Hurricanes can be very destructive, leaving homes and businesses in ruins. The damage caused by storms is often overwhelming, and getting help can be confusing. Many homeowners and business owners file insurance claims only to find that they are not getting the money they need to repair their properties. This has been a major problem for people in Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many insurance claims have gone unpaid, leaving property owners struggling to recover.
A recent report by Realtor.com highlights this issue. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) states that a total of 329,523 residential property claims were filed after these storms. However, many of these claims were closed without payment. For example, Hurricane Milton resulted in 264,763 claims for property damage, but 104,789 of them were closed without any payment. Similarly, Hurricane Helene had 64,760 property claims, with 34,923 of them receiving no payment.
One of the biggest reasons for unpaid claims is flood damage. Home insurance policies usually cover wind damage but do not cover flood damage. Wind can damage roofs and windows, allowing rain to enter homes. However, if a home is flooded due to rising water, standard insurance policies do not cover the damage. Instead, homeowners must rely on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is run by the federal government.
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Since Florida is prone to hurricanes and heavy rainfall, flood insurance is very important. However, many homeowners do not have it. The process of getting money from the NFIP can also be slow, making recovery difficult. Additionally, many insurance policies have high deductibles. This means homeowners must pay a large amount of money before their insurance will cover any damages. If the damage does not exceed this amount, the insurance company does not pay anything, even if there is damage to the home.
The problem is not limited to homes. Businesses also struggle with insurance claims after hurricanes. The OIR reports that Hurricane Milton led to 22,141 commercial property claims, with 3,895 of them closed without payment. Hurricane Helene resulted in 6,067 commercial property claims, with 1,243 of them not receiving payment. This shows that businesses, like homeowners, face many challenges when trying to recover from storms.
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The financial loss caused by these hurricanes is massive. By February, Hurricane Milton had caused an estimated $4.023 billion in losses. Hurricane Helene added another $2.16 billion in losses. These numbers show how much damage storms can cause and how important insurance is in the recovery process.
Legal Help for Property Damage
If your insurance claim is denied or delayed, you may need legal help. A property damage attorney can assist you in fighting for the compensation you deserve. There are many legal options available to homeowners and business owners who need help with their claims.
- Suing Your HOA: If your homeowners association (HOA) did not properly maintain common areas, and this led to damage to your property, you may be able to sue them. An attorney can review the HOA’s responsibilities and determine if they failed in their duty.
- HOA Negligence Attorney: If the HOA did not take care of common areas, and this neglect led to damage, a lawyer can help you seek compensation. Examples include failing to repair a leaky roof or not maintaining landscaping that caused flooding.
- HOA Failure to Maintain Attorney: If the HOA does not follow its own rules and fails to maintain shared areas, homeowners may have legal grounds to sue.
- Neighbor Property Damage Attorney: Sometimes, a neighbor’s actions can cause damage to your home. For example, tree roots can damage a foundation, or improper drainage can lead to flooding. In these cases, a lawyer can help hold the neighbor responsible.
- Suing a Neighbor’s Insurance: If your neighbor’s actions cause damage to your property, their insurance may be required to pay for repairs. If the insurance company refuses, you may need to take legal action.
- Property Damage Attorney: These attorneys specialize in helping homeowners and businesses get compensation for damage caused by storms, negligence, or other issues. They can assist with insurance claims, disputes with neighbors, and problems with HOAs.
- Third-Party Property Damage Attorney: If someone other than your neighbor or HOA is responsible for damage—such as a contractor or utility company—a lawyer can help identify the responsible party and get compensation.
- Breach of Contract Attorney for Property Damage: Insurance policies are contracts. If an insurance company does not pay a valid claim, it is breaking the contract. A lawyer can help force the insurance company to follow the agreement and pay for damages.
After a hurricane, getting insurance money can be difficult. Many people do not understand their insurance policies and do not know what is covered. Additionally, insurance companies may try to avoid paying claims. This is why having a lawyer can be helpful. A legal professional can guide homeowners and business owners through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and take legal action if necessary.
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Final Thoughts
Recovering from a hurricane is not just about cleaning up and making repairs. It also involves navigating a complex system of insurance claims and federal assistance programs. Unfortunately, many property owners find that their claims are denied or delayed. Understanding your rights and seeking legal help when necessary can make a big difference in receiving the money you need to rebuild.
If you are struggling with an unpaid insurance claim, consider talking to a property damage attorney. They can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Storm recovery is never easy, but with the right support, you can rebuild and move forward.
