Legal Storm Damage Claims

Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

Posted: Sep 27, 2022
By: Cohen Law Firm
Comments: 0

It is extremely important for you to have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Click Here For The Homeowners Guide To Storm Damage

Before The Storm:

Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.
If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
Know what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Review your mold coverage.
Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.

After The Storm:

When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof
Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim.
Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters.
Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company.
Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
Check your policy coverages and sublimits.
Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
We have seen too many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.
For more information about the work we do with insurance claims, Click Here.

Business Owners Preparedness Tips:

Click Here For The Large Loss Guide To Storm Damage

Businesses should pay close attention to the storm’s forecast over the weekend. The National Hurricane Center releases a new full advisory every 6 hours, at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm EDT. They are issuing intermediate advisories every 3 hours, between the full advisories (1am, 8am, 1pm, 8pm EDT.)
During this time, it’s important to review your disaster and emergency communication plan.
Backup all data on servers and personal computers and ensure remote access is available.
Ensure your equipment is raised above potential flood levels.
Review your insurance policies to mitigate any possible gaps in coverage.
Protect and duplicate important business documents and records. Be sure they are accessible from anywhere.