Two hurricanes hit Florida at the end of September and the beginning of October. Hurricane Helene caused $47.5 billion in property losses, which is devastating for Floridians. Hurricane Milton destroyed areas in west and central Florida, leaving 2.2 million people without power. Hurricane Milton also caused 14 deaths and damages to Floridans' homes. However, this hurricane season can be challenging for many Floridians, so this blog will provide important information after Hurricane Milton.
Documents all of the Damages caused by a Hurricane
First, check your property for any damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. You will have to walk around your homes and look for any damages caused by Hurricane Milton. This will include roof damage and water leaking through the ceilings, which is important to document.
Document the damages by taking photos and videos. This will be essential when you file your insurance claim, so try to take every angle of the damage. Also, keep any receipts you have, including materials you bought to repair any property damage, so that you can report your insurance claim. Be detailed when contacting your insurance company about your damaged property.
If there are any repairs you may need to perform temporarily, such as patching your roof, make sure you keep all receipts for the materials that you bought and take pictures of the temporary repairs.
When you claim with your Insurance Company
The process of filing a claim after Hurricane Helene and Milton can be very overwhelming. However, once you find out that there has been damage to your property, you should contact your insurance company. Don't leave out any details of the items that have been damaged when you provide them with the information.
Make sure you know what your insurance policy covers to save time and not deal with problems later. Also, make sure that you have documentation of proof to show to the insurance adjuster when they come by your house to inspect. It’s a good idea to be there during the inspection so you can point out any damage they might not notice.
Avoid getting scam
During certain events when people are vulnerable, scammers usually offer high-priced repairs. To avoid this, hire a licensed contractor.
However, be careful when you pay in advance to a fraudulent contractor because an actual contractor will ask for a deposit and a total payment after the job is done. If you suspect a scam, make sure you report it.
How can you Prepare for a Hurricane?
The following steps should be followed when preparing for a hurricane in Florida:
- Insurance Policy: Review your insurance policy to see if there is damage to your home that your company could cover.
- Document everything: Make sure that you record videos and take photos of the damages.
- Emergency plan: Make sure you have canned food and water,
- Contact us: Insurance law can be challenging to understand, but contacting us will guide you through your options.
If you would like to know more about how to prepare for future hurricanes, please visit Ready.gov.
Get help from FEMA
You could consider reaching out to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), if you don’t have insurance or if your insurance company does not cover the damages on your property. They offer assistance to help cover repairs and other essentials you might need after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Please check out disaster assistance to find out more information about their offerings that they have.
Also, the state of Florida and local governments can be able to provide additional help. You can check out the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website, they have a lot of information on emergency services and other helpful resources that might help you after Hurricane Helene.
Why Contact Us?
It is common to get your insurance claim denied or underpaid when you contact your insurance company. If you are experiencing your claim being denied or believing you are not getting enough money. Reach out to our firm, which has years of experience handling hurricane claims and is here to help you. You can contact us at Vargas Gonzalez Delombard LLP for a free consultation.
Conclusion
Knowing that your property is damaged, recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton does take a while, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Our team can provide you with advice and assistance on protecting your home and finances when you properly document the damage, file your insurance claim, and consult with us. Nevertheless, beware of scammers and review your insurance to ensure you are prepared for future hurricanes.
If you need help with your insurance claim or legal advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at Vargas Gonzalez Delombard LLP. We can count on us to get you the compensation you deserve and protect your home.
