If you’re in Tampa recovering from a hurricane and filing an insurance claim, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through step by step to assist you in rebuilding and repairing your property. After a hurricane, submitting an insurance claim after a hurricane might seem stressful, but with the appropriate knowledge, you can complete it confidently.
Step 1: Make sure you’re safe and record any damage
Put your safety first before all else. If you have evacuated, make sure it’s safe to go back home. Take serious note of the damage as soon as you can. Taking pictures and videos of every damaged region is part of this. To give a full picture of the damage, try to get both close-up and wide-angle photos. Compile a list of damaged items; this will be useful when you and your insurer analyze losses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gives excellent suggestions on what to include when documenting property damage.
Step 2: Consult with Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as you have all the necessary documentation. It is advisable to make the call as soon as possible since many policies have a time limit wherein the claims must be made. Your claims number should be available on your insurer’s website or in the documents with your insurance policy. Make sure that you have your insurance number and description of the damage when you call.
You may ask the insurance company how much coverage there is. Try to understand what specifically your insurance policy covers; if the former covers wind, while the latter covers water damage, or if the structural damage is covered, as more policies cover different types of storm damage.
Step 3: Fill in the Claim Forms
You probably will receive some forms from your insurer that you’ll need to complete on the claim. Fill out all of the required information on these forms, including details of all of the damaged items. Do not delay; return the forms immediately for speedy processing. If you are unsure about any information requested on the forms, call your insurance agent right away for clarification.
Step 4: Seek an Adjuster to Inspect
Following the filing of a claim, the insurance firm will send an adjuster to inspect your property for damage incurred by the occurrence. This person measures the amount of loss writes a report about the losses and sends it to the insurance company. Make sure to attend this inspection if you can. You may share the documentation and identify all damaged places.
Some people even decide to engage in independent public adjustments. Having someone familiar with the complexity of hurricane claims on your side is sometimes helpful, according to CBS News.
Step 5: Save a Record of Every Expense
Track everything you spend when you begin restoration. This includes hotel bill receipts, temporary restoration, and other hurricane damage-related expenses. Track this spending as some insurance policies cover the out-of-pocket expenses for policyholders.
Step 6: Examine Your Offer of Settlement
You will receive a settlement offer from your insurance company after the claim has been processed. Examine it thoroughly and compare it with the original damage estimate. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if the offer doesn’t fully compensate you for the losses you claim. Request an audit if you feel that the settlement proposed is too meager because you are entitled to a reasonable one.
For a more comprehensive overview of how to ensure you get a settlement properly visit the Insurance Claim Recovery Support website.
Step 7: Resolve Conflicts
You will be forced to look elsewhere if you and the insurance company do not agree with each other on a settlement. Most policies also allow assessment or mediation in case of a dispute. If you suspect that the insurance firm is lowballing your claim, consider hiring a Tampa hurricane insurance attorney to review your case.
You might need to look into other possibilities if you and your insurance company are unable to agree on a settlement sum. In the event of a dispute, many policies permit assessment or mediation. If you believe the insurance company is undervaluing your claim, you might also think about having a hurricane insurance attorney in Tampa examine your case.
Conclusion
Although submitting a hurricane claim to your insurance provider may feel overwhelming, the following guidelines can ease the process. Never forget that it’s acceptable to seek help, ask questions, and push for a just resolution. Hurricane recovery is difficult, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone.
Contact the Consumer Help Group if you require extra help or legal representation. We are here to help you at every turn and make sure you receive the support you are promised.
