Every day we hear news reports of devastating fires, flash floods, lightning strikes, windstorms, hail, and tornadoes. A record number of severe storms and fires are impacting Americans from coast-to-coast in large part due to global warming and climate change. In Florida, what natural disasters can you expect to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy?
Damage to your home or business from natural disasters can create hazardous living conditions that demand immediate attention and repairs or replacement. Your home insurance policy will likely cover some natural disasters and weather events, including wind, hail, lightning, and wildfires. However floods and sinkholes are often excluded from insurance coverage because they are considered “ground movements.” Flooding may require a completely separate flood insurance policy or upgrading a basic policy to give you protection.
The value of your insurance claim will depend on the kind of policy you have, what exclusions are associated with your policy, what kind of property coverage you have purchased, and your deductible. Determining the value of your homeowner’s insurance claim involves understanding your policy in full, reading the fine print, knowing the kind of documentation and support you’ll need to provide, and getting estimates of the value of damages to your property.
Being prepared for natural disasters and taking the right steps following property damage can have an enormously positive impact on your ability to receive a fair settlement, especially when dealing with insurance companies. To that end, insurance companies are usually more concerned with preserving their bottom line than providing their policyholders with the benefits they bargained for. Insurers will attempt to delay, deny or underpay valid claims, which is why having a knowledgeable property damage attorney fighting for your rights is essential.
Corless Law Group serves clients throughout the Sunshine State, and we have a history of record-setting settlements and verdicts. Our Large Loss trial law firm has a reputation for powerful advocacy, experience in high-stakes trial work, and managing a complex multi-million dollar civil litigation practice. We are here to protect your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation for damages to your home or business after a natural disaster. To help take the confusion out of a property damage insurance dispute you may have, contact us at 813-258-4998.