At Williams Law, P.A., we are committed to helping policyholders and property owners understand their options after a severe weather event. We can help you navigate the complexities of your insurance policy, advocate for your rights, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. With our expertise, you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward while leaving the legal intricacies to the professionals.
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What Are Common Tactics Insurance Providers Use to Avoid Paying Policyholders After a Hurricane?
Insurance providers may employ various tactics to avoid paying policyholders after a hurricane in Florida. Common tactics that insurance providers may use in the context of Florida hurricane insurance claims include:
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Wind vs. Water Damage Disputes: In Florida, it's common for insurers to differentiate between wind damage and flood/water damage. Many standard homeowners' insurance policies cover wind damage but exclude flood damage. After a hurricane, insurers may argue that the damage was primarily caused by flooding, which may not be covered under the policy.
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Hurricane Deductibles: Florida insurance policies often include separate and higher hurricane deductibles, which can be a substantial out-of-pocket expense for policyholders. Insurers may invoke these higher deductibles, making it more challenging for policyholders to receive a significant payout.
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Delayed Claim Inspections: Insurers might intentionally delay the inspection of hurricane damage, which can postpone the claims process and leave policyholders in a vulnerable financial position.
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Policy Exclusions: Insurance companies may scrutinize policy language to identify exclusions that can be used to deny or limit coverage for hurricane-related damage.
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Pre-existing Damage Claims: Insurers may claim that the damage existed before the hurricane and was not caused by the storm, attempting to deny coverage for those pre-existing issues.
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High Volume of Claims: After a major hurricane, insurers may be inundated with claims, leading to slower processing times and potential disputes as they try to manage the volume.
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Denying Business Interruption Claims: Business owners in Florida may have business interruption insurance. However, insurers may dispute these claims, asserting that the damage does not qualify for compensation under the policy.
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Requiring Excessive Documentation: Insurance companies may demand extensive documentation, making it more difficult for policyholders to meet the requirements and prove their claims.
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Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurers might make low settlement offers to policyholders, hoping they will accept less than the total value of their claim due to financial pressure.
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Disputing the Extent of Damage: Insurance providers may argue that the damage is less severe than the policyholder claims, leading to disputes over the claim's value.
Tactics to Watch Out for When Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster After a Florida Hurricane:
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Claims that the damage was pre-existing
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Claims that the damage was made worse because you did not maintain your property
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Claims that you did not secure your property or make necessary precautions
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Delays in the processing of your claim
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Denials that your policy covers damage from the storm
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Claims that damage was done by flood vs. wind
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Claims that you failed to alleviate the damages to your property after the loss
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Claims that you failed to properly document the loss and repairs needed to restore your home
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Pressure to sign a release of supplemental claims to receive your settlement
Why Hire a Lawyer To Protect Your Interests And Navigate The Claims Process After a Florida Hurricane?
- To successfully navigate the claims process, it's crucial to provide thorough documentation of the hurricane-related damage. Our lawyers have the experience to help you gather the necessary evidence, such as photographs, repair estimates, and expert opinions. This documentation can be the key to proving the extent of your losses and ensuring a fair settlement.
- Disputes with insurance companies can become protracted and complex. Our lawyers are well-versed in dispute resolution and can escalate the matter to a higher authority if necessary. Williams Law, P.A.'s legal expertise can help you navigate these challenges, potentially avoiding lengthy delays in receiving your claim settlement.
- We have a network of experts, including public adjusters, engineers, and other professionals who can provide valuable insights and evidence to strengthen your claim.
Williams Law, P.A. Hurricane Claim Case Results
If your insurance company is dragging its feet regarding your property damage claim, you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Florida law office at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
