While Florida is known for its hurricanes and other severe weather events, people often underestimate the danger of hailstorms. These sudden storms can cause catastrophic damage to people and property, and getting an insurance company to cover the repair costs is often an uphill legal battle.
If your home, business, or other property has sustained hailstorm damage, Tomlinson Law Group in Coral Springs, FL, can help you recover fair compensation and stand up to the insurance companies. Florida’s property insurance system is currently under severe stress, creating confusion among homeowners and businesses, but our experienced team can guide you through the chaos. We’ll explain your coverage, file a claim on your behalf, and push back if your insurance company tries to deny your claim or reduce your compensation. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.
Understanding Hail Damage Claims in Coral Springs and Broward County, FL
Most Florida homeowner’s insurance and commercial property insurance policies exclude hail damage coverage unless the property owner purchases separate windstorm coverage. However, the extent of your coverage and your potential out-of-pocket costs greatly depend on the specific terms of your policy. Here are some key concepts and terms to know in these cases:
- “Cosmetic” damage vs “structural” damage – Some hail damage policies cover any damage to your property, while others only cover “structural” damage, leaving you to cover the cost of “cosmetic” damage. Broadly speaking, “cosmetic” damage affects your property’s appearance, not its underlying functionality.
- roof Coverage vs. Siding/Window coverage – Many Florida hail damage policies include different coverage for roof damage vs. damage to windows and siding. These different coverages can lead to confusion among homeowners and business owners, increasing their repair costs and making it harder to get an insurance company to approve a claim.
- Deductibles – Most Florida hail damage policies include a deductible, which is the amount a policyholder pays before an insurance company pays anything on a claim. Depending on the policy, deductibles for hail damage claims can be quite high, adding to homeowners’ and business owners’ financial burdens.
- Insurance adjuster inspections – When someone files a hail damage claim in Florida, their insurance company typically sends an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what the insurer will pay. This seems reasonable, but insurance companies and their adjusters have an interest in keeping claim amounts as low as possible. Homeowners and business owners may need an independent inspection to maximize their claim’s value.
Steps in a Hail Damage Claim in Florida
If you have not submitted a hailstorm damage claim in Florida, knowing what’s coming can help you prepare for the legal process and better protect your rights. Here are the key steps to know:
- Inspect your property for hail damage – Before you contact your insurance company, thoroughly inspect your home or business for hail damage. Take your time to inspect your roof, windows, siding, and other parts of your property that may have sustained damage. Take pictures or videos to document the damage you see.
- Review your coverage – Once you have inspected your property, review the terms of your homeowner’s insurance or commercial property insurance policy. Knowing what your policy covers and the different costs involved means you’ll better understand your rights and can contest your claim if your insurance company tries to deny it or reduce your compensation. If you need help understanding your policy, get help from a lawyer.
- Schedule an inspection – The next step is to schedule an insurance adjuster to inspect the damage to your property. The adjuster’s assessment sets the terms for negotiating a potential settlement, making this a crucial step in your claim.
- Submit your claim – After the adjuster completes their inspection, it’s time to submit your claim. Be as thorough as possible, include photos or other evidence of the damage, and consider talking to a lawyer. They can help you with the paperwork and protect you from mistakes that could cost you money.
- Review the insurance company’s settlement offer – The insurance company will review your claim documents and the adjuster’s assessment before offering a settlement. Review this offer carefully, and talk to a lawyer if there are any things you don’t understand. An attorney can tell you whether the offer is fair or if you should seek additional compensation.
- Sign the settlement offer or contest it – If the insurance company’s settlement offer seems fair and your lawyer agrees, you’ll sign the document, which initiates the actual payment process. Depending on your policy’s terms, your insurance company might pay you directly or pay whoever you hire to conduct the repairs.
Common Issues with Florida Hail Damage Claims
Some common legal issues we see in Florida hail damage claims include:
- Claim denials – Insurance companies sometimes use complicated terms to deny seemingly valid hail damage claims, leaving people to cover the full cost of repairs themselves.
- Low settlement amounts and high deductibles – Some insurance policies include expensive deductibles that policyholders must pay. In some cases, the deductible could be as much as the entire cost of the repair. If a policyholder has a high deductible and an insurance company denies their claim or offers a small settlement, they could be in big financial trouble.
- Coverage exclusions – Some insurance companies only cover structural damage from hail, leaving homeowners or business owners to cover the cost of “cosmetic” repairs. However, what appears to be cosmetic damage may mask underlying structural issues, so it may be wise to have an independent inspector evaluate the damage to your building.
How Our Coral Springs Hail Damage Lawyers Can Help
At Tomlinson Law Group, we understand the pressure you’re facing and how frustrating it is to deal with insurance companies. We can review your policy to help you understand its terms, handle any disputes with your insurer, and schedule an independent inspection to support your claim. If necessary, we can take your case to court to uphold your rights. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation.
Don’t pay more than you have to for hail damage repairs because you didn’t hire an experienced attorney. Call Tomlinson Law Group today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
