Strong winds can leave homeowners and business owners with the horror of finding missing shingles, windows that are now broken, and even structural damage. In the event of such destruction, homeowners will have to deal with the wind damage claims in the Florida process. These cases are complicated and get more complicated when insurance companies try to determine that the damage was caused by straight-line winds versus the rainwater soaked in the wall, or there was substantial pre-existing damage to the structure.
Documentation is key when it comes to filing wind damage claims in Florida. The first step for property owners is to take ample photographs and video footage of the damage right after the storm. This visual proof can enhance a claim by displaying how much of the damage took place before any temporary repair or cleanup work took place on the property. And keeping receipts for emergency repairs, such as tarps or for boarding up windows, could help show out-of-pocket expenses that were necessary.
Insurance adjusters are an important part of the claims process, but policyholders need to understand that adjusters represent the insurance company. We cannot meet those with the estimates, as they are often not a realistic reflection of the actual repair costs. These homeowners turn to independent contractors or public adjusters for help in making sure that they have someone on their side who offers a realistic assessment of the damage and how much it will cost to repair it. This process of certification runs counter to insurance companies’ attempts to undervalue settlements by confirming that claims are based on accurate estimates.
Policyholders must also read the policy wording in detail. Many policies have wind-related exclusions or specific high-deductible coverage, especially in storm-prone parts of the country. Knowing exactly what types of coverage are not offered can prevent any surprises during the claims process. For instance, structural repairs may be reimbursable, but landscaping or detached structures may not.
Another complication of wind damage claims in Florida is time. Many insurers demand immediate reporting of damage, and a chain of delays might place coverage in peril. And in acting quickly, the sooner you can get to this process to prevent your building from taking on more damage, in addition to this direct damage that might become the subject of an adjuster’s pencil, the closer you are to not sustaining more damage, which they can use to try and deny part of your claim.
In the end, a strong claim to begin with will put you in a much better position to negotiate a favourable settlement. Through careful documentation of damage, consultation with disinterested professionals, and education on policy specifics, property owners can more successfully navigate claims. High winds can be traumatic, but taking a proactive approach provides post-storm clarity and control.
Mike Ryan is the author of this article. To know more about Fire Damage Claims in Florida, please visit our website: globalclaims.net.