Just south of Sarasota, on the beautiful Gulf Coast, the town of Venice is known as one of Florida’s finest getaways.
Unfortunately, hurricane season has wrought damage in the Venice area for many property owners. Hurricane Ian has inflicted major damage on the area, resulting in a number of hurricane insurance claims.
And even after faithfully paying their premiums for years, many Floridians are worried their insurance companies will act in bad faith, failing to pay out their fair share.
That’s why it’s especially important to find an insurance claims lawyer who can help protect you from this type of malpractice.
How Did Hurricane Ian Affect The Venice Area?
Unlike many Atlantic coast cities like Miami and Palm Beach, Venice suffered an essentially direct hit by this vicious windstorm.
Most tragically, local outlets have connected at least five deaths in the city and its surrounding areas to the effects of the storm.
Ian also caused the nearby Myakka River to overflow, leading to massive flooding and water damage throughout the town.
As such, widespread displacement has been rampant, and a number of emergency evacuations have also been performed, with rescuers saving people, pets, and even livestock from the rising waters.
What Damages Were Caused By Hurricane Ian In Venice, Florida?
While these types of natural disasters are not unheard of in the state of Florida, Ian left quite a notable mark on the area and its homes.
The hurricane’s fierce speeds caused a fair share of wind damage to residents’ properties, either by directly blowing away or blowing down parts of the structures, and by blowing heavy debris into the buildings.
Flood damage has also been a large problem, thanks not just to the river’s overflowing but the powerful rains that poured down in the height of the storm.
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Is Hurricane Damage Covered By Florida Homeowners Insurance?
Whether your property insurance covers damage caused by a hurricane depends on your specific homeowners insurance policy.
Most plans will cover damages related to:
- Your dwelling (the actual structure of your home)
- Detached units (like a shed or detached garage)
- Personal property (your belongings)
- Living expenses, if you are displaced
Still, the degree to which your homeowners insurance policy will cover these costs depends on factors like your deductible and your monthly payments. Additional costs may be covered by a separate flood insurance policy.
If you have any questions about what types of damages may be covered by your insurance provider, it’s best to re-read your policy.
Tips For Preparing For A Hurricane Insurance Claim
If you’re a homeowner who has experienced property damage in the wake of Hurricane Ian, it’s likely in your best interest to file an insurance claim as soon as possible.
Still, there are a few steps you can take that will make this process easier.
Record All Property Damage And Other Damages
While going over the damage to your property may be heartbreaking, it’s an essential part of filing a claim.
Make sure not to survey the area until you’re sure the property is safe. Once you’re cleared to proceed, you’ll need to make a list of all the property that was damaged in the storm.
At first, you should only observe. Removing any damaged items before an insurance adjuster has evaluated your home could affect your claim. Instead, take photos or videos of any damage.
In general, it’s recommended for policyholders to make a list of all their personal belongings before a hurricane arrives. This helps make the process of documenting damaged property easier.
Get Repair Estimates
After tallying up the physical damage, it’s time to put a financial value on the aftermath.
Your insurance company should send an adjuster to evaluate the scene and tabulate a cost, but it’s advised to not listen to these employees alone, as many will try to lowball their estimates.
A reputable contractor who’s experienced with hurricane insurance claims could be a helpful counterpoint, and you can hire one to offer a second opinion on what it will really cost to restore your home.
Perform Repairs If Necessary
After your damage claims have been assessed by representatives for your homeowner’s insurance company and any private experts you might hire, you can move on to making any repairs your home might require.
These are also expenses you may not ultimately have to pay for, so it’s important to save any receipts related to this work, as these can also be presented to your insurance provider.
Make Your Insurance Claim
Even though these important steps must be taken first, it’s often crucial to make your insurance claim as quickly as possible.
Before calling your property insurance company, you may want to review your insurance policy, to familiarize yourself with any caveats and come up with any questions you may have.
And representatives from your insurance company may have a number of questions of their own, so make sure to have all damage estimates, receipts, and any other appropriate paperwork available.
Find An Insurance Claims Attorney
If your company gives you grief throughout the claims process or you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it might be time to hire an insurance claims attorney.
A free case evaluation with a capable law firm will give their lawyers a chance to learn the details of your case and offer advice on how to best navigate Florida laws to your advantage.
How To Get Compensation After Property Damage From Hurricane Ian
If you’re seeking compensation for property damage or even personal injury in the wake of Hurricane Ian, it’s best to act fast.
Your homeowners insurance, flood insurance, or even car insurance policies are great places to start. If you find any coverage overlaps, be sure to file claims with those companies as quickly as you can.
But you may also find help from outside charities and government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which handles their own claims. And a personal injury lawyer may also be helpful, in certain cases.
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Contact A Venice Hurricane Insurance Claims Lawyer Today
Don’t let your home become another victim of hurricane season and shady insurance companies. Hire a law group that has your back.
Whether you’re in Tampa, Orlando, Bradenton, Naples, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, 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 awards to date.
Call the experienced hurricane property damage lawyers at Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation.