Fort Myers is a town situated in Southwest Florida, near the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Ian made landfall near Fort Myers in late September 2022 as a powerful Category 4 hurricane.
Hurricane Ian brought major storm damage impacts to Southwest Florida, including water damage from flooding, wind damage, and more.
Many people in the Fort Myers area tried their best to prepare for this natural disaster, but the storm caused extensive property damage, destruction, and fatalities.
People who have insurance policies that are supposed to cover damage from hurricanes might need extra help in holding their insurance providers accountable after Hurricane Ian.
Many insurance companies may act in bad faith after a disaster like a hurricane or tropical storm because they are inundated with claims and do not want to or are unable to pay them.
A Florida hurricane insurance claims lawyer can help policyholders like you understand your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company.
Types Of Damage Caused By Hurricane Ian In Fort Myers
Hurricane Ian made landfall close to Fort Myers, bringing major impacts in just about every way a hurricane can.
People living in Fort Myers and greater Lee County may have experienced any of the following property damage:
- Flood damage to the interior or exterior of the house, from the storm surge or heavy rainfall
- Roof and siding damage to shingles or other materials from the impact of other objects or direct wind damage
- Damage from fallen trees and other flying debris
- Broken or damaged windows
What is the difference between homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance for residents in Fort Myers, who have suffered damage from Hurricane Ian:
Homeowner’s Insurance: This is a general form of insurance that typically covers the structure of the home and personal belongings against a wide range of perils, such as fire, theft, and certain types of water damage like a burst pipe. It often includes liability coverage, which protects homeowners if someone is injured on their property. However, it’s important to note that most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage, including flooding caused by hurricanes.
Flood Insurance: Flood insurance is a separate policy that covers damages caused by flooding, which is especially pertinent for coastal areas like Fort Myers. These policies cover structural damage to the home, including the foundation and any equipment necessary to the structure of the home, and personal belongings from floodwater damage. This would be the coverage relied upon if Hurricane Ian caused flooding that resulted in damage to a home.
In the aftermath of a disaster like Hurricane Ian, homeowners would typically need to make claims on both policies. They would claim on their homeowner’s insurance for wind damage to their home and personal property, and on their flood insurance for any damages caused by flooding. If they only have homeowner’s insurance, any damage caused by flooding would not be covered, potentially leaving the homeowner with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
For this reason, it’s crucial for residents in hurricane-prone and low-lying areas to consider carrying both homeowners and flood insurance to ensure they’re fully protected against the various types of damage a hurricane can cause. An experienced local insurance agent, attorney, or public adjuster can help homeowners understand their risks and find the coverage that best fits their needs.
Steps To Take After Hurricane Ian Damages Your Fort Myers Property
Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian are a part of life in many areas of Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and along the gulf coast where Hurricane Ian made the biggest impact.
Still, the damage to personal property from a storm like Ian can come as a surprise. You should be prepared and know exactly what to do if your home or business has been damaged in Hurricane Ian.
Follow these steps after Hurricane Ian if your property has been damaged:
1. Document The Damage
Once conditions are safe to do so, you need to assess the damage to your property. Make a list of all belongings and property that have been damaged in the storm.
It is a good idea to take photos and videos of your entire property as you assess the damage. If your property damage claim is denied, these will be valuable pieces of evidence.
2. Make Temporary Home Or Property Repairs
Sometimes, a property sustains damage that requires immediate repairs to make it usable. If you need to make repairs to your home or business, make sure you document the repairs you’ve made and keep receipts for all materials and labor.
3. Know Your Insurance Coverage
Before making an insurance claim, you should read your entire insurance policy and make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies and other property insurance policies in Florida include hurricane coverage, but they are not legally required for them to do so. Reviewing your policy before making a claim can save time and energy.
4. File An Insurance Claim
You should file your claim as soon as safely possible. Property owners are required by most policies to file a claim within a certain time period.
Even if your property appears undamaged, filing a claim is a smart thing to do. Hidden damage to your property could appear years later.
5. Get A Third-Party Estimate
You should never rely only on your insurance adjuster’s estimate for how much repairs will cost. They may want to pay as little as possible and, therefore, might underpay your claim.
You can hire a reputable third-party contractor to come and assess the damage at your home and give you an estimate for repairs to return the property to its original condition.
6. Hire An Insurance Claims Attorney
Anyone who is struggling with the claims process should look into law firms that offer legal assistance for insurance disputes.
Florin|Roebig has attorneys with years of experience helping people just like you to get compensation from their insurance companies.
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When To Hire A Fort Myers Hurricane Damage Lawyer
Premiums for property insurance are not cheap, and when a disaster like Hurricane Ian strikes, your insurance company should hold up its side of the deal and pay for your damage to be repaired.
After tornadoes, hurricanes, or other large natural disasters that lead to insurance claims, an insurance provider might act in bad faith to try to lessen the impact on their company.
If your insurance company is doing any of the following, you should contact a law office with reputable hurricane insurance claims attorneys immediately:
- You try calling the adjuster who has been assigned to your claim but they are unavailable or won’t return your calls.
- The insurance provider says that the damage is not covered under your policy, or that you would need to have separate flood insurance to cover the damage.
- The insurance company is taking too long to process your claim and/or pay for repairs.
- Your claim is denied without explanation or is denied unfairly.
- The insurance company is offering a settlement amount that is less than what the damage will cost to repair.
Listed below are five resources for Fort Myers residents who have fallen victim of the devastation of Hurricane Ian:
- United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties United Way is a nonprofit organization that works in collaboration with other community partners to provide immediate assistance, such as food, shelter, and long-term recovery services for Hurricane Ian victims.
- Website: https://unitedwaylee.org/
- Contact: (239) 433-2000
- Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, this food bank provides food assistance to those affected. They often set up mobile pantries in affected areas.
- Website: https://harrychapinfoodbank.org/
- Contact: (239) 334-7007
- The Salvation Army, Fort Myers The Salvation Army usually provides immediate emergency disaster response services, including meals, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected by Hurricane Ian.
- Website: https://www.salvationarmyflorida.org/fortmyers/
- Contact: (239) 278-1551
- Community Cooperative Community Cooperative works to feed the community through community cafes, markets, and Meals on Wheels, especially during times of crisis like Hurricane Ian.
- Website: https://communitycooperative.com/
- Contact: (239) 332-7687 ext. 100
- Lee County Emergency Management This county agency coordinates recovery efforts during and after disasters like Hurricane Ian, offering services and resources for affected residents.
- Website: https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement
- Contact: (239) 533-0622
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Get In Touch With A Fort Myers Hurricane Damage Claims Lawyer Today
Fort Myers properties sustained significant damage in Hurricane Ian. Don’t let your insurance company make your life even harder.
If your insurance company is not paying for your property damage or is trying to swindle its way out of compensating you, an insurance claims attorney can help.
People in South Florida and beyond can rely on the attorneys at Florin|Roebig to help them hold their insurance providers accountable after hurricane Ian.
We offer free consultations to people who aren’t sure whether they need the help of an insurance claims attorney.
Reach out to the offices of Florin|Roebig today to learn more or schedule your free case evaluation.
Location and contact information:
9160 Forum Corporate Pkwy
Fort Myers, FL 33905
(888) 311-2464
