, it is important to be prepared. There are many ways that a homeowner can help themselves in securing an insurance claim after their home is damaged due to this devastating weather. Continue reading below to learn more and contact an experienced Florida hurricane claims attorney for assistance.
Can Preparation Help a Claim?
Before a hurricane hits, it is crucial to have a plan in place. This can allow you to not only help yourself, but the potential of an insurance claim in the event that your home sustains damage. Hurricanes can cause severe damage to a home in the event of flooding, trees landing on the home, wind damage, and more. It is because of this that the first step is to be sure you have the proper insurance that covers any possible damage that can happen to your home.Â
In addition to this, be sure to keep all important documentation in a safe place. The location of these documents should ensure they cannot be ruined throughout the storm. It should also be easily accessible when the storm is over. These documents should include your homeowners’ insurance police. Property owners can also benefit from taking pictures of the inside and outside of the property. Outdoors can include the entirety of the property and home while inside can include furniture, appliances, electronics, etc.
What do I do After the Storm?
In the event that your home was damaged during a hurricane, there are steps that can be taken to help secure an insurance claim. This can include the following:
- Mitigate damage wherever it is possible. This can include covering roof damage to minimize as much water damage as possible. Failure to do so can be used against you to deny a claim.
- Document everything. Take pictures of the damaged property to prove you incurred losses to your home. Also take an inventory of damaged items along with the pictures.
- Keep receipts. If you have to buy items after the storm to either repair or mitigate the damage, receipts can help to possibly receive reimbursement. Depending on your insurance policy, this may cover living expenses as well, such as lodging, food, or gas if you are forced to evacuate.
- File your claim as soon as possible. Staying organized and keeping all claim-related materials together for future reference can help during this time.
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.