As of mid-September, damage from Hurricane Sally is expected to be around $8 to $10 billion.[1] If you own property along the path of Hurricane Sally, it is important to conduct a thorough assessment of your property checking for all possible damage. If you find damage, document it by taking detailed photos and videos as soon as possible. Additionally, do not throw away materials that may have fallen from your structure, such as roof tiles and siding. Such evidence of your damage will be important to your insurance claim.
Even if you believe that your property was unaffected by Hurricane Sally, check for damage anyway. Wind and rain can wreak havoc on your property in spite of showing no physical signs of damage. Check for water intrusion in your attic and cracks in your exterior walls.
When filing an insurance claim for Hurricane Sally damage, be aware of how your insurance company may mistreat you.
Claim handling delay is a top complaint against insurance providers from Hurricane Michael.
Complaint data from Hurricane Michael insurance claims, provided by the Florida Department of Financial Services, indicates that the most common issue insurance holders face with their insurance providers is having a claim handling delay. This is unfortunate. You’ve paid your premiums and the least you should get is prompt handling of your claim, in the rare occasion of submitting one.
Here’s some advice regarding claim delays.
If you experience delays in communication, remember these numbers, 14-30-90. Under the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights:
- Within 14 days your insurance company must send you an acknowledgement of your claim.
- Within 30 days after you have submitted a proof-of-loss statement, if your carrier requires one, your insurance company should tell you if they plan to: fully or partially pay your claim, deny your claim, or take more time to investigate your claim.
- Within 90 days receive payment for at least the undisputed portion of your claim, or receive a letter of denial.
While the Department of Financial Services gives a timeline to insurance providers to facilitate speedy claim management, the Department also states that property owners have responsibilities in the claims management process too. Here’s what you should know:
- Contact your insurance company before entering into a contract for repairs to ensure the repairs you make will be covered by your policy.
- Make and document emergency repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage from occurring. Take before and after pictures.
- Carefully read any contract that requires you to pay out-of-pocket expenses or a fee that is based on the percentage of the insurance proceeds from the claim.
- Confirm that the contractor you choose is licensed to do business in Florida. Call, or visit the contractor license search portal online, with the Florida Department of Business and Regulations, to verify licenses and see if there are any complaints against them.
- Require all contractors to provide proof of insurance before beginning repairs.
- Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Secure your property, turn off water, gas, and electricity, and provide a phone number to your insurance company for where you can be reached.[2]
Other Claim-Related Reasons for Complaints against Insurance Providers
Claim handling delay is not the only reason why Florida property owners have filed insurance complaints against their insurance company for Hurricane Michael-related claims.
Property owners with Hurricane Michael insurance claims also faced claim issues such as:
- Claim denial
- Claim underpayment
- Dissatisfaction with settlement offer
Our aim in sharing these facts with you from Hurricane Michael claims is to help you be aware of the issues that can arise when filing a Hurricane Sally claim. CORE Public Adjusters has the expertise to help you navigate your Hurricane Sally insurance claim, or any other property insurance claim you may have. We will work hard to work your claim as quickly as possible to get you back in working order. Our main goal is to get you a fair settlement from your insurance company. From conducting a full investigation of your damage, to communicating and negotiating with your insurance company, and everything in between, we alleviate the stress from an already stressful event.
Before signing off, we’d like to discuss flood versus property insurance. Hurricane Sally brought destructive flooding to Pensacola and the surrounding region. It is important to take note that homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. Flooding is rising water and is covered by a government policy, The U.S. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).[3]
If you have damage that looks like it was a result from flooding, but was not, be aware that your insurance provider may deny your claim.
Contact Us
We hope this article will be helpful to you as you navigate the claims process. Contact us right away if you have a Hurricane Sally, Hurricane Michael, or any other property insurance claim that was underpaid or denied, or if you experienced any of the mishandlings of your claim mentioned above.
Give us a call today (877) 411-2673 or send us an email and let us help you maximize your claim value and get you back to normal as soon as possible.
[1] Kumar, D. K., & Hiller, J. (2020, September 18). After Hurricane Sally, Assessment of Extensive Flood Damage Begins. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.insurancejournal.com.
[2] Florida Department. (2018, December). Know Your Rights Homeowners Claims Bill of Rights. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.myfloridacfo.com.
[3] Insurance Information Institute. (n.d.). Do I Need Flood Insurance For My Home. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.iii.org.
