Florida is one of the most hail-prone states in the United States. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that Florida experiences an average of 2,000 hailstorms per year. This means that your home is at risk of being damaged by hail at any time.
If you do have hail damage, you need to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage, assess the cause of loss for the particular damages claimed to ensure they are covered under the policy, and estimate the cost of repairs. Assuming the damage was caused by a covered cause of loss, the insurance company should issue an undisputed payment, usually withholding recoverable depreciation. Once you ascertain the full scope of the damages, you can make supplemental claims for new amounts discovered during the repair process. Once you incur the cost to make the repairs, you can also request issuance of a check for the withheld depreciation by providing proof of the incurred costs.
You can also hire the attorneys at the Insurance Litigation Group (ILG) to help you with your claim. Our experienced property insurance attorneys can help you to understand your policy rights and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Here are some tips for filing a hail damage claim:
Document the damage. Take photos and videos of the damage to your home and property. You should also keep a record of any receipts for repairs or replacements that you make.
File your claim promptly. Florida Statutes now require claims to be filed within 1 year of the Date of Loss. Supplemental claims need to be filed within 18 months from the Date of Loss.
Be honest and accurate with the insurance company. Provide the insurance company with complete and accurate information about the damage to your home and property, and make yourself available for things like inspections, attending recorded statements, and providing a sworn proof of loss. If you are not satisfied with the insurance company’s offer, you may be able to negotiate a higher settlement.
If you have any questions about your homeowner’s insurance policy or how to file a hail damage claim, contact ILG. We are a property insurance law firm that specializes in helping homeowners who have been damaged by hail. We offer free consultations and will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve!
