Residents in Kissimmee, Orlando, and other areas of central Florida experienced residual effects from Category 3 Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. Its high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge led to extensive property damage, personal injury, and fatalities for Florida residents.
Hurricane damage to homes and businesses should mostly be covered by homeowners insurance, but natural disasters like Milton can put a strain on insurance companies. This in turn leads to undervalued or unpaid insurance claims.
If you are having trouble with your hurricane damage claim, the Florin|Roebig legal team can help you secure the payout you need to repair your home. Reach out to us today to learn more.
What Types Of Damage Were Caused By Hurricane Milton In Kissimmee?
Though the storm surge that overwhelmed much of the Gulf Coast of Florida was downgraded when it reached the state’s inner areas, it still led to hefty damages. Areas such as Kissimmee and greater Osceola County saw damage from flooding, strong winds, resultant car accidents, power outages, and flying debris.
Most damages to Kissimmee homes and businesses were caused by downed power lines, fallen trees leading to such effects as damaged roofs, and overwhelming flooding.
Residents in Osceola County and nearby areas in central Florida have been approved to apply for individual assistance and emergency assistance due to the storm damage.
If your home or business in Kissimmee has been affected by Milton (or Helene), don’t settle for a lowball payout. Connect with esteemed insurance claim attorneys for help taking on the insurance providers.
What Damages Are Covered Under Florida Property Insurance?
Floridians cite multiple types of damages on their hurricane claims. Policyholders should understand that most damages will be covered, and when insurance companies deny or undervalue coverage, this is an act of bad faith. The only exception to this is flood damage, which may be covered under a separate or additional policy.
Only certain areas of Florida require residents to carry flood insurance, and many areas that flooded were established on higher ground, leaving Floridians paying out of pocket for flood expenses.
In general, the types of damages that may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance include:
- Wind damage, such as to roofs, siding, shingles, or landscapes
- Water damage, such as flood damage, damage to landscaping, sheds, garages, flooring, and more
- Damage caused by flying debris, such as damage to any personal property outside your home
- Damage to windows, doors, and other areas of the home
Do understand that personal injury, car accidents, and other hurricane damage unrelated to the home may not be covered by your property insurance.
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Steps To Take After Hurricane Milton Damages Your Home In Kissimmee
Whether you’re located in Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, or somewhere else in Florida, you can seek compensation for hurricane damage if you had the proper insurance coverage prior to the storm.
To safeguard against an unfair or denied payout, take the following steps immediately after the hurricane ends and it is safe to do so.
1. Make A Detailed Account Of The Damages
It’s important to assess all damages caused by the storm, as this will be crucial to your insurance claim. Take pictures of the storm damage for all areas of your home and property.
One thing it’s important to recognize is that you won’t fully understand the extent of the damages immediately after the storm. For instance, flood damage can have long-lasting effects if it isn’t repaired right away.
And if you have to wait on an insurance payout to make the necessary repairs, the damage could be extensive and the costs quite high. Take more photos than you may even think are necessary, from multiple angles, and ensure you have good lighting.
2. Perform Temporary Repairs, If Necessary
It is a risk to perform temporary repairs, as risk of electrocution and other dangers are high immediately after a storm. If it is safe to do so, and you find you cannot return to your home without making some repairs, keep receipts from any expenses to submit with your claim.
Your insurance policy should reimburse you for these costs.
3. Review Your Insurance Policy
Insurance for real estate can be complex, so it’s important that you understand your coverage before you make your claim. Since flood insurance isn’t included on all policies, be sure you know whether you have this type of insurance coverage prior to making your claim.
Also check to ensure you have kept your premiums paid up-to-date, that you have met your deductible, and that you have any information you need to contact the adjusters.
4. File Your Insurance Claim
When you’re ready, file your insurance claim to seek compensation for home and property repairs. You likely have a time limit with your insurance provider to file, so be sure to do it as soon as possible.
If your insurance adjuster does not answer or return your calls, attempts to unfairly deny your claim, or offers an amount that is much lower than the overall cost of repairs, it’s time to seek help from an attorney.
5. Consult A Hurricane Damage Lawyer
A hurricane damage lawyer can help if you have any concerns that your claim will not be paid, will be underpaid, or that your claim will be denied without cause.
The Florin|Roebig law firm employs a number of insurance claims attorneys with years of experience in helping Florida residents seek the payout they are owed from their insurance policy.
When Should You Hire A Kissimmee Hurricane Damage Attorney?
No matter where you’re located in Florida, you should hire a lawyer if you cannot get coverage for damage to your home or business.
If you experience the following situations, reach out to an attorney for help:
- A claim denial without a valid reason
- Denial that you have the right type of insurance coverage
- A very low payout offer
- An unusually long time to respond to your claim
- An insurance adjuster who dodges your calls
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Find Help With Your Hurricane Insurance Claim Dispute Today
You shouldn’t have to pay for damages to your home caused by Hurricane Milton if you have the proper insurance coverage. The Florin|Roebig law firm is here to help you secure your insurance payout.
We have been serving residents throughout Florida since 1985, with both personal injury and insurance claims disputes. We can help you go head to head with the insurance companies to ensure you get the payment you deserve as a policyholder.
Connect with us today for a free consultation to get started.
