The experienced property damage attorneys at Florin|Roebig have helped countless clients get compensation from their insurance companies for property damage caused by windstorms and other natural disasters, and we’d be happy to help you do the same.
In this article, we’ll talk about the type of damage your country club may have experienced as a result of a windstorm, what you should do following damage caused by a windstorm, and what you need to know about insurance coverage in relation to natural disasters like windstorms.
Types Of Wind Damage To A Country Club
Windstorms can cause anything from mild to extreme damage to property depending on how severe the storm is. Damage caused by windstorms is typically the result of wind, lightning, hail, and tornadoes. Common examples of damage to property from windstorms include:
- Landscape damage
- Leaks in ceilings, siding, and other parts of the property
- Broken windows and glass
- Damage to outdoor screening
- Damage to roofs
- Holes and/or cracks in siding
- Impact damage as a result of flying debris or fallen branches or trees
- Water damage
Your country club may also have experienced damage to the golf course and other outside areas such as pools and patios. The exact type of damage your country club is vulnerable to will depend on a number of factors, including where your country club is located, the materials that your country club is built from, and how severe the storm is. For example, if the storm was very severe and resulted in several tornadoes, you may experience a much more extreme level of damage than during a more mild windstorm.
What Should You Do If Your Country Club Is Damaged In A Windstorm?
If your country club was damaged during a windstorm, there are several actions you should take immediately following the storm. These actions will support you when filing a claim with your insurance company and can also come in handy should you have to go to court if your insurance company refuses to cover the damages. These actions include the following:
Take Photos
It’s important to take photos of any damage to your country club immediately following the storm. This includes photos of landscape, siding, the roof, and other areas that were impacted by the windstorm. You should also take pictures of any interior damage, such as water damage and areas where there are leaks. You can also take videos of the damage for more comprehensive documentation.
Photos of the damage will be necessary when filing a claim with your insurance to show your insurance provider the extent of the damage and what you’ll need to have repaired or replaced. Keep the photos and/or videos for at least a year after the damage occurred, even if your insurance company has provided full coverage for repairs and/or replacement.
Document All Damage
In addition to photos, you should also create written documentation of everything that was damaged in the windstorm. Your documentation should include the estimated value of what was damaged, how much you anticipate it will cost to replace or repair the damage, detailed descriptions, and model numbers of possible.
Make Note Of Any Out-Of-Pocket Expenses Related To The Damage
You may have to take immediate action following a windstorm to preserve your country club from suffering further damage. For example, if water damage occurred during the storm and there is still water inside or around your country club, you will likely want to have a company remove this water to prevent it from causing additional harm to your property. Keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses you pay, as you can likely be reimbursed for these by your insurance company.
Should You File A Claim With Your Insurance Company?
If you have an insurance policy for your country club, you will more than likely need to file a claim with your insurance company immediately following the windstorm. However, it’s advised to speak with an experienced property damage attorney such as those at Florin|Roebig before speaking to your insurance company. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are primarily concerned with making a profit, and paying out a large compensation for damage to your country club clashes with that priority. Some insurance companies will use inappropriate tactics to make claim payments that are lower than what the policyholder deserves and needs.
If your attorney does inform you that filing a claim is the right decision, you’ll need to call your insurance company’s claims department. Once you submit a claim, your insurance company will send your file to a claims representative in your area to take a statement from you and schedule a time to conduct an investigation of your property damage. When they conduct the investigation, make sure you are present so you can point out all areas of damage and ensure the representative does not miss anything or try to skip over certain areas. You’ll also want to provide the representative with copies of all of the photos, videos, and documentation you took following the windstorm.
Once the investigation is complete and the representative has submitted the information to your insurance company, your company will contact you as to whether they will offer coverage for the damage and, if so, the type of compensation they are willing to provide.
If your insurance policy includes damage caused by a windstorm and your insurance company does not offer compensation or suggests a lower settlement than what is fair, contact your attorney to begin a dispute against your insurance company.
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What You Should Know About Insurance Coverage For Windstorms
Every insurance policy is different, and what your insurance policy will cover in terms of damage caused by a windstorm will depend on a number of factors. These include if your policy is for full or partial coverage for windstorm damage, the type of damage you need compensated, the state you live in, and the insurance policy you hold. It’s important to be familiar with the exact terms of your insurance policy so that you’re aware of what you are entitled to when it comes to a settlement.
What To Do If Your Windstorm Damage Claim Is Denied
Unfortunately, many insurance companies are more concerned with their profits than with the welfare of their customers. This means that your insurance company may deny your claim for coverage following a windstorm or may try to offer you a settlement that is much lower than what you will need to repair and/or replace any property that was damaged. There are a number of different factors that can result in your insurance claim being denied, with the most common being:
- Failure to pay insurance premiums
- Not enough proof of the damage to your property
- Filing your claim past the time period allotted
- Coverage exclusions
- Lack of coverage for windstorms
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How Florin|Roebig Can Help
If you’ve been denied compensation from your insurance company or offered a settlement you feel is unfair to cover damage to your country club caused by a windstorm, the dedicated attorneys at Florin|Roebig are here to help. We will work with you throughout the entire claims process and will go to bat on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
