Attorney for Florida Storm Damage

Storms can strike at any time, without warning. They can bring down wind and rain, among other things. You can expect severe or even total destruction if your business or home is in the path of a storm. Your property insurance policy should cover the cleanup costs to continue your life. Many policyholders are subject to storm damage claims being denied or delayed.

You may be eligible for legal recourse if one of these situations applies to your Florida storm damages claim. Vaval Law has dedicated lawyers who can help you. We can review your insurer’s policy to fight against bad faith tactics.

Different types of storm damage in Florida

The extensive damage that Florida storms can cause is well-known. You need to know what to expect, regardless of whether you have a home or a business.

Wind

Wind speeds of 50-60 mph are generally considered to be dangerous. Wind can cause roof materials to be damaged, such as shingles. It can also blow away protective siding. It can also cause trees or objects to fall onto your property. Personal property, such as lawnmowers and lawn equipment, can be damaged or even destroyed.

Rain

Rain can cause temporary flooding on your property or secondary damage. Wind can cause damage to your home by first ripping off shingles. Rainwater can seep into your home’s structure and cause other problems. Wind can also cause damage to the roof of your business, allowing rainwater inside.

Mold

Mold damage is not something that everyone understands. Mold loves to grow in damp, dark places that aren’t easily visible and can quickly spread. If it isn’t addressed, it can cause allergy-like symptoms. This can lead to severe consequences for those with compromised immune systems or asthma. It’s essential to address it immediately.

Hail

Hail storms can strike suddenly and are sometimes not predicted. Large hail can cause severe damage to your siding and roof. If the hail is large enough, it can cause roofs to deteriorate and allow moisture to enter your home or business. Hail can also cause significant damage to vehicles and personal property.

Lightning

Lightning strikes can cause fire and smoke damage, which can destroy a business or home. It can also cause damage to exterior structures. Lightning strikes can cause significant problems for property owners.

Insurance’s Role

Each property insurance policy is unique. Understanding what your policy covers is crucial to ensure you are treated fairly. It is best to read and understand your policy before you need it. You can’t rely on your insurance company to be open about your policy.

Property damage policies do not cover certain types of storm damage. Flood damage is excluded from almost all policies. Every policy contains exclusions. There is nothing wrong with them. Problems arise when insurance companies lie about exclusions or use them in bad faith to deny claims.

How your insurance company may act in bad faith

Property damage insurance companies can act in bad faith in three main ways.

Delay. Your insurance company must act quickly to review your claim and decide. It is professional and courteous to make a decision soon. This could help prevent additional losses and inconveniences. Let the insurer know as soon as possible that they do not plan to cover the loss. This will help you decide what next.

Deny. A company must have good reasons to deny a claim. Bad faith includes falsely stating the claim is subject to exclusion or that you have made a mistake, such as failing to pay your premium, which would allow the policy to lapse. However, not all claim denials can be considered bad faith—those without a reasonable basis in law or under your policy.

Underpay. The insurance company may offer to pay storm damage coverage, but that does not guarantee you the fair value of the damage. Insurers make less money if there is a payout. Therefore, they are more likely to pay hefty amounts for property damage. Underpaying insurance companies count on policyholders accepting the payment to put the problem behind them.

Consult Our Florida Storm Damage Lawyer

Do not sell your property and yourself short by accepting an underpayment or unreasonable delay. A Florida storm damage lawyer can help you to level the playing field with the insurance company. Contact Vaval Law today to discuss your claim.