How To File a Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim in Florida

Hurricane Ian made landfall on Wednesday, September 28th along the southwest coast of Florida. Ian then headed northeast, hovering over the state for two days before heading back out into the Atlantic Ocean. Along with over 100 deaths, Hurricane Ian was responsible for catastrophic devastation and destruction to homes and businesses throughout the State of Florida. If your property was damaged because of Hurricane Ian, you undoubtedly expect your insurance company to reimburse you in full and within a reasonable amount of time. To make sure that happens, it helps to know how to file a Hurricane Ian insurance claim in Florida.
 

Hurricane Ian Facts and Figures

Although Florida residents are accustomed to paying attention to weather alerts and evacuating, when necessary, hurricanes can be unpredictable. Just 24 hours prior to landfall, experts predicted Hurricane Ian would make landfall considerably farther north than where the storm ultimately came ashore. Consequently, thousands of people were trapped when the storm slammed into the Fort Meyers area. The destruction caused by Ian was so severe in some areas that rescue crews were unable to get in to effectuate rescues for several days after Ian moved out of the area. At least 114 people were killed in Florida, making Ian one of the deadliest hurricanes in the last century. Losses to property caused by wind, rain, and flood waters are estimated to be between $40 billion and $70 billion.
 

Filing a Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim

If your property suffered damage or was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, you are likely counting on your insurance company to pay for the cost of repairs or replacement. After all, you have been paying your premiums as required for as long as you have owned the property. Now it’s time for your insurance company to hold up their end of the agreement, right? Unfortunately, getting an insurance claim paid is not always that easy. To increase the likelihood of getting your Hurricane Ian insurance claim paid in a timely manner and in full, follow these steps:

• Secure the property before entering. Check with local officials before re-entering property that was damaged to make sure it is safe to do so. Not only will this prevent secondary damage to the property but may also prevent you from being injured.
• Mitigate damages. You are not required to repair the damage yourself; however, you may have a duty to mitigate further damage by doing simple things such as covering windows or roof damage with a tarp or shutting off electricity and water.
• Evaluate and document. Conduct a preliminary evaluation of the losses or damage to your property. Take photographs to document the damage and start gathering evidence, such as receipts, appraisals, and repair estimates, to support the value of your claim.
• Review your insurance policy. You may know the highlights, but you probably never read through your entire insurance policy. Now is a good time to do that so you know what deductibles, limitations, and/or exclusions might apply.
• File an official claim. Contact your insurance company and file your claim. Ask if you need to submit additional documents and when you should expect to hear back from them. Be sure to follow up to make sure the claim is being processed.

What Should I Do If I Have Problems with My Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim?

Some insurance claims are paid in full and without delay; however, it is not uncommon for a Hurricane Ian insurance claim to be delayed, underpaid, or denied altogether. If you run into one of these problems, the following tips may help:

• Understand that you have rights. Homeowners in Florida have legal rights, many of which are found in the Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. Among your rights are:
  • The right to receive an acknowledgment from your insurance company within 14 days of filing a claim.
  • The right to be notified of your claim’s status within 30 days.
  • The right to receive full payment of any undisputed portion of your claim OR be notified of a denial of your claim within 90 days.
• Keep detailed records. Written correspondence is best; however, if you speak to someone on the phone be sure to jot down a summary of the conversation. Get written repair/replacement estimates and stay on top of your claim.
• Do not accept an underpayment. Insurance companies count on the fact that people are desperate after a hurricane and will accept less than what the claim is worth. Do not fall into this common trap.
• Contact an experienced Hurricane Ian insurance claims lawyer. If it is taking too long to process your claim or your claim has been underpaid or denied, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Hurricane Ian insurance claim attorney. An insurance claim attorney will be familiar with both the procedures involved in processing your claim and the tactics insurance companies often use to avoid paying claims.

Get Help from An Experienced Hurricane Ian Insurance Claim Attorney

Your Hurricane Ian insurance claim should be paid in full within a reasonable time. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. If your Hurricane Ian insurance claim has already been denied, has been undervalued, or is not being processed in a timely manner, the Hurricane Ian insurance claim attorneys at Malik Law P.A. can help. We are committed to getting your claim paid in full as quickly as possible so you can start rebuilding your life or business.

If you suffered Hurricane Ian damage and your insurance company has underpaid your claim, call us at 407-500-1000 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced insurance claims attorneys will explain your rights to you and discuss your legal options at no cost.