The dedicated attorneys at Florin|Roebig have been helping clients like you since 1985 handle insurance companies to get the compensation they need and deserve following natural disasters like wind storms. Call our law firm today to learn about your options and how to best handle this type of scenario.
Types Of Wind Damage To An Apartment Complex
Several types of damage can occur as a result of a wind storm. The most common causes of this damage include hail, wind, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Types of damage that may result from these conditions include:
- Roof damage
- Damage to your landscape
- Broken windows or other areas with glass
- Damaged patio screens
- Internal and external water damage
- Cracks and/or holes in siding
- Cracks in the roofing
- Impact damage due to fallen trees or flying debris
- Leaks
The type of damage you may experience following a wind storm will depend on several factors, including where your apartment is geographically located, the layout and structure of your apartment, the materials from which your apartment was built, and how severe the wind storm was. For example, if your apartment is located near a body of water, you’re more likely to experience water damage caused by the wind bringing the water into your apartment. If your apartment has shingle roofing, it’s more likely that you’ll experience lifted or torn-off shingles from a strong wind storm.
What To Do If Your Apartment Is Damaged By Wind
If your apartment or any of your personal property inside or outside of your apartment has been damaged from a wind storm, there are a few key things you should do immediately following the event. These steps will support you throughout the insurance claims process and can work in your favor should your insurance company deny your claim. Immediately after a windstorm, you should:
Take Pictures
Before you begin cleaning up, be sure to take several pictures of the damage caused by the windstorm. This includes photos of the exterior of your home, including your roof, siding, windows, doors, and landscape, as well as images of any property damage, such as damage to a vehicle or furniture. You should also take photos of the interior home if it sustained damage from the windstorm. For example, if a tree fell through a window and damaged your interior wall or flooring, be sure to take photos of this.
When taking photos, consider which items you’ll need to replace or want to be replaced. You can also take video if photos alone do not show the extent of the damage.
Document Everything
Next, you’ll want to write down everything that was damaged. Create a detailed inventory of all property that was affected by the windstorm and include the estimated value of the property that was damaged. You should also include detailed descriptions, model numbers, and the year and make of the property.
Keep Track Of Expenses You Pay Out-Of-Pocket
If you pay any expenses out-of-pocket to deal with the damage done by the windstorm, keep track of the exact amounts and receipts when possible. For example, if you pay a company to remove debris from your landscape, yard, or home, retain the total cost receipt.
Filing A Claim With Your Renters or Home Insurance Company
It’s always advised that you speak with an experienced windstorm damage attorney before filing a claim with your renters or home insurance company. The attorney can help you decide if filing a claim is the right option and can guide you through the process. If your attorney does recommend filing a claim with your property insurance company, call them as soon as possible to submit your claim.
Once you submit a claim with your insurance company, your company will likely have a claims representative reach out to you to schedule a time to conduct an investigation. This will likely include visiting your property to assess the damage, speaking with you about the damage, and looking through all of your documentation. Once the investigation is complete, your insurance company will communicate with you regarding whether they will cover your claim, and if so, the type of settlement they are willing to offer.
If your insurance policy includes windstorm damage and your insurance company denies your claim or offers you a lower settlement than you feel is fair, you should contact your attorney immediately to begin the dispute process. Many insurance companies will push the boundary when it comes to how much they payout to their policyholders. While this may benefit the insurance company, it can leave you with less compensation than you need and deserve to account for the damage done to your home and property.
Will My Homeowners or Renters Insurance Policy Cover Wind Damage?
Whether your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers wind damage will depend on several factors. These factors include the state and area you live in, the type of policy you have, and whether your policy offers full or partial coverage for windstorm damage. For example, Florida law requires home and renters insurance companies to offer windstorm coverage if the property being covered is residential.
Personal Property Typically Covered By Insurance
Windstorms can damage more than just your apartment. If the wind creates damage to your roof, windows, or other exterior areas that lead inside, your property inside your home can also be damaged. Some insurance plans will cover property damaged by a windstorm. Common property covered by insurance policies include:
- Scooters
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Trucks
- Cars
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Artwork
- Boats
- Televisions
- Computers
- Other electronics such as stereos and speaker systems
- Yachts
Other Expenses That May Be Covered By Your Renters or Homeowners Insurance
There are other types of expenses that may be covered by your home or renters insurance policy following a windstorm. These expenses include:
- Removal of debris
- Emergency removal of property to protect them from further damage
- Temporary repair costs to prevent further harm from being done
- Additional living expenses, such as hotel stays and restaurant bills if your living space is inhabitable following a windstorm
- Power interruptions and the damage that results from these interruptions
Our Featured Case Results
What Happens If My Storm Damage Claim Is Denied?
Most insurance carriers are primarily concerned with their bottom line and will go to great lengths to avoid making payouts to their policyholders. There are several reasons why your insurance company may deny your claim to cover damage to your apartment caused by a windstorm. These reasons may include failing to pay your insurance premiums, coverage exclusion, insufficient proof of damage, and filing your claim too late.
If you’ve been denied coverage for windstorm damage and you believe that you deserve compensation, don’t wait another day — contact the experienced attorneys at Florin|Roebig for help.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How Florin|Roebig Can Help
Florin|Roebig will work diligently to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve for damage caused to your property by a windstorm. We work with you every step of the way and ensure you aren’t left in the dark when it comes to your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation at 800-226-6581.
