Bonita Springs is a city in Lee County, Florida. Situated along the southwestern Gulf Coast of Florida, Bonita Springs has a population of over 53,000 as of the 2020 census.
Bonita Springs was extremely hard-hit by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall north of the city on September 28, 2022, as a Category 4 hurricane in Cayo Costa. Many homeowners were affected by hurricane damage wrought by the storm.
Get in touch with the Florin|Roebig law firm now. Our main law office location covers four acres in the Tampa Bay Area, and we are ready to put our ample resources to work on your insurance claim.
Hurricane Ian Property Damage in Bonita Springs, Florida
Hurricane Ian left devastating damage across Bonita Springs and the surrounding area, including cities like Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, and others.
Most of Bonita Springs was covered by at least six feet of water from Hurricane Ian’s powerful storm surge. The storm’s vicious rains and wind also caused extensive damage.
People in Bonita Springs have reporting the following types of hurricane damage:
- Flood damage and other water damage to the exterior and/or interior of buildings
- Siding, window, and roof damage caused by strong winds
- Damage from fallen trees and other flying debris and objects
People with homeowners insurance policies or other property insurance expect to have their damaged property covered and paid for.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies acted in bad faith after this natural disaster, and policyholders are having trouble recovering settlements.
In the state of Florida, business owners and property owners have the right to seek legal representation if they believe their insurance company is acting in bad faith.
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Steps To Take After Property Damage Caused By Hurricane Ian
If your Bonita Springs property was damaged, it’s important to take steps to ensure your insurance adjusters don’t take advantage of you after a devastating Florida hurricane.
Florida homeowners from Miami to Tampa Bay, and everywhere in between, should follow the steps below if their property was damaged by Hurricane Ian.
1. Document The Damage
Once it is safe and legal to return to your property, it’s critical to thoroughly document the damage left by the storm.
Photos and videos can serve as evidence if you find yourself in a dispute with your insurance company during the hurricane claims process.
Be sure to take extensive photos and videos of your entire property, including both inside and outside areas. Damage from hurricanes and tropical storms is not always apparent immediately and can become an issue months or even years later.
2. Make Temporary Repairs
If you need to make some repairs to your property to make it usable or safe to inhabit, go ahead and do so.
Be sure to save receipts for the parts you bought or labor you paid for, as these costs should be reimbursed as part of your insurance settlement.
3. Know Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage
Before you call your homeowner’s insurance company, be sure to review your policy and make sure that you understand the details of what is and is not covered.
Your deductible, premium, and hurricane damage coverage are all good points to review.
Being educated on your insurance policy is an important part of holding the insurance company accountable.
4. File An Insurance Claim
As soon as possible, you should call your insurance company and file a claim for the damage. Most policies require that property owners file a claim within a certain time window after damage occurs.
Even if you have surveyed your property and it appears undamaged, you may want to file a claim. Hidden wind damage and water damage from hurricanes can be hard to detect.
5. Get A Third-Party Estimate
You should never trust your insurance company to give an honest estimate of how much repairs to your property will cost.
It is advisable to hire a reputable contractor to survey your property after a hurricane. Expert contractors can find hidden damage and give an honest estimate of how much your repairs are going to cost.
You can use an estimate from a third-party contractor to counter your insurance company if they try to leave your claim underpaid or deny it.
6. Hire An Insurance Claims Attorney
Issues with insurance claims are very common after large storms like Hurricane Ian. Insurance companies might act in bad faith to try to underpay or deny your claim.
If you are having trouble with your insurance claim, contact Florin|Roebig law firm. During a free consultation, we can review your case and help you determine whether you should move forward with a lawyer to hold your insurance company accountable.
When To Hire A Bonita Springs Hurricane Damage Lawyer
It may be time to hire a lawyer to help with your Hurricane Ian insurance claim if you’ve filed the claim and it’s going nowhere. There are many ways that your insurance company may act in bad faith, and no two claims are alike.
Fortunately, with legal advice from an expert insurance claims attorney, you should be able to get the money that you rightfully deserve after Hurricane Ian.
If you experience any of the following, contact Florin|Roebig for a free case evaluation immediately:
- The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim is taking an unreasonably long time to return your calls or they are not answering the phone.
- Your claim has been approved or is waiting for approval, but the process is taking too long.
- The insurance company offers you a lowball settlement that is not enough to pay for the repairs to your home or business.
- The insurance company says you need separate flood insurance to cover damages, or they deny your claim for another reason.
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Find A Bonita Springs Hurricane Damage Claims Lawyer
If your Bonita Springs property sustained damage in Hurricane Ian, the last thing you should have to deal with is an insurance company acting in bad faith.
The lawyers at Florin|Roebig law firm have been helping Florida residents recover insurance payouts after hurricanes since 1985.
We are one of Florida’s most trusted law firms, with backing by fellow law firms and former clients alike. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation.
