Hurricane Michael stormed through the Florida Panhandle in October of last year, leaving mass destruction in its wake. The storm, which was one of the strongest hurricanes on record to make  landfall in the panhandle, caused catastrophic damage from 155 m.p.h. winds and storm surge and left 2.5 million without electricity, and thousands without homes.

Hurricane Michael stormed through the Florida Panhandle in October of last year, leaving mass destruction in its wake.

Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies in the aftermath of natural disasters can be a challenge. This is why, in preparation for the first day of hurricane season on June 1st, we want to share with you some tips for dealing with hurricane insurance claims after a storm.

Before the hurricane:

First, before the storm arrives, we encourage you to place your insurance policy and other important documents in a safe, waterproof area that is easily accessible. As soon as you can after the storm, do not wait to contact your insurance provider once you are out of harm’s way. It is important that you try to limit any further damage from occurring after the storm. Do not, however, dispose of any debris or damaged personal property. Once you file a claim with your insurance provider, they will send out an adjuster to inspect your property and assess the damage.

We encourage you to document everything, including the damage as best as possible by taking photos and video, even if it is minor. Keeping a detailed record of when you filed your claim, your assigned claim number, all correspondence between you and your insurance provider, as well as the name of your claims adjuster is crucial. This can help your insurance company complete the claims process more efficiently, and can keep you informed about the progress of your claim.

Above all, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance or a second opinion if you feel uncomfortable navigating the claims process alone. If you or someone you know has suffered hurricane property damage, it is never the wrong time to contact an experienced hurricane insurance defense attorney. Your local attorney will know what the law is related to your case and will be well acquainted with making hurricane-related insurance claims.

We know that it may remain a difficult time for you and your loved ones in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Do not wait to contact our office 24/7 to schedule a free case evaluation so that we may assist you with your hurricane insurance related questions.