Recovering After Hurricane Helen: A Guide for Filing Windstorm and Flood Insurance Claims

As Tampa Bay and the rest of Florida begin the Hurricane Helene recovery process, many homeowners and business owners are now faced with the task of filing hurricane insurance claims. When dealing with property insurance claims, details matter. But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To keep things manageable, remember that the claims process generally boils down to four key actions:

• Take immediate steps to prevent further damage to your property.
• Make your claim and notify your insurer as soon as possible.
• Document everything to show the extent of your loss.
• Get paid and fix your property – push your claim forward and follow up consistently.

Whether you're dealing with damage from wind or flooding, it’s crucial to follow the steps to ensure a fair and timely resolution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Document Your Loss

Start by thoroughly documenting any damage to your property. Use your smartphone or camera to take photos and videos from multiple angles. Capture both wide shots of the property and close-up images of specific damage. Adequate lighting is essential—review your media to ensure the damage is clear.

Your documentation will be essential when filing your claim, so do this before starting any cleanup or emergency repairs. If you’re unable to access your property, move on to notifying your insurer and document as soon as it’s safe

Tip: Take more photos and videos than you think you need. It’s better to have too much documentation than too little.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurer Promptly

After documenting the damage, notify your insurance company. Florida law requires prompt reporting of any loss, so it’s essential to get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible. You can typically do this via:

• A 1-800 number
• Email
• Claims portals on the insurer’s website

Document every interaction with your insurance company, including the date, time, and names of anyone involved. This record will help if issues arise later.

Tip: Whenever possible, communicate with your insurer in writing and keep copies of all correspondence. A written record helps prove your actions in case of disputes.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. For example:

• Remove wet materials to prevent mold.
• Board up broken windows and tarp roofs.
• Start the drying process.

Document all emergency repairs before, during, and after the work is done. This evidence will support your claim.

Step 4: Request a Certified Copy of Your Complete Policy

To fully understand your coverage, request a complete copy of your policy from your insurer, including all declarations, endorsements, and exclusions. The declarations page alone isn’t enough to provide answers to important questions, such as:

• Does your policy cover floodwaters?
• Does your policy cover wind-driven rain?
• What’s the deadline to submit a sworn proof of loss? (Some are 60 days.)
• Is mold or mildew damage covered?

Having the full policy allows you to understand all the specific terms that could affect your claim.

Step 5: Track Your Expenses

Keep detailed records of all expenses related to your claim. This includes emergency repairs, temporary housing costs (often covered under Loss of Use), and any additional expenses for cleaning up debris or removing water. You may be reimbursed for these, but only if you track and submit them properly.

Tip: Even if certain expenses aren’t covered by your policy, keep track of them because they may be tax deductible.

Step 6: Preserve Damaged Property

Try to preserve any damaged property until your claim is inspected. Don’t dispose of damaged items unless local law requires it or they pose a health hazard.

Your insurer may ask for further inspections or evidence during the claim process, so it’s crucial to keep everything documented and try to wait for an inspection, which should occur in the next 7-10 days.

Step 7: Inventory Damaged Personal Property

If your personal belongings were damaged, create an inventory that includes:

• A description of each item (manufacturer, model, serial number if applicable).
• The original purchase price and receipts if available.
• The item’s condition before the loss.
• An estimate of the replacement cost.
• The age of the damage item. 

This information is vital for getting the appropriate compensation for lost or damaged items.

Step 8: Attend the Insurance Company’s Inspection

Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect your property. It’s essential that you be present during this inspection to ensure all damages are noted. Remember, it’s your responsibility to show your damaged property. The adjuster will not go out of their way to find all damages— they have hundreds of houses to inspect, so make sure they are thorough. You should also take pictures of what they are documenting, if possible.

If you’re uncomfortable handling this alone, consider hiring a professional to represent your interests during the inspection.

Step 9: Submit a Proof of Loss (if required)

Many insurance policies require you to submit a Proof of Loss (POL), which is a signed document outlining the damage and costs associated with your claim. Make sure to complete this carefully, as mistakes can delay or even jeopardize your claim.

Check your policy’s Conditions section for specific requirements on submitting a POL, including deadlines and necessary documentation.

Step 10: Follow Up Frequently

Stay proactive by following up regularly with your insurance company. Keep track of your attempts to contact them and the responses you receive. Insurance companies handle a high volume of claims after a major storm, and staying persistent helps ensure your claim isn’t delayed.

Tip: Florida law requires insurers to communicate and make payments in a timely manner. Keep records of any delays that could indicate bad faith.

Common Issues to Watch Out For

In the aftermath of major storms like Hurricane Helene, many policyholders encounter common challenges, including:

• Failure to properly investigate: Insurers may overlook hidden damage or deny parts of a claim unfairly.
• Delays in payment: Your insurance company might take too long to process and issue payments.
• Poor communication: Lack of updates or transparency from your insurer can cause frustration and hinder progress on your claim.

Know Your Rights as a Policyholder

Under Florida law, you have rights as a policyholder, including the right to a fair and thorough investigation of your claim. If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith—such as by denying valid claims or delaying payment—you may need to escalate the situation and seek legal advice.

Final Thoughts

While insurance claims can be complex, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in how quickly you receive payment and complete repairs. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your rights and ensure that your claim is handled properly.

For the last 20 years at Murray Law Group, we’ve helped Florida homeowners and business owners navigate the insurance claims process and recover after major storms.  We can also assist you in answering any of your questions and provide legal guidance and representation throughout the claims process. Contact us today to get the compensation you deserve.