10/10/2024
Hurricane Claims
Filing a claim for hurricane damage wonāt negatively impact your insurance policy or result in its cancellation. If your property is damaged, file your claim as soon as possible and keep the process going. Although proof of repairs is needed, donāt hesitate or delay your claim.
Tree Damage Responsibility
If a tree falls, the property owner where the tree lands is responsible for its removal, regardless of ownership. The only exception is if the treeās owner was informed about the danger and neglected to take action.
Tree Removal Coverage
In most cases, if a fallen tree doesnāt hit a structure or block your driveway, your insurance wonāt cover its removal. Itās similar to cleaning up leaves and branches, but more costly. Even when a tree damages your home, coverage for debris removal is often limited. Remember, your policy covers structures, not yard cleanup. Always confirm with your agent.
File Claims Directly with Your Carrier
In 99% of cases, itās best to file your insurance claim directly with your carrier. This is the fastest way to kickstart the claims process and get assistance.
Handling Water Damage
If you experience water damage, contact a professional drying company immediately, such as Vetcor, Rytech or ADS Dry. Your carrier also has a list of these vendors that they work with. Call your carrier asap. Ideally, use a company that focuses solely on drying, not rebuilds, to avoid conflicts of interest. Ensure the structure, like your roof, is repaired first before drying can start.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
Be cautious if a contractor asks you to sign an AOB or promises to waive your deductible. This could be a red flag that the contractor may not have your best interests at heart.
Working with Adjusters
Adjusters are people too, and itās not their personal money theyāre managing. Document everything thoroughly to help them justify your claim and ensure you get the proper payout. It makes their job easier and helps them get the right outcome for you.
Temporary Living Expenses
If your home is uninhabitable due to damage, your policy may cover temporary living expenses. Keep in mind that āuninhabitableā is different from āinconvenient.ā For example, lacking air conditioning or minor damage usually doesnāt qualify. Itās also important to note that flood insurance policies do not cover temporary living expenses, so if your home is unlivable due to flooding, the NFIP wonāt provide assistance.
Understanding Hurricane Deductibles
Hurricane deductibles are typically calculated as a percentage of your homeās insured value, often around 2%. For example, on a home valued at $250,000, your deductible would be $5,000, which is subtracted from your final claim payment. You will need to pay this amount out of pocket at the time of repair.
Hurricane Deductibles Often Apply for the Year
Your hurricane deductible applies for the entire calendar year. If you file a claim for hurricane damage early in the season and experience another storm later, the deductible may carry over. Be sure to report damage as soon as possible, as most carriers have a time limit for reporting.
Reporting a Claim
When you first report a claim, donāt expect the representative to provide immediate advice. Until your adjuster contacts you, take steps to prevent further damage and make temporary repairs. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, āWhat would I do if I didnāt have insurance?ā Document any temporary repairs, take photos, and keep receipts. Also, begin creating an inventory of damaged items to speed up the adjusterās process.
Patience is Key
Processing claims takes time, especially when the volume is high. Many adjusters and contractors may be working in other regions, like Hawaii. Itās realistic to expect that some people will have temporary fixes like tarps on their roofs for months. While itās not ideal, itās the reality given the circumstances.
Flood Claims & Policy Limitations
Flood insurance through the NFIP has certain coverage exclusions. For example, pools, pool pumps, and landscaping are not covered. Homes built after 1975 often exclude enclosures and garages from coverage. Be sure to review your flood policy and understand these exclusions, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
