According to the Florida Climate Center, the threat of hurricanes and high wind events is ever-present in Florida, particularly during the hurricane season from June 1 until November 30. High winds can cause devastating property damage such as blown-off roofs, damage from falling trees, water intrusion, broken windows and screens, and other losses.
While homeowner’s insurance generally covers wind damage from hurricanes and storms, policies can have exclusions that could leave a homeowner high and dry. If you have problems with recovering your due from an insurance company, you should consider contacting a high wind damage attorney for help and advice as soon as possible. Call St. Petersburg Property Damage Attorney Jonathon W. Douglas now to schedule a free consultation: (727) 381-2300.
Potential Exclusions with Wind Damage Coverage
Potential exclusions in your policy typically include anything the insurance company adjuster considers to be caused by factors other than high winds. However, in many cases, these exclusions are not cut and dry and can be rather subjective. For example, flooding is generally not covered with wind damage insurance. However, a homeowner could argue that water damage to the property happened due to high winds damaging a roof or windows.
Since it is not always apparent what exactly caused property damage such as water intrusion, insurers can be quick to deny a claim. Insurance companies generally exclude the following from coverage:
- Losses that occurred as a result of pre-existing wear and tear issues or improper maintenance
- Property damage due to flooding
However, an insurer could also deny or minimize a claim for other reasons, including but not limited to:
- Lack of evidence for damages
- Lack of adequate coverage
- Damages do not exceed the deductible
High wind damage property claims in Florida can be complicated and challenging for homeowners. Policies rarely contain plain language and are often written in jargon that many property owners find challenging to understand. Moreover, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to intentionally delay paying claims, even when a claim is entirely legitimate, hoping that the claimant will give up demanding their due.
However, legal help is available. If your insurer offers you a settlement that seems far too low to cover all your windstorm losses, you should get clear on your legal rights as soon as possible and certainly before signing any legally binding agreements with your insurance company. An experienced wind damage attorney can look over the settlement offer and your insurance policy to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve under the law. St. Petersburg Property Damage Attorney Jonathon W. Douglas can assist with your claim, and help ensure your legal rights remain protected.
Will My Insurance Policy Cover High Wind Damage?
High wind damage coverage is generally included in homeowner’s insurance policies. In some cases, notably concerning properties in coastal areas, wind storm damage may not be automatically included and instead could be offered as an add-on to a homeowner’s insurance policy. However, even if wind damage is covered with your policy, you may encounter certain exclusions such as personal belongings or damage to outside areas of your property.
If you have suffered damage to your home and are not sure what your policy includes, a high wind damage attorney can review your homeowner’s insurance policy and advise you of your next best steps for recovering your losses.
What Should I Do After My Property Was Damaged in High Winds?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were 13 severe storms in the United States in 2020, and the next few years will undoubtedly see many more high wind events. Homeowners need to be aware of the steps to take when their property suffers damage in high winds. Generally, property owners are responsible for mitigating any further damages after a windstorm by taking the appropriate actions to protect their property and belongings, which can include actions such as:
Assess Your Property Immediately
Check your entire property inside and out for damage after a high wind event. At a minimum, check all rooms as well as the roof, windows, and external structures of your property. If you notice any immediate problems, consider temporary repairs that can prevent further damage. However, make sure to take photographs of all damages before fixing anything, especially if an insurance adjuster is unable to get to your home before you make any repairs. Make sure you save all documentation and receipts of expenses from any repairs.
Contact the Insurance Company and Check Your Policy
After suffering damage to your property, carefully examine your insurance policy to determine what is covered. You should also contact the insurance company promptly to start the process of initiating a claim. The insurer might send an adjuster right away to assess and document your losses. You should also ask the insurance about your next best steps for filing a claim to ensure that you are not missing any important steps specific to your insurance company.
Consult with a High Wind Damage Attorney
Having problems recovering your due from an insurance company? Then consider visiting with a wind damage attorney to protect your rights and determine whether you have legal recourse. Speaking to an experienced property damage lawyer can be particularly helpful when the insurance company:
- Denies your claim right away
- Disagrees about exclusions
- Offers an inadequate settlement
- Delays resolution of your claim
- Disputes your damages occurred due to high winds
Getting your due from an insurance company can be a frustrating, challenging, and lengthy process. While some insurance companies are cooperative, other insurers drag out valid claims in the hope that claimants run out of steam and give up. The key to recovering what you deserve can be patience, tenacity, and the possibly the help of an experienced lawyer who can handle the insurance company and fight aggressively for what you deserve.
Call an Experienced St. Petersburg Property Damage Attorney Today
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always act ethically when it comes to settling claims. All too often, homeowners face not only dealing with a house in disrepair and mounting bills but are also engaged in a frustrating exchange with an insurance company determined to deny or minimize a claim. However, our legal team can be here for you during this stressful time and help you understand all of your options for recovering what you deserve after high wind damage.
Our experienced attorneys have a track record of helping homeowners recover compensation related to wind damage claims and can see your case through from beginning to end. Call St. Petersburg Property Damage Attorney Jonathon W. Douglas today to find out how we could help you: (727) 381-2300.