Naples is a city on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida that is known for its white sand beaches, beautiful golf courses, and high-end shopping. As of the 2018 Census, the city’s population was 22,039. The region is prone to hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes during the hurricane season which runs from the beginning of June to the end of November.
Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction and, as of late September 2022, is already responsible for 14 fatalities. Just as forecasters thought Ian’s wrath was over, the mighty storm restrengthened and is expected to make landfall in the Carolinas and Georgia next. Fortunately for these areas, the storm has been downgraded to a tropical storm, according to USA Today.
Residents along the coastline from Naples to Sarasota have been hard-hit by the water damage, wind damage, and flood damage wrought by Ian. Many quickly prepared for Ian’s arrival, but despite their efforts, some homes and businesses still sustained serious damage.
What To Do After Hurricane Ian Leaves Your Naples Property Damaged
For many Naples residents, Hurricane Ian caused considerable property damage.
While natural disasters are an expected part of life in Miami, Fort Myers, and throughout Florida, hurricane damage can be devastating, especially if insurance companies act in bad faith.
After your home or business has been destroyed by a severe weather event, follow these steps to get the best outcome:
- Stay safe- Make sure you and your family are safe by finding the most secure area to wait out the storm. During the storm, stay connected and follow emergency instructions. Under no circumstances should you go outside until the hurricane has passed and your local government says it is safe to go outside. Make sure you avoid floodwater, as it can be contaminated with germs.
- Assess and document the damage-Only after safe conditions have been announced should you go outside and assess the damage. Survey your home and personal belongings for damage and make a list that you can refer to later.
Take extensive photographs and videos of any and all property damage, as well as the surrounding area. This helps you to best safeguard against claim denials. - Make necessary repairs- Depending on the type of hurricane damage your home sustained, you may need to make temporary repairs to protect your home from further destruction. If this is the case, be sure to save receipts so you can recover payment from the insurance company.
- Read your insurance policy- Before calling to file an insurance claim, you should read your policy in its entirety. Jot down any questions or concerns you may have regarding what is covered. Property insurance in Florida typically provides hurricane damage coverage, but it is not required as part of your policy. For this reason, it’s a good idea to review your plan prior to filing a claim.
- File an insurance claim- Even if the damage is seemingly minor, call your insurance carrier and file a claim as soon as possible. Many policies require property owners to act swiftly when reporting a hurricane damage claim. Hidden roof damage can appear months or years later, leaving homeowners to deal with the cost of repairs alone.
- Get an estimate for the damage— It is never advisable to solely rely on the insurance company to give you an accurate estimate for repairs because they may try to underpay your claim. Hire a reputable contractor that specializes in hurricane damage to determine the true cost of repairing your home to its pre-hurricane condition.
- Hire an attorney— If you are struggling with the claims process, you may want to seek legal assistance. A skilled hurricane damage claims lawyer, such as one of the lawyers at Florin|Roebig, can help you understand your rights as a homeowner and protect your interests every step of the way.
Common Types Of Hurricane Damage Covered By Homeowners’ Insurance
After Hurricane Ian leaves your Naples home or business destroyed, you may be left wondering what type of damage is covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. Most home insurance policies protect you from damage caused by wind and rain, such as:
- Damage to roofs, sidings, and gutters
- Damage to windows and sliding glass doors
- Damage to landscaping
- Damage to kitchens and bathrooms
- Damage to personal property inside or outside the home
- Damage to exterior structures
- Damage to garages
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies exclude hurricane damage caused by flooding. Flood insurance is typically a separate policy that protects your home from this hazardous peril.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming your damage was caused by flooding without seeking a case review with an experienced property damage lawyer first.
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When To Hire A Naples Hurricane Damage Lawyer
When a hurricane pummels through your community and leaves your property damaged, you may think your insurance company is on your side and will act in good faith.
Many policyholders quickly realize this is simply not true. If you experience any of the following bad faith tactics from the insurance company, you should consider hiring a top-rated hurricane damage claims attorney right away:
- The insurance company says that the damage is not covered by your insurance policy or insists that the damage was caused by flooding.
- You are unable to get in touch with the insurance adjuster that is assigned to your claim.
- The insurer is taking an unreasonable amount of time to process your claim or make payments for repairs.
- The claim is unfairly denied or denied without any explanation.
- The insurance company extends a lowball settlement offer that does not cover the cost of repairing your home.
What Areas Of Naples Were Hit The Hardest And Why?
- Old Naples: Arguably the nicest part of Naples, Old Naples was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The category 4 hurricane caused severe damage and a storm surge of up to nine feet.
- Park Shore: The Park Shore neighborhood in Naples is surrounded by waterways and is located west of US41 on the Gulf of Mexico. Park Shore, a community developed by the Lutgert family in the 1970s and 1980s, has since expanded and has to be rebuilt as a result of Hurricane Ian. Much of the destruction in Park Shore was exacerbated by the lack of prior storm preparedness and plans, causing extensive damage.
- Coquina Sands: Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Coquina Sands because many of the homes and structures were built with coquina rock, a sedimentary rock found in the area. Unfortunately, this rock did not hold up and has caused significant problems for the residents of this area.
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Contact A Naples Hurricane Damage Claims Attorney Today
If your home or business suffered property damage caused by Hurricane Ian, don’t settle for less than what you are entitled to.
Whether you’re in Naples, West Palm Beach, Tampa, or somewhere else in the state, you can count on the law firm of Florin | Roebig to provide sound legal advice. We’ve been helping clients like you with cases of personal injury, car accidents, and insurance claims for more than 30 years, with millions, won in case of awards to date.
Call the experienced hurricane property damage lawyers at Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
