Hailstorms can be an incredibly destructive force of nature; it’s been documented by Anon that hail-related damages averaged from $8-$14 billion between 2000-2019. In 2021, there were 3,763 major hail storms as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s database of Severe Storms. When pieces of hail become 1” or larger in diameter it can lead to trouble and because hail is so unpredictable to forecast, preparing for its downfall is difficult for property owners. Insurance carriers may give you a difficult time when you file a claim by either refusing outright to pay or only doling out a portion of what you filed for. Call Florin Roebig for a free consultation from an experienced bad faith insurance claim attorney who will get you the compensation you deserve for your property damage.
The Effects of Hail Storm Damage in Florida
While it may seem unusual, there is a hail storm season in Florida that lasts from March to July and peaks in May. Hail storms tend to occur in late winter or spring because it is cooler in the stratosphere. Florida has had 300 reports of hail over the last decade averaging 1” in diameter size according to the National Weather service in Melbourne, FL.
Hailstorm damage has both immediate and long term effects. It does not have to be large at all to cause damage because hail travels in groups from way above at high speed. Immediate damages can include denting of cars, broken and blown through windows, weakened roofs, torn siding, and severe injury/death. Hailstones have gotten as big as the size of grapefruits and can fall at 72 miles per hour when larger, creating immeasurable destruction.
In May 2020, Seminole County was pelted with teacup-sized hailstones in one particularly strong storm. If you’ve seen extreme weather conditions leave you with tremendous damage to your property and/or vehicle, you need to act now to make sure you receive the best compensation possible for your claim.
Types of Covered Florida Hail Damage
If you are outdoors during a hailstorm then you can be in danger. While wind speed and hail size can make the effects of hail damage vary, any time your property or vehicle is struck a professional inspection should be conducted. Such an inspection will determine the extent of the hailstone damage. In the past, Florida residents have filed insurance claims for different kinds of property damage such as:
- Weakened roof integrity due to indentations, fractures, or bruises to asphalt roof shingles. The loss of granules or their displacement can lead to leaks that require entirely new roofing to be put in.
- Breaks, chips, and cracks or other damages to windows and sidings. Speeding hailstones seem to affect these parts of the home in particular.
- Dents and glass damage to unprotected motor vehicles during a hailstorm. Driving a car or leaving it outside during a severe storm is ill-advised.
- Broken or dented skylights due to falling debris and wind damage during severe storms.
- Fallen trees, broken air conditioners, and other property damages may be covered by your insurance provider.
If you want to know if you’re entitled to compensation contact one of our expert attorneys for a consultation and request a free hail damage inspection. Florin Roebig has a team of Florida law experts that will assist you in maximizing your settlement value.
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What to Do if You Have Hail Damage
Inspect the Damage
When the hailstorm has stopped completely and it is finally safe to go outside again, check to see if it’s necessary for you to file an insurance claim. You may have trouble checking your roof so try checking your gutters first. If you see dents and cracks in your gutters, it’s likely that there has been roof damage due to the falling hail. Check other areas of your property such as your windows, deck, and siding. Inspect any other property that could have been affected in the storm and record all of your findings accordingly.
Review Your Insurance Policy
When reviewing your insurance policy, you need to assess the amount of the property damage that your home has sustained and see if it is covered under the terms of your agreement. Figure out the deductible amount, as this is the portion you will have to pay out-of-pocket towards your damages. Make sure that you are familiar with all the specifics of your insurance policy before you file a claim.
Document All Property Damage
Your property damage has to have resulted due to a force majeure or “Act of God” like a hailstorm that you can prove in order to receive a fair resolution. Many times insurance adjusters will claim that the property damage was pre-existing. Therefore, it’s important to take clear pictures and videos of the damage right after the hailstorm and the days following.If your insurance provider attempts to dispute your claim the documents and evidence you provide will help you significantly with your property damage case.
Get A Second Opinion
If the loss is substantial, it may be wise to hire a contractor or public adjuster to receive an unbiased opinion as to the property damage incurred before filing your claim. You do not want to be underpaid for your hail storm damage claim. With an independent estimate you can accurately assess the total cost of damages and see if your insurance provider is attempting to underpay your claim.
File An Insurance Claim
As a policyholder, you may not realize the degree of damage that a severe storm has wreaked for months. Most states have a statute of limitations on claims so you need to act fast and report any property damage caused by wind and hail. After you file a claim, insurance companies send out their adjusters who are trained to assess property damage.
Get Legal Help With Your Claim
The process of filing a homeowners’ insurance claim for property damage after a hailstorm is often burdensome, complicated, and long. As a policyholder you may not be aware of the nuances of insurance laws or understand your contractual rights under an insurance policy. Many insurance adjusters will use this lack of understanding to their benefit by offering you the most minimal settlement possible so it’s best to work with a skilled property damage lawyer.
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Contact Florin & Roebig for Florida Hail Damage Claims
If you are floundering and struggling with your insurance claim, call one of our expert attorneys that work specifically with insurance law and hail damage at Florin Roebig for a free, confidential legal consultation. You may not be able to avoid a natural disaster but you can avoid being a victim.
