Hurricanes are a miserable reality for residents who live in Fort Myers and other coastal areas in Florida. Although homeowners generally rely on their insurance policies to support them financially after these destructive storms, most homeowners find out that claims are denied in many instances. The following is information regarding why claims get denied most often, along with ways to avoid it, saving you worthwhile stress and financial setbacks.
1. Late Premium Payments
Late premium payment, for one, remains the main cause of claims denial. Getting past the deadline means your policy has lapsed, which means you are not covered during times of need. According to SelectQuote, paying in time is vital for your policy to still be on its validity upon renewal. Tip: Set for automatic payments or reminders not to miss any due dates.
2. Delayed Filing
Timing is everything when an insurance claim is filed after hurricane damage. The longer a person waits to file, the higher the risk of having the claim denied since there is a possibility that the damage could have grown worse due to lack of action or that it is impossible to know the cause. Most policies include very short time limits within which claims should be made; therefore, act fast to document damage, and notify your insurer. Always reach out immediately, and keep a record of all communications.
3. Inadequate Documentation
For any claim against insurance, it is commonly due to inadequate documentation. The service has to offer quality evidence of the harm received such as photos and videos, along with rich notes. According to Tighe P.A., there is a very significant chance that if the documentation is poor, insurers may call into question the authenticity of the claim. Tip: Take photos and videos straight away if possible while showing the extent of damages and any repairs done at the expense of time.
4. Exclusion under the policy
Probably the most confusing part of an insurance policy is the part that describes exclusions. Flood or wind-driven rain will probably not be covered unless riders or actual flood insurance is purchased. It would pay to sit down with your agent before hurricane season begins to completely understand what is covered and what is excluded. If there is any chance of potential flooding, be sure to add additional flood insurance to avoid a surprise when it comes time to make a claim.
5. Pre-existing Damage
Hurricane damage can be denied insurance claims when the insurer feels that the damage already existed. Mostly, the insurers check properties before providing coverage and any damage observed before the storm won’t be covered. Tip: Always maintain your house regularly and keep records of their condition. Maintain all receipts and documents for home repairs to show that the damage was a result of the hurricane.
6. Lapse of Policy and coverage gaps
But sometimes claims are denied because the policy has lapsed either because of non-payment or other reasons. Some policies have coverage gaps for certain kinds of storm damage. Do ensure that you have the widest coverage policy active at the time of peak hurricane season.
7. Failure to minimize further damage
Insurance companies will deny claims if they feel you didn’t take reasonable and prudent actions to mitigate loss once the storm has passed. For example, if your roof is destroyed, you must tarp the roof so that no more water enters your property. Tip: Within hours of the storm, make temporary repairs to protect your property and keep all receipts for reimbursement purposes.
8. Misrepresentation or Inaccuracies
Claims may be denied if there are inaccuracies or misrepresentations of the facts in your application or the claims process. Always be truthful and accurate in your disclosure of your property’s condition to your insurer. Tip: Check on your coverage details and ensure that all information is up-to-date.
Ways to Avoid Denied Claims
- Be Informed of Your Policy: Read your policy regularly, ideally before the hurricane season starts, to ensure the policy will work for you.
- Documentary Evidence of Everything: Photograph and video evidence of the damages before the hurricane and after. Keep a record of all the repair and maintenance works.
- Act Quickly: Contact the insurer immediately and report your claim.
- Be Prepared: Maintain a step-by-step record of procedures to be followed before, during, and after a storm so that everything is noticed.
- Seek a Hurricane Insurance Lawyer in Fort Myers who can reverse your insurance denial.
It is stressful dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane, but by being proactive, you can avoid common issues that often encumber claims. The Consumer Help Group assists homeowners to be informed and prepared in Fort Myers and be more confident in navigating through the claims process to secure the best possible help to rebuild and recover.
