What To Do If Your Insurance Company Doesn't Pay After A Hurricane

Ruel Law Firm • Oct 09, 2023

Hurricanes can wreak havoc on your property and disrupt your life in countless ways. That is why homeowners often turn to insurance to provide financial protection in the event of hurricane damage. However, it can be disheartening to find out that your insurance company is not paying out as expected after a hurricane. If you are facing this situation, remember there are ways to protect what could be your largest investment, your home.

 

Review Your Policy  


The first step is to thoroughly review your insurance policy. Understanding the terms, conditions, and coverage limits is crucial. Make sure you have a clear grasp of what your policy covers, including hurricane-related damages, and any specific deductibles that apply. This information will help you determine if your claim should indeed be covered.

 

Document Damage

   

After a hurricane, it is essential to document the damage to your property as comprehensively as possible. Take clear photographs and videos of the affected areas, noting the date and time of each image. This visual evidence will be invaluable when filing your claim and can help substantiate your case if there is a dispute with your insurer.

 

Contact Your Insurance Company 


Once you have reviewed your policy and gathered evidence of the damage, it is time to contact your insurance company. Reach out to them as soon as possible to report the claim. Provide all the necessary details, including the date of the hurricane, the extent of the damage, and any relevant policy information.

 

Maintain Records 


Throughout the claims process, maintain a detailed record of all communications with your insurance company. This includes phone calls, emails, and letters. Note the names of the representatives you speak to, the date and time of each conversation, and the content of the discussion. This record can be essential if disputes arise.

 

Get Help   


If your insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. They can help you navigate the legal aspects of your case and ensure that your rights are protected. Insurance laws can be complex, and having legal representation can be an asset. An Attorney specializing in Insurance can help you explore all your legal options. 

 


If your insurer continues to withhold payment unjustly, you can request mediation with your state's insurance department. Most states have regulatory agencies that oversee insurance companies and can mediate disputes between policy holders and insurers.


Ruel Law Firm, P.A. Can Help 


Facing an uncooperative insurance company after a hurricane can be incredibly frustrating, but it is essential to be persistent and informed. By reviewing your policy, documenting damage, communicating effectively, and seeking legal help, you can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

 

Contact Ruel Law Firm P.A. in Lakeland Florida. Insurance companies are powerful and dealing with them can often be intimidating. Michael Ruel's experience can help clients navigate through the complex myriad of paperwork insurance companies throw at homeowners.

 

You do not have to face it alone.

 

Ruel Law Firm, P.A.

200 Lake Morton Dr, Suite 400, Lakeland, Florida 33801 

(833) 783-5529

RECENT ARTICLES

Devastation as a result of Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael: Lingering Effects on Homeowners and the Importance of Legal Advice

By Ruel Law FIrm • 24 Jan, 2024
Even years after Hurricane Michael tore through the U.S. Southeast, homeowners still acutely feel the repercussions. The Category 5 hurricane, which ravaged parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in October 2018, was one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the continental United States. Its legacy is a testament to the prolonged struggle many face in the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly when it comes to securing fair insurance settlements and navigating complex legal landscapes.
Water Damage in House

What To Do If Your Home Suffers Water Damage From A Natural Disaster

By Ruel Law Firm • 09 Oct, 2023
One of the most common and damaging effects of a Natural Disaster (Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Tropical Storms) is water damage to homes. Whether it is from heavy rainfall, storm surges, or wind-driven rain, water can wreak havoc on your property. In this blog, we will outline essential steps homeowners should take if their home suffers water damage from a natural disaster.

When Lightning Strikes Your Home

By Ruel Law Firm • 14 Jun, 2023
During the Florida rainy season, lightning is common due to afternoon thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical waves. Because of the amount of lightning strikes yearly, Florida is known as the Lightning Capital of the United States. Lightning strikes are inevitable during storms, which raises a big question: Does homeowners’ insurance cover it?
Show More
Devastation as a result of Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael: Lingering Effects on Homeowners and the Importance of Legal Advice

By Ruel Law FIrm • 24 Jan, 2024
Even years after Hurricane Michael tore through the U.S. Southeast, homeowners still acutely feel the repercussions. The Category 5 hurricane, which ravaged parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in October 2018, was one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the continental United States. Its legacy is a testament to the prolonged struggle many face in the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly when it comes to securing fair insurance settlements and navigating complex legal landscapes.
Water Damage in House

What To Do If Your Home Suffers Water Damage From A Natural Disaster

By Ruel Law Firm • 09 Oct, 2023
One of the most common and damaging effects of a Natural Disaster (Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Tropical Storms) is water damage to homes. Whether it is from heavy rainfall, storm surges, or wind-driven rain, water can wreak havoc on your property. In this blog, we will outline essential steps homeowners should take if their home suffers water damage from a natural disaster.

When Lightning Strikes Your Home

By Ruel Law Firm • 14 Jun, 2023
During the Florida rainy season, lightning is common due to afternoon thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical waves. Because of the amount of lightning strikes yearly, Florida is known as the Lightning Capital of the United States. Lightning strikes are inevitable during storms, which raises a big question: Does homeowners’ insurance cover it?
Apartment Building Fire

Miami Gardens Apartment Building Received Multiple Citations Before Fire

By Ruel Law Firm • 28 Apr, 2023
Sometimes fires happen accidentally, but in some cases, they can be prevented. Fires often occur due to negligence, such as building code violations that are ignored. This was the case for the New World Condominiums, which caught fire on the morning of January 28. The Miami Gardens apartment building had received 21 citations before a fire destroyed the building and left almost 200 residents displaced.
Contractor at Job Site

Unlicensed Contractors In Florida

By Ruel Law Firm • 28 Apr, 2023
Unlicensed contractors in Florida are a growing concern for homeowners, businesses, and the state as a whole. An unlicensed contractor is an individual or a company that does not hold a valid license to operate as a contractor in the state of Florida. These unlicensed contractors typically advertise their services online or through door-to-door solicitation, often offering services at a lower price than licensed contractors.
House with Extensive Fire Damage

Steps To Take When Filing A Fire Damage Claim

By Ruel Law Firm • 28 Apr, 2023
Experiencing a fire in your home can be a devastating experience. It can cause serious damage to your property and put your family’s safety at risk. Even if you have homeowners insurance, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Of course, you will want to file a home insurance claim to help cover the costs of repairing the damage to your home. Here are some key steps you should follow when filing a claim.
Bad Faith Insurance Legal File

Bad Faith Insurance

By Ruel Law Firm • 28 Apr, 2023
Insurance is designed to give people peace of mind, protecting them from financial loss in the event of a weather event, accident, or other event. However, sometimes insurance companies act in bad faith, which can have devastating consequences for clients. Bad faith occurs when an insurance company denies or undervalues a legitimate claim made by a client. Essentially, bad faith refers to the idea that an insurance company is not acting in good faith when dealing with clients.
House Destroyed by a Tornado

Effects Of Tornadoes

By Ruel Law Firm • 28 Apr, 2023
Tornadoes can happen all across the country, but Florida sees its fair share. In 2022, Florida had the fifth-highest number of tornadoes in the United States, at 73. Mississippi had the most, at 183. A tornado, in a nutshell, is a violent storm involving air. Tornadoes are formed from thunderstorms and involve a rotating column of air that touches the ground. They occur when updrafts of warm and wet air collide with cold air. This air is unstable and can cause significant damage to homes, vehicles, trees, and other objects.

How A Hail Storm Can Affect Your Home

By Ruel Law Firm • 28 Apr, 2023
Many of us have experienced hail storms at some point. Maybe you were at work or home when it happened. Perhaps you were out on the roadways running errands. Hail storms consist of balls of ice. They are often short-lived, lasting for fewer than 15 minutes. Many produce pebble-sized hail, but you have probably heard of hail the size of golf balls. This type of hail can be dangerous to buildings, cars, and other objects. While rare, massive hailstones can cause concussions and even fatal head injuries.
Window With Leaks and Mold

Common Window Defects

By Ruel Law Firm • 22 Feb, 2020
Windows play an important role in your home. Not only do they look good, but they provide function. For example, they keep drafts out of your home, keeping it cool (or warm) as needed. Windows also keep pests out of your home. During home inspections, there are various issues that tend to crop up when it comes to windows. These issues can ruin the looks of your windows and make them less effective. Here are some common defects to be aware of.
Share by: