As a resident of Davie, Florida, you’re no stranger to the occasional hurricane. Hurricane season is a regular part of your life, and you need to stay prepared. Insurance is one of the fundamental ways to protect yourself in case of hurricane damage. Hurricanes bring intense wind, rain, and in some cases, flooding, which can all lead to significant property damage, injuries, and safety issues. Like many other residents, you likely rely on insurance to recoup losses from hurricanes.

Insurance isn’t always a straightforward area to navigate. When it’s time to make a claim, it can be difficult to recover what you are rightly owed from your insurance company. If you have ever had trouble receiving compensation from your insurance company, Scott Sobol, a dedicated hurricane insurance claims attorney, will be able to stand by your side and deal with the insurance company for you.

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Is Hurricane Damage Covered Under My Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

Hurricane insurance is a collection of policies that work together to protect your home from wind and water damage. Homeowners must get policies that insure their houses against wind and water damage to be covered for hurricane damage. To secure adequate hurricane coverage, you may need to purchase each policy separately.

Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Homeowners can acquire flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private provider. Many insurers offer flood insurance through a partnership with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), so you may be able to purchase it from your home insurance agent.

Homeowners May Be Able to Obtain Deductibles for Hurricane Damage

Some insurers charge a separate hurricane, named storm, and windstorm deductible on policies. Deductibles are the amount of loss that the policyholder must pay before the insurance coverage comes in. The following deductibles may be available to homeowners seeking coverage for hurricane damage:

  • Wind deductible: This deductible is triggered by damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other extreme winds. It is also known as a windstorm deductible.
  • Named storm deductible: Damage caused by a storm named by the National Weather Service or the National Hurricane Center triggers this deductible.
  • Hurricane deductible: This deductible is triggered by damage caused by a storm that produces high enough winds to be classified as a hurricane.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida permits insurers to charge special deductibles for hurricane damage. These deductibles are usually a percentage of the insured value of your home.

In Florida, insurers are required to provide hurricane deductible options of $500, 2 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, and in some cases, more. Florida has a “single-season hurricane deductible,” which means you only have to pay one deductible per hurricane season, even if your house is hit by more than one storm. After reaching your hurricane deductible, any subsequent hurricane claims will be subject to your policy’s standard deductible, which is usually a flat figure.

How Insurance Companies Avoid Paying Claims

When you file a claim for property damage with your insurance carrier, they are obligated to compensate you for your loss. However, some insurance companies will engage in unethical practices to avoid giving you your payout. Your insurance provider may refuse your hurricane damage claim for a variety of illegitimate reasons and may use methods such as:

  • Saying your home had pre-existing damages
  • Using loopholes in the policy to disqualify you
  • Filing your claim improperly
  • Claiming your home was not up to code before the storm
  • Delaying their approval
  • Not responding to your claim promptly

These actions could be considered in “bad faith,” which could give you grounds to file a lawsuit against your insurance provider. After filing a claim against your provider, your case may go to trial, with a jury deciding how much compensation you should receive for your loss.

Can a Davie, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney Help Me if My Claim Is Denied?

Even when homeowners are entitled to coverage, insurance companies often deny claims without explanation, hoping that the homeowners will move on without putting in any further effort. If you are having trouble obtaining insurance coverage, a Davie hurricane insurance claims lawyer can assist you in securing coverage or compensation for your losses. An experienced attorney can determine why your insurance company is denying your claim and the best strategy for recovering compensation from them.

Consult a Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney in Davie, Florida

Regardless of how prepared you are, hurricanes are frightening to experience. They can be unpredictable and cause immense damage to your home. This damage is often outrageously costly, so it’s understandable why homeowners would be reliant on policy payouts to help cover the expenses. When insurance companies drag their feet or refuse to pay out a claim, it can put you in a difficult situation. For that reason, you need a hurricane insurance claims attorney working on your case.

Scott Sobol will fight so that you receive the insurance coverage that you deserve. Sobol has represented more than 1,000 clients and their families throughout his career, so you can rest assured knowing that he is adept at getting positive results. Some insurance companies make filing legitimate claims difficult for homeowners. Using his years of experience, Sobol can protect you from such practices. Call (954) 440-2000 or fill out a contact form online to schedule a consultation.