Hurricane season is here and with it comes uncertainty about protecting your home.
You know to contact your insurance provider when filing residential claims in Ft. Lauderdale, but is that knowledge enough?
Many homeowners have never read their insurance policy in full and do not know exactly what it covers and what you must pay out of pocket. Never assume what your policy covers as this can cause many issues in the eventuality of a disaster.
Unfortunately, you cannot always rely on the insurance adjuster sent out by the insurance company. They are looking out for their employer’s bottom line, not yours. Many policyholders find it advantageous to contact a public insurance adjuster such as Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters.
We know all too well the challenges our clients face, and we provide the solutions to ensure a seamless process. In addition to contacting our team, you should know the following facts about hurricane insurance claims.
Flooding Is Not Covered
Flood damage caused by hurricanes and bad weather is generally not covered by a standard homeowner insurance policy. You may benefit by supplementing your coverage with an additional policy such as flood insurance during hurricane season. Nevertheless, if you do not have flood insurance it is a good idea to contact your provider to find out if some damage will be covered in relation to flooding as some policies will cover it.
Contact Your Insurance Provider First
The first thing a policyholder must do after reading their policy is to contact their insurance provider. You may want to begin the restoration process, but this is not advised until the insurance adjuster has gauged the damage. Only do the repairs that your insurance provider instructs you to do. This generally involves preventing damage before it further destroys your property. Before doing this make sure to take pictures to include in your hurricane claim.
Take Advantage Of In-Person Representation
If you are having difficulty getting in touch directly with your insurance company on the phone or online after hurricane damage, consider other means of contact, like:
- Speak with a staff member of consumer protection, which is usually sent out directly after a natural disaster
- Visit a mobile claims unit if you know your insurance company has provided one to help get started filing your claim
- Contact the state insurance department for assistance contacting your insurance provider
Getting in touch with your insurance provider is one of the most important steps in the process. Make sure to exhaust every avenue to get in touch.
Your Policy May Pay For Additional Expenses
It is likely that your policy covers living expenses, such as money for food or a hotel while your home is being repaired. This is why it’s important to always read your policy, as you can’t rely on your insurance company to provide you with all the information you need to know regarding your coverage. If your insurance company does not supply a debit card for these expenses make sure to save your receipts for reimbursement.
You May Qualify For Additional Assistance
Even if your insurance does not cover living expenses while you are away from your home, your state most likely has agencies that offer assistance after a natural disaster. You may qualify for emergency housing, medical support, and other forms of financial assistance. Contact the FEMA disaster recovery center in your area to see how they can assist you.
You Can Hire A Public Adjuster
Not every policyholder is aware they don’t need to use the insurance adjuster to them. They also don’t realize they don’t have to accept the low settlement offered by their insurance provider. Many homeowners have contacted Alpha Public Insurance Adjuster to ensure they get the maximum settlement and for professional assistance throughout the claims process. We are with them from start to finish.
Many customers also reach out at the very end of the claims process when they feel they have been given a low settlement. Our public adjuster can renegotiate with them for a higher settlement. If we still don’t think you were given the settlement you deserve, we can instruct you on the next steps, which may involve litigation.
Contact Alpha Public Insurance Adjuster
During this difficult time, we understand that policyholders simply want to receive the necessary compensation to repair their homes and return to their regular lives. Insurance companies have the tendency to prolong this process and not give you what you’re entitled to. If this happens and you need a private insurance adjuster to file your residential claims in Ft. Lauderdale, contact our team. Call (888) 442-5742 to get started.
