Increasingly, over the past few years, windstorms and other weather events like hurricanes have become more common and more severe, and home and business owners often find themselves making hurricane claims on their insurance policies to cover damages. If you’re unlucky enough to find yourself in such a situation, you’ll need to navigate the bureaucratic complexities of insurance coverage and policy language, while trying to figure out what your rights are. The following article aims to provide clarity and guidance for these tricky situations. Insurance is there when you need it most.
Understanding Your Coverage
The first step to properly handling windstorm and hurricane claims is to know your policy. Here’s what you need to look for.
1. Types of Coverage
Insurance policies vary significantly, but generally speaking, there are three types of insurance coverage relevant to damage caused by windstorm and hurricane:
- Dwelling Coverage: This covers damage to the structure of your home or business.
- Personal Property Coverage: This pertains to the personal belongings inside your home or business.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable, ALE coverage can reimburse the costs of temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals.
2. Windstorm and Hurricane Deductibles
Such events are commonly subject to separate deductibles from the regular deductible. A windstorm or hurricane deductible, for example, is often calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value. Knowing this will help you better manage your expectations when making a claim.
3. Exclusions and Limitations
Read the fine print: some policies exclude wind damage caused by tornadoes, which are distinct from hurricanes, or damage caused by flying debris, or do not cover flooding, which often accompanies hurricanes. You might require a supplemental policy such as flood insurance to be fully covered.
Filing a Windstorm or Hurricane Claim
When you need to act, it’s important to act promptly and orderly. Here’s a checklist to follow:
1. Document the Damage
- Take Photos and Videos: Document all visible damage as soon as you are able.
- Inventory Losses: Make a detailed list of all damaged items, including their value.
- Keep Receipts: Save receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary housing costs.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner an adjuster can be assigned to your case. Make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Your policy number
- A description of the damage
- An inventory of damaged items
3. Mitigate Further Damage
Most policies stipulate that it’s your responsibility to prevent further damage. This might include:
- Placing tarps over roof damage
- Boarding up broken windows
- Drying out water-logged areas
4. Prepare for the Adjuster’s Visit
When the insurance adjuster shows up, make sure you have everything you need to back up your claim: photos, proof of purchase, and a detailed description. Be honest and thorough. Take the adjuster on a tour of the damaged areas. Ask him whatever you need to ask.
Knowing Your Rights
Knowing your rights during the claims-making process can be the difference between a fair settlement and a poor one.
1. The Right to a Fair Assessment
You are entitled to a thorough and impartial assessment of the loss. If you think the scope of loss is inadequate or wrong in any way, you can ask for a second opinion or retain a public adjuster to represent your interests.
2. The Right to Prompt Payment
Insurance companies are generally required by statute to complete and pay claims within a reasonable time. Find out the statute of limitations in your state.
3. The Right to Dispute a Denial
If your claim is denied, you don’t have to take the decision on faith. You can appeal the denial or ask an attorney about your options.
4. The Right to Transparency
You should demand an explanation, both for what your policy covers and why they denied a claim or paid less than you expected. You should insist on clear, written explanations when needed.
Conclusion
Windstorm and hurricane claims add a layer of complexity to the already difficult process of making a claim. However, if you understand your coverage and your rights, you can make the claims process much easier. Know what your policy says, move quickly when damage occurs, and be aware of your rights when making a claim. Understanding the claims process and being proactive can help you make windstorm and hurricane claims more manageable and get you the compensation you deserve.
For more in-depth advice on insurance claims specific to your situation, consult a professional who can help you navigate the complexities. Your property and your sanity deserve it.
