Helping Floridians With Tornado Damage Insurance Claims
Tornado damage may not be your first thought when you think of Florida. However, with our unique weather and location, tornados are a threat to Floridians. When a tornado strikes, the aftermath can be devastating, leaving behind shattered homes, businesses, and lives.
At Tomlinson Law Group, we understand the traumatic impact of these natural disasters. Our team of experienced tornado damage attorneys is dedicated to advocating for victims and helping them navigate the complex legal process of recovering from this disaster.
Steps to Take After a Tornado in Florida
After a tornado, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your safety as well as assist in the claims process you’re about to go through.
- The first and most important step is to evaluate your safety.
- If you are able to safely leave your home, take a walk around to evaluate the damage
- Take as many pictures and videos as you need to show the extent of the damage
- Keep all receipts and documentation of any temporary repairs, as these may be reimbursed by your insurance
- File a claim with your home insurance
Potential Issues With Insurance Claims
Purchasing home insurance in Florida is not a fun task, so it makes sense that most homeowners haven’t read the fine print. This can create issues down the road for you, though. Here are some common issues you may face when filing insurance claims after a tornado:
- Having the wrong type of coverage: When purchasing insurance, you may not have opted for wind damage coverage or may have simply opted for the wrong kind.
- Already meeting your coverage limit: This is important to keep in mind when filing with insurance. By keeping an eye on payouts and reading line-by-line what the money is going to, you can avoid being caught in this situation.
- Not enough documentation: It’s always a good idea to have too much documentation. Take as many photos and videos as you can to show the extent of the damage.
- The insurance company is acting in bad faith: Unfortunately, this is sometimes the reality. Insurance companies are hit with so many claims after storms that there are times when payments are intentionally delayed, or claims are not investigated adequately.
- Delayed or denied claims: Some claims may be rejected or intentionally delayed. These sometimes fall under the category of the insurance company acting in bad faith.
FAQs
I don’t see tornadoes covered under my insurance. What should I do?
Many policies don’t specifically list tornadoes, but will instead refer to it as a “windstorm” or “wind event.” However, you should read your policy carefully and contact your insurance with questions since some policies might apply only to hurricanes and not all wind events.
Am I obligated to make temporary repairs?
Under most circumstances, the homeowner has a responsibility to make a reasonable effort to stop any additional damage. If the insurance company decides you could have stopped further damage, you may not be compensated for that extra damage.
Representing Florida Property Owners in Tornado Damage Claims
Tornado damage can upend your life and property in an instant. When the unthinkable happens, you need a trusted legal advocate in your corner fighting to ensure you receive the full insurance coverage and compensation you are owed.
At Tomlinson Law Group, our Florida tornado damage attorneys have helped countless property owners navigate the daunting claims process and overcome insurers’ bad faith tactics. From negotiating fair settlements to forcefully trying cases when necessary, we leverage our expertise to make your recovery our top priority.
No matter how catastrophic the tornado’s toll, our firm has the resources and skill to steadfastly protect your rights as a property owner. Don’t go it alone against the insurance companies—let us be your voice and champion for justice.