Below are tips and recommended steps to take if you have found yourself in need of filing an insurance claim after Hurricane Sally, or after any other hurricane or weather disturbance in the last few years.

File an Insurance Claim

How long after a hurricane can you file an insurance claim?

You should file as soon as possible once it is safe to assess your home. However, you do have up to three years from when a hurricane touches down to submit a claim. No matter when you choose to file, be sure to record and conduct thorough cataloguing of the damage through pictures and videos. It’s better to file sooner rather than later due to the fact that recent damage is easier for the property adjuster to assess and to make a more accurate claim.[1]

Unfortunately sometimes damage doesn’t present itself until long after the hurricane is gone. For example, a crack or hole in your exterior wall caused by flying hurricane debris may wreak havoc with water intrusion and mold inside your walls. If you discover the damage well after the hurricane has passed, know that it’s not too late to file a claim. You’ll want expert assistance to ensure your insurance company takes your claim seriously. Even previous hurricanes from this year, such as Hurricane Cristobal, can also still be claimed even months later.

Did you incur property damage from a 2018 or 2019 hurricane?

It’s still not too late to file an insurance claim. Previous hurricanes that touched down in Florida in 2018 are Hurricane Michael, which touched down October 10, 2018, and Hurricane Florence, which touched down September 14, 2018.[2]

Then there was Hurricane Dorian at the end of August and into early September in 2019 first wreaking havoc on the Bahamas and then causing power outages, significant flooding, and storm surges in Florida.[3] Flooding from rising water requires a flood policy other than your property insurance. Flood policies have strict deadlines that differ from regular insurance claims. Flooding damage is more obvious and typically presents itself more quickly. Do not delay in filing a flood claim. Contact us for expert assistance.

There is still time for you to file a claim if you were impacted by any of these previous hurricanes. You should call CORE Public Adjusters at (877) 411-2673 ASAP to get started with your claim. We can also help with your underpaid or denied insurance claims.

Know What to Expect

What happens if you file an insurance claim?

You’ll want to file your claim after compiling documentation and collecting the necessary photos. Once you’ve reported damage to your insurance provider, they will then send out a property adjuster to assess the damage and compile a damage report. You may be asked to submit a proof of loss form and you should do so as noncompliance of this step will result in delay or even denial of your claim. You will receive notification of what your insurance company is willing to pay for your damage once the insurance company’s property adjuster completes the damage report. Read our article, Did You Receive Full Coverage From Your Insurance Claim? explaining why your claim may not be a fair and accurate estimate of your damage.

Be aware of these common issues that can arise when filing a claim[4]:

1. Insurance company denies the claim. There are a few reasons this could occur. For example, you did not complete all the necessary paperwork, such as a Proof of Loss form. Another reason your insurance company may deny the claim is because they believe the reason why damage occurred is not covered under your policy.
2. Flood damage is covered under a separate policy subsidized by the Federal Government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The property adjuster will state on the recorded documentation whether s/he believes the water damage resulted from flooding. Remember, flooding is rising water, but damage from water can occur from heavy rain protruding into your home. Call us at (877) 411-2673 if your insurance provider denied your claim due to “flooding” when you believe damage occurred from a covered event under your insurance policy.
3. Delays in the filling are common if not all necessary documents are supplied. When you hire CORE Public Adjusters, we handle the paperwork, communications, negotiations, and payment processes so you don’t have to.

Tips for navigating the claims process:

1. Make any necessary repairs to prevent any further damage. Take pictures before and after repairs are made.
2. Keep all receipts from hotel, food, and pet boarding cost if you are unable to stay in your home.[5]
3. Submit your claim as soon as it is safe to assess your home.
4. Keep track of all items damaged and all losses.
5. Be sure to stay in touch with your insurance company to receive acknowledgement of your claim within 14 days. They are required to respond within this time frame and also meet other deadlines for your claim, such as sending payment for the undisputed part of your claim within 90 days.
6. Call CORE Public Adjusters for professional assistance. It’s a complicated process in which your insurance provider may be looking for ways to deny your claim. We will guard against this.

Additional Resources

1. Download our free Complete Guide to Property Insurance.
2. Call CORE Public Adjusters to help make the filing process smooth and pain-free. We allow you to focus on your family and your next steps. As a part of our six-point promise to clients, we aim to maximize your payout as quickly as possible so you can fix your damage and get back to normal.
3. Contact us today and we will get started on your claim right away!

[1] DiUlio, N. (2020). How to File an Insurance Claim After a Hurricane. Retrieved October 5, 2020, from https://www.uphelp.org/how-file-insurance-claim-after-hurricane

[2] Gaches, L. (2018, November 28). Destructive 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Draws to an End. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/destructive-2018-atlantic-hurricane-season-draws-to-end

[3] N. (Ed.). (2019, September 6). Hurricane Dorian – September 6, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.weather.gov/mhx/Dorian2019

[4] FAQ’s about Property Damage Insurance Claims. (2015, September 01). Retrieved October 06, 2020, from https://www.uphelp.org/pubs/faqs-about-property-damage-insurance-claims

[5] What to do when a hurricane threatens. (2020). Retrieved October 06, 2020, from https://www.iii.org/article/what-to-do-when-a-hurricane-threatens