Hurricane season is upon us, as Ian has made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, affecting Floridians across the state including in areas like Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Naples.
Florida homeowners are no strangers to major hurricanes and all the damage that can result from such a storm.
Most Floridians have homeowner’s insurance policies or separate hurricane insurance policies that cover water damage, wind damage, and other damage that can occur from a major tropical storm such as Ian.
Policyholders who are struggling to get compensated for damages from Ian that should be covered under their insurance policies may have legal options.
Experienced hurricane Ian attorneys, such as those at the law offices of Florin|Roebig, can help to hold the insurance industry accountable so that you get properly compensated after Hurricane Ian. We can help you today!
What Are Your Options If Your Home Is Affected By Hurricane Ian?
The Florida statute of limitations gives people living in the state up to two years to file a hurricane claim with their insurance company.
It is important to file your insurance claim as quickly as possible in Hurricane Ian’s aftermath. This gives you plenty of time to fight for compensation should you end up in an insurance dispute.
If your property is covered under your insurance policy, you should not have an issue getting compensated after Hurricane Ian. However, property insurance companies sometimes act in bad faith, refusing to pay for damage that should be covered under a policy.
In these cases, you may need to hire an experienced attorney, who will go head-to-head with your insurance company, holding them accountable for the money they owe you.
Public adjusters are not legally able to assist you like an attorney who specializes in first-party claims. Sometimes they will promise you things they can’t deliver on and have to call a law firm like Florin|Roebig to bail them out of a legal situation that they are not licensed for.
What’s the Deadline to Report a Hurricane Ian Claim? UPDATE
Florida’s insurance claim reporting period is NOW just twenty four months from when Hurricane Ian first hit on Sept 28, 2022.
Based on the most recent 2022 Florida legislation, which is current as of our last check in August 2023, there are misconceptions spread by various websites. Once a claim is filed you have five years to file a lawsuit against your insurance company of the the claim was not properly funded.
Regular property damage claims follow the same timeline: two years from the ‘date of loss’.
What Are Supplemental Claims And How Can They Be Used For My Hurricane Ian Claim
Initial Assessment and Damage Overlooked: Due to the vast number of claims after Hurricane Ian, insurance adjusters might miss some damages initially. These overlooked damages may surface later.
Subsequent Discoveries: While repairing damages, homeowners might find previously unnoticed issues, such as structural damage or hidden water impacts.
Differences in Damage Estimates: Policyholders may see a gap between their contractor’s repair estimate and the insurance company’s payout. If the payout seems low, they can file a supplemental claim for more funds.
Usage: After Hurricane Ian, if initial payouts don’t cover all damages, policyholders can use supplemental claims to seek additional compensation.
Timeliness: Filing supplemental claims promptly is essential, given time limits set by insurance policies.
Florin|Roebig is the premier choice for handling supplemental claims arising from Hurricane Ian due to our extensive experience, in-depth knowledge of Florida’s insurance landscape, and a proven track record. Our team is adept at navigating the complexities of post-hurricane claims, ensuring that overlooked or late-appearing damages are rightfully addressed. Our commitment to our clients, combined with Our expertise in identifying and rectifying inadequate initial assessments, makes Florin|Roebig the trusted ally for those seeking fair compensation in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
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What Damages Can A Hurricane Or Tropical Storm Cause?
Hurricane Ian’s heavy rains, damaging storm surge, and strong winds have left major damage across much of the state of Florida, causing Gov. Ron Desantis to declare a state of emergency.
As you look to begin the claims process after sustaining property damage in this major storm, you might be wondering what types of losses can be covered after such an event.
Some of the most common types of damage that occur in hurricanes include:
- Water and flood damage: Hurricane Ian’s heavy rains and dangerous storm surge have left entire areas underwater. Most hurricane insurance policies include flood insurance to cover damage that occurs during high water.
- Wind damage: Hurricane-force winds can cause extensive damage, uprooting trees, shearing off paneling and roofing, and causing large items to fly into and collide with valuable property.
- Interior Damage: When roofs are ripped off after hurricane winds, a house is left exposed to extreme water damage. Electronics like flat-screen televisions, computers, laptops, refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and many other expensive household appliances and electronics can be destroyed. Not to mention water-soaking hardwood floors, drywall, ceilings, and any indoor structures can lead to mold or even worse black mold which can attack our lungs and cause health problems for years.
- Hurricane storm damage: Hurricanes can cause damage to property in a number of ways, including tornadoes that may happen alongside the storm, flying debris, mold damage after the water recedes, and more.
Hurricanes can damage just about every aspect of a home, from the foundation to the roof to interior finish work, and more.
If your home has been damaged in Hurricane Ian and you have insurance that covers the damage, you need to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t let insurance or public adjusters swindle you out of money they owe you; contact Florin|Roebig today to hold your insurance company accountable.
Hurricane Ian Damage Statistics In Florida
- Insurance Ian Claims: Between $50 billion and $65 billion in Florida-insured damages
- Ian Destruction: Destroyed 5,000 Florida homes (leveled) and severely damaged another 30,000.
- Displaced and Death: The death toll has risen to 88, and at least 40,600 people have been displaced. In Florida alone, 76 of these deaths occurred.
- Homeowners Insurance: No matter if your area was impacted by Hurricane Ian, every Floridian should expect to pay way more for home insurance in 2023.
How Did Hurricane Ian Affect Different Areas Of Florida?
Hurricane Ian made landfall on the southwest coast of Florida on September 28, 2022, and caused catastrophic damage across many communities. Find more information below on how the storm affected specific locations in Florida.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral was almost a direct hit by Hurricane Ian, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Homes and businesses were damaged, and many residents have been left struggling to pick up the pieces. For those affected, filing an insurance claim may be the best way to recover their losses and rebuild their lives.
However, dealing with insurance companies can be a complicated and frustrating process, particularly when the stakes are high. That’s why it’s important to seek the help of an experienced law firm like Florin|Roebig. Our team of triple board-certified attorneys has years of experience dealing with insurance claims related to natural disasters, and we can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurers, and securing the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
If you’ve been affected by Hurricane Ian in Cape Coral, don’t hesitate to contact Florin|Roebig today. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve, so you can start rebuilding your life as soon as possible.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda was among the communities most heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian. The hurricane made landfall just west of this small town and brought devastating storm surges, catastrophic wind damage, and heavy rainfall to the area.
The storm surge was the most damaging element of Hurricane Ian in Punta Gorda, leaving most of the town under several feet of water for hours. Extensive flood damage occurred across most of the town. Both the interior and exterior of homes suffered water damage, leaving many homes a total loss.
Some homes in Punta Gorda, especially near the coast, were completely washed away. If you need a hurricane damage attorney in Punta Gorda, contact Florin|Roebig.
Fort Myers
Fort Myers took the brunt of Hurricane Ian, as the center of the storm made landfall just miles away. As Hurricane Ian approached the coast, sea levels rose several feet in the Fort Myers area, inundating much of the city with over six feet of salt water.
For several hours, water levels stayed high enough to cover almost the entire city of Fort Myers. Winds battered the area, uprooting trees, taking off roofs, and throwing debris into homes.
Properties across Fort Myers suffered extensive flood and wind damage from Hurricane Ian. If you or a loved one needs a hurricane damage claims attorney in the Fort Myers area, we can help.
Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte is another town situated along the southwestern Gulf Coast of Florida that took a near-direct hit from Hurricane Ian.
The storm surge was the leading cause of damage in Port Charlotte, with over half the town submerged by more than six feet of water, and damaging flood waters extending throughout the town.
Port Charlotte also sustained major wind damage, as Hurricane Ian made landfall just to the southwest as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds up to 150 miles per hour.
Interior and exterior flood damage, wind damage to roofs and siding, and major damage from floating and wind-blown debris are being observed across the Port Charlotte area.
If you need an insurance claims attorney in Port Charlotte, contact Florin|Roebig today.
Naples
Naples is another town near where Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa that saw extensive damage from the storm.
Naples is a low-lying coastal town, and the storm surge from Hurricane Ian covered the entire area in over six feet of water. According to the New York Times, county officials in Naples said that over half of the roads were impassable.
Wind damage was also a problem in Naples, with powerful gusts blowing trees over and damaging buildings.
Sanibel
Sanibel is a town on Sanibel Island, located just off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Unfortunately, Sanibel saw some of the worst of Hurricane Ian’s destruction.
The entire Island of Sanibel was under several feet of water during the hurricane. Buildings were leveled or completely swept off their foundation. Trees were uprooted and blown miles away. The island is nearly unrecognizable after the storm.
With road access cut off to Sanibel due to the destruction of a critical bridge, rebuilding efforts have been slow.
Many insurance claims are being denied in the Sanibel Island area because insurance companies say that policyholders need separate flood insurance. People who need a hurricane damage attorney in Sanibel should contact Florin|Roebig today.
Venice
Venice saw substantial damage from Hurricane Ian. The town is just miles north of where the storm made landfall.
The wind was a major issue in Venice, with widespread damage from flying debris, roof and siding damage, downed trees, and more being reported.
The storm’s heavy rains also caused major flooding in the nearby Myakka River, leading to major water damage across a wide area in Venice.
At least 7 deaths have been attributed to Hurricane Ian in Sarasota County, an indication of the storm’s violent force.
Many more also experienced damage to property in Venice due to Hurricane Ian.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a town near Tampa Bay along the Florida Gulf Coast. The town narrowly avoided total catastrophe from Hurricane Ian, as the storm was initially forecast to make a direct hit but ended up making landfall further south.
Still, heavy rain and winds from Ian battered the town, leading to downed trees, localized flooding, and other damage. Many people in St. Petersburg sustained damage during Hurricane Ian.
Tampa
In the days leading up to Hurricane Ian’s landfall, there was talk of a worst-case scenario direct landfall in the Tampa Bay area. Fortunately for Tampa residents, the storm made landfall several miles to the south.
Still, Tampa property owners are dealing with damage from the storm, as trees were uprooted and some small streams and rivers flooded their banks.
If you or someone you know needs a Tampa Bay hurricane damage attorney, reach out to our specialists at Florin|Roebig today.
Sarasota
Sarasota was spared the very worst of Hurricane Ian, but the storm still had widespread impacts across the city and surrounding areas.
Heavy rains and wind caused extensive damage in Sarasota, with major impacts to homes and businesses. Several deaths have been reported in the county due to the storm, and the local airport was heavily damaged.
People living in Sarasota might need a hurricane damage attorney to help them get the settlement they deserve.
Orlando
Orlando is an inland city in central Florida that is not known for its susceptibility to hurricanes because it does not lie on the coast like many other cities.
Although Hurricane Ian had weakened substantially by the time it reached Orlando, it had also slowed considerably and brought prolonged heavy rains to the area.
The heavy rains from Hurricane Ian caused many streams and rivers in the Orlando area to flood their banks, leading to water damage in homes and businesses across the city.
A lot of insurance companies are denying Orlando property owners’ insurance claims after the storm because of flood insurance details.
Kissimmee
Kissimmee is a smaller town located just south of Orlando. Like Orlando, Kissimmee saw extensive stream and river flooding, leading to the inundation of many buildings.
While some minor wind damage did occur in Kissimmee, especially from uprooted trees, the main source of damage was floodwaters.
People who are struggling with their property insurance claims in Kissimmee after Hurricane Ian should reach out to a hurricane damage attorney.
Ocala
Ocala is a town in Central Florida, between Gainesville and Orlando. Fortunately, Ocala suffered minimal damage from Hurricane Ian compared to many other areas in the state.
Still, damage has been reported in the area, with downed trees, heavy rains, and flying debris being some of the main effects of the storm.
Some minor flooding and tree damage have affected properties in the Ocala area.
Bonita Springs
Hurricane Ian, with its brutal winds and torrential rains, wreaked havoc on Bonita Springs, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Homes were damaged, power lines toppled, and countless residents are still grappling with the aftermath.
The long-term effects for homeowners could be substantial. Many face costly and lengthy repair processes, while others confront the challenging prospect of rebuilding entirely. Furthermore, homeowners may see increased insurance premiums and property values may fluctuate in the storm’s aftermath. Navigating these challenges will require resilience, resources, and time.
What To Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied After A Hurricane
Although storms like Ian are the exact reason why many people buy property insurance and specifically hurricane insurance, many insurance companies try to take advantage of customers during crises like this and avoid paying for damages.
If you submit a claim with your insurance company after Ian and it is denied, you still have options.
A qualified attorney can review your case and help you determine whether you have a valid reason to pursue compensation from the insurance company.
After large Florida hurricane storms like Ian, insurance companies often look for any reason to deny claims because they are experiencing an “insurance crisis”, or a period of overwhelming numbers of claims.
By hiring an attorney, like the experienced lawyers at Florin|Roebig, you can guarantee that any compensation you are legally owed will be paid out by the insurance provider.
Your lawyer will first attempt to settle your case out of court, meaning the insurance company agrees to pay you the money you are owed. If they still won’t pay, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and take the case to court, where your attorney will attempt to explain to a judge why you should be compensated for damages your property suffered in the storm.
How Can A Hurricane Ian Damage Lawyer Help?
Hurricane damage lawyers are trained to help people who have had their claims denied or are experiencing trouble with their insurance companies.
Thwart Attempts To Reduce Your Payout
Insurance companies might try to take advantage of policyholders after a storm like Hurricane Ian by offering lowball settlements or looking for reasons to reduce a payout.
It can be difficult to know when your insurance company is trying to illegitimately lower your payout offer. A hurricane damage attorney can review your claim and go head-to-head with the insurance company to make sure that they are paying every dime that they are responsible for.
Ensure Your Claim Is Not Delayed
A lot of people have filed property insurance claims after Hurricane Ian, and insurance companies might be struggling to keep up with the claims. One tactic they could use is to intentionally delay your claim.
A hurricane damage lawyer will represent you and hold your insurance company accountable, making sure they don’t get away with delaying your claims process and getting you a payment as quickly as possible so you can make necessary repairs.
Fight Claim Denials
If your claim has been denied after Hurricane Ian, an insurance claims attorney might be able to help.
Many claims have been denied in Florida because insurers say that you must have separate flood insurance. In some cases, this is not a legitimate reason for claim denial.
Contact an insurance claims attorney to fight a denied claim and get the payout you deserve.
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Find Help From A Qualified Insurance Hurricane Ian Claims Attorney
You pay a lot for your insurance premium, and you deserve to have your insurance company uphold their side of the deal.
After a storm like Ian, the last thing you want to deal with is a battle with your post-storm insurance. The attorneys at Florin|Roebig are here to help if your home or property has been damaged in Hurricane Ian, and your insurance is refusing to pay.
Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can help you determine whether you have a case against your insurance company and if pursuing legal action is the right thing to do.
Hurricane Ian Additional Resources
For help with free local resources, therapy, and any additional information, please follow the below links or call the provided toll-free numbers:
- Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM):
- Description: The Florida Division of Emergency Management plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. They provide disaster recovery assistance following declared emergency situations, like Hurricane Ian.
- Website: www.floridadisaster.org
- Contact: (850) 815-4000
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
- Description: FEMA provides aid and support to individuals and communities affected by disasters. They offer disaster assistance, which can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs for Hurricane Ian damage, and other disaster-related expenses.
- Website: www.fema.gov
- Contact: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)
- American Red Cross of Central Florida:
- Description: The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in Florida. They help locate shelter, provide food and water, and health services as needed for victims of Hurricane Ian.
- Website: www.redcross.org/local/florida/central-florida.html
- Contact: (407) 894-4141
- Florida Department of Financial Services:
- Description: The Department of Financial Services offers support to consumers navigating Hurricane Ian insurance claims, particularly after a disaster. They can provide guidance on your rights and responsibilities and help ensure insurance companies are honoring their policies.
- Website: www.myfloridacfo.com
- Contact: 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236)
- Volunteer Florida:
- Description: Volunteer Florida promotes volunteerism in Florida and provides training and resources for volunteers and organizations. They often coordinate volunteer efforts after hurricane disasters.
- Website: www.volunteerflorida.org
- Contact: (850) 414-7400
- 211 Florida:
- Description: 211 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages and from all communities to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Website: www.211.org
- Contact: Dial 2-1-1
