In the unfortunate event of hurricane property damage or another powerful storm results in damage to your property, our attorneys at Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC, can assist you in getting the help and compensation you deserve. Here’s how:
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy
In the event of an impending storm, understand what is in your policy. Most policies cover damage from rain and wind and include a special hurricane deductible of between 2 and 5 percent of the home’s value. Know how much your insurer will pay to rebuild your home. The value of your home should be covered and should be adjusted each year by the insurer. It is crucial to know most policies do not cover flooding unless you have purchased separate flood insurance. Those policies are governed by the National Flood Insurance program and can be purchased through conventional insurers. Flood insurance is required in areas that are high risk, but always know that one of every four flood disasters in the U.S. occurs outside a flood plain designation.
What is a first-party insurance claim?
A first-party insurance claim is between the policy holder (the first party) and the insurance company (the second party). As contractual claims, they are based on the precise language within the policy. If a homeowner experiences serious damage to their property because of a hurricane, a claim can be filed with the insurance company to cover damage and repairs. The insurance company will compensate the homeowner based on provisions of the policy. It is crucial a homeowner understands what is covered and excluded in the policy.
Protect yourself against bad faith insurance practices
For homeowners and business owners, it is important to know your rights and legal options. We can protect your rights against bad faith insurance practices, like:
- Denying compensation without a justifiable reason.
- Failing to perform a thorough investigation into a claim.
- Failing to acknowledge and reply to a claim properly.
- Attempting to settle a claim for less than a reasonable amount.
- Failing to inform the insured of an appeals process.
- Failing to provide a reasonable explanation for a denied or underpaid claim.
- Requiring unnecessarily burdensome documentation to process a claim.
- Using harassment investigative methods to intimidate the claimant.
Our legal expertise
Storms provide enough anxiety. Resulting damage only elevates the stress. Our primary team of property damage attorneys – Frank J. Aloia Jr., Jack C. Morgan III and Scott Hertz – have decades of experience working with insurance companies and will fight for what you deserve. You can reach us by calling 239-791-7950 or by going to lawdefined.com.
Other helpful information on navigating a storm:
https://lawdefined.com/six-action-steps-to-feel-well-prepared-during-hurricane-season/
