Across the country, 2011 brought flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and drought. The extreme weather caused unprecedented damage. In hurricane-prone regions such as Florida, the population and development explosion has increased insured losses and insurance claims.
Wind and Water Damage
Following Hurricane Irene, the Carolinas suffered significant wind damage. However, the majority of the damage farther up the Eastern seaboard was caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. Typical homeowner’s insurance protects your home from wind damage.
You may want to update your home with windstorm mitigation renovations to reduce damage from the wind and also lower insurance premiums. The Institute for Business & Home Safety suggests five ways to better protect your home from damaging wind and rain.
- Shutter all openings to protect windows and doors.
- Secure loose roof shingles, so the wind does not lift off one shingle and create a domino effect.
- Seal openings, cracks and holes to avoid water coming into your home.
- Strengthen soffits on the underside of the roof overhang to avoid water intrusion.
- Survey surroundings to limit any sources of wind-borne debris.
Homeowner’s policies do not generally include flood protection. You should obtain flood coverage from the federal National Flood Insurance Program.
If your home suffers wind or water damage following a hurricane or tropical storm, you should consult an experienced hurricane insurance lawyer. A lawyer will make sure that you are to repair your home in a timely manner.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied Or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim In Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging their 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 Tampa, Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
