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Know Thy Property Insurance Coverage

Feb 7, 2024

While Florida boasts idyllic beaches and warm weather, it also faces its fair share of weather-related woes. Hurricanes often grab the headlines, but don’t forget the myriad other events that can cause damage to your property and leave you seeking compensation through your homeowner’s insurance. Understanding what’s covered, beyond hurricanes and named tropical storms, will hopefully empower you to navigate the claims process. 

Remember that homeowner’s insurance in Florida with windstorm coverage typically offers protection against a wider range of perils than just hurricanes. While windstorm coverage is crucial, especially during hurricane season, your policy likely covers other common threats, including: 

  • Storms and Severe Weather: Thunderstorms, hail, and even tornadoes can wreak havoc on your roof, siding, and other exterior elements. 
  • Lightning: Strikes can directly damage your electrical system or cause surges that fry appliances. 
  • Fire: This ever-present danger is covered for both the structure and your belongings. 
  • Theft: Whether it’s a break-in or vandalism, insurance provides peace of mind for stolen or damaged personal property, with limitations. You may want to talk to your agent about acquiring additional coverage if you have specific personal property that needs a higher policy limit than the standard policy provides. 
  • Sudden and Accidental Damage: This encompasses various mishaps such as a burst pipe flooding your home or a falling tree crashing through your roof. All damage covered by a property insurance policy must be sudden and accidental.  

A third-party policy review is a must. While these are typical covered events, it’s essential to review your specific policy to understand exclusions, limitations, and deductibles.  Policies can vary significantly, so knowing your coverage is crucial before a claim arises.  It is also recommended that you contact a licensed Florida insurance attorney. 

That’s why Insurance Litigation Group offers no-charge insurance policy and claim review and free home inspections. 

Beyond the Basics: 

Many homeowners purchase additional coverages for expanded protection, such as: 

  • Flood Insurance: A separate policy is necessary for flood damage, because a standard homeowner’s insurance policy excludes flood claims. 
  • Personal Liability: This covers legal costs if someone gets injured on your property. 
  • Additional Living Expenses: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, this covers temporary housing costs. 

 When disaster strikes, remember these key steps: 

  • Protect your home from the elements and make sure your family is safe. 
  • Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the damage and retain any receipts, invoices, or estimates for repairs or replacements. 
  • File Your Claim Promptly: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claim process. 
  • Cooperate with the adjuster, but don’t sign any documents without fully understanding them. 
  • Seek Professional Help: If needed, consider consulting an experienced Florida Property Insurance Law Firm. 

Stay Prepared, Stay Protected: 

By understanding your insurance coverage and taking proactive steps, you can face unforeseen events with confidence.   

  

Our Offices

We are a client-focused law firm that fights aggressively on behalf of residential and commercial policyholders, contractors, restoration and mitigation companies, to produce maximum recovery results from insurance companies through our unique expertise, deep understanding of insurance law, cutting edge technology and proactive approach to litigation.

Insurance Litigation Group serves clients across the state of Florida. With over 5 offices statewide, our attorneys have the knowledge, skills and experience to resolve your dispute against the insurance company.

North Miami Beach

1500 NE 162nd St
North Miami Beach 33162

786.529.0090

Orlando*

20 North Orange Ave
11th Floor Suite 1100
Orlando, FL 32801

405.564.8555

Pensacola*

225 N Pace Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32505

850.919.4357

Naples*

5660 Strand St, #315
Naples, FL 34110

239.237.1818

Fort Pierce*

130 S Indian River Dr
Suite 202
Fort Pierce, FL 34950

772.248.4050

By Appointment Only*

Contact Us

Contact us today about your situation so we can fight to get you paid. We can assist you in any coverage dispute, disagreement over liability or damages, or related matter.

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