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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. For example:
Document all emergency repairs before, during, and after the work is done. This evidence will support your claim.
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:
Having the full policy allows you to understand all the specific terms that could affect your claim.
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.
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.
If your personal belongings were damaged, create an inventory that includes:
This information is vital for getting the appropriate compensation for lost or damaged items.
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.
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.
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.
In the aftermath of major storms like Hurricane Helene, many policyholders encounter common challenges, including:
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.
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.