Handling a Homeowners Claim in Florida

After a strong storm passes through Florida, it is possible that many homes may have suffered serious damage. This may require the homeowner to file an insurance claim and in order to have the insurance company pay for the damage. However, many people are not sure how to file a claim or if certain damage is covered. In such a case, the first recommended step before filing a claim is to thoroughly review the policy language.

Once the claim is filed, it is important to document when it was done, who handled the claim and the number assigned to the claim. An insurance adjuster will look at the damage and create a written assessment, which will determine how much it should cost to cover the damage. It may be worthwhile to review this report to determine if the estimated payment amount will actually cover the cost of repairing the damage.

If there is a discrepancy, it may be necessary for the homeowner to hire a public adjuster to help with the case. Depending on the circumstances of a given case, it may even be necessary to hire an attorney who has experience with bad faith negotiation cases.

After an accident that results in injury or loss of property, the insurance company for the responsible party may wish to come to a quick settlement. However, the insurer may wish to settle a homeowner’s claim for less than what the insured may be entitled to. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to consult with an attorney who may be able to resolve the case in an acceptable manner.