Homeowners’ insurance typically covers hurricane damage caused by wind and rain. However, where you live and the policies you carry determines what deductibles apply.
Your insurance policy is a contract. Frequently, insurers use ambiguous language to deny coverage and to avoid or decrease claims payouts. Our homeowner’s insurance claims lawyers will help you sift through the confusing language used in all homeowners insurance policies.
If you have questions about your homeowners’ insurance coverage, contact an experienced homeowners insurance claims attorney at Schrier Law Group today for your free case review.
Listed below are a few tips to help you determine if your home is ready for hurricane season in Florida.
Does Home Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage in Florida?
Most homeowners insurance covers your home in the event it is damaged from hurricane winds. However, storm surges and flood damage, after a hurricane, may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
What is a Deductible?
A deductible is the amount that you pay before your insurer reimburses you for the remainder of a loss. A hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of the total amount of home insurance coverage. For example, a 3% hurricane deductible, on a $100,000.00 policy, would mean that you need to pay $3,000 before your insurer covers the rest of your damages.
If you are unsure where to find your insurance deductible information, look on your policy’s declaration page or contact a homeowner’s insurance claims attorney at Schrier Law Group to discuss the actual coverage that you have paid for.
Types of Homeowner Insurance Coverage in Florida
Hurricane season occurs between June and November in Florida. You can prevent unnecessary stress by ensuring that your policy has the optimal amount of protection for your home’s hurricane risk.
What is Dwelling Coverage?
Dwelling coverage covers all the parts of your home. That includes the structure of your home, your roof, and your built-in appliances. Your dwelling coverage limit should amount to the total cost of rebuilding your home. Many homeowner’s insurance professionals recommend extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage, for higher coverage limits.
What is Personal Property Coverage?
Personal property coverage covers all the property you own, that is not physically attached to your house. This may include your clothing, jewelry, furniture, appliances, and more. Make sure that all of your belongings are insured at their replacement cost just in case they’re destroyed in a hurricane.
Depending on where you live, it can be beneficial to get additional loss of use coverage. This coverage can help you support yourself while your home is being rebuilt in the wake of a tropical storm.
What Additional Insurance Coverage Should I Consider?
Unfortunately, standard homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover everything. In many cases, there are massive gaps in coverage that could leave you and your family in a difficult situation in the event of a hurricane.
Coverage gaps can be scary. Insurers often rely on them to avoid paying out claims. The following types of insurance can fill in those gaps in coverage:
- Debris removal coverage covers the costs associated with removing fallen trees or power lines after a hurricane.
- Flood insurance insures your home against most types of flood damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 90% of natural disasters include some form of flooding.
- Water backup insurance protects your house or belongings if your sewage water becomes backed up into your home through your plumbing.
- Windstorm insurance might not be included in your policy if you’re in a high-risk state like Florida. You may require separate windstorm coverage to protect your home from wind damage.
What Are the Benefits of Working with a Homeowner Insurance Claims Lawyer?
Florida insurance laws can be complicated. That’s why we recommend working with an experienced homeowner’s insurance claims lawyer. A homeowner’s insurance claims attorney can be helpful in the following situations:
- You and your insurance company disagree on compensation amounts
- It’s an expensive or complicated claim
- Your claim or coverage is denied
- The insurance company is taking too long to respond to your claim
- Lowball payouts
Negotiating with insurance adjusters is not an easy task. In most cases, it involves extensive paperwork, follow-up, knowledge of Florida’s homeowner’s insurance laws, and a lot of energy.
A lawyer is not required for every homeowner’s insurance claim. However, if a dispute arises, it’s almost always a good idea to at least consult with a lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Florida Homeowners Insurance Claims Lawyer Today
If you’re battling with your homeowners’ insurance company, you don’t have to do it alone. We can help. Our homeowners’ insurance attorneys at Schrier Law Group are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation for your claims. Call 1-800-700-Paul today to schedule your free case analysis.
