Common Mistakes People Make When Filing Storm Damage Claims

It’s the beginning of summer, which means beach days and pool time. Yet, anyone in Florida knows that it also means something much darker: the start of hurricane season. 

Of course, there are the obvious steps that everyone should take when preparing for a storm: have enough non-perishable food and bottled water for at least three days, stock up on essential medications, have sufficient fuel to power your cars and generators, and have extra batteries to power your essential devices. However, one step many people overlook when preparing for storm season is reviewing their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to understand their coverage and know what to do in the event of damage.

As the founder of Tiger Adjusters, the largest public adjusting franchise in the country, Ted Patestos has extensive experience maximizing insurance settlements for homeowners and renters with property damage. He explains that the first step in ensuring policyholders receive the best settlement is having a certified copy of their policy on hand.

“Even if you think you already have it, reach out to your insurance carrier now and request a certified copy of your insurance policy,” Patestos says. Using this terminology ensures that you receive the complete, accurate, and most up-to-date version of your insurance policy. Many people only have a snippet of their policy called the Declarations page; however, this is only a summary and does not include policy exclusions or other crucial details. 

Understanding your insurance coverage

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with their insurance coverage, according to Patestos, is misunderstanding their deductible. While some policies may have a flat dollar amount deductible, others may have a deductible based on a percentage of their home’s value. Patestos points out that it is essential to know and understand this deductible so you are not caught off guard with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Patestos also explains that it is crucial for homeowners to understand the coverage gaps in their homeowners’ insurance policies. Thankfully, it is often possible to purchase additional supplemental coverage to protect your home and belongings. 

Some of the most common coverage gaps include:

• Flood insurance: Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not include flood insurance, which is a separate, specialized type of coverage underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program. Certain types of water damage, such as leaks from a roof, may still be covered under your primary policy. However, you will need specialized flood insurance for flood-related damage, including water rising from the streets or overflowing rivers.

• Mold insurance: Many homeowners and renters are unaware that mold coverage is typically a separate endorsement added to their main policy. If a leak or flood allows water to enter your home during a storm, it can take as little as 24 to 48 hours for mold to form. However, if you don’t have mold coverage, only parts of your home that were physically damaged by wind or rain will be covered. Parts that were affected by mold but not wind or rain will be excluded.

• “Wind-driven rain” exclusions: Some insurance policies may also include exclusions for “wind-driven rain.” This phenomenon occurs when wind forces water underneath the roof’s tiles or shingles or through the windows, which some insurance companies may cover differently than typical storm surge flooding. Be sure to keep a careful eye out for these exclusions.

Steps to take before and after storm damage

The first step in a hurricane damage claim should happen before any damage occurs: you must know the contents and condition of your home. By taking stock of your home’s current condition, you can avoid any disputes during the claim process. Patestos suggests inspecting your roof and exterior for minor damage, checking any trees on your property for loose limbs, and maintaining an up-to-date inventory of the contents of your home, including anything valuable, such as electronics, furniture, and collectibles.

According to Patestos, the most important thing you can do after facing storm damage in your home is to document the damage as soon as possible. “I like to tell my clients, ‘If you think you’ve taken too many pictures or videos, you haven’t taken enough,’” he adds. 

Patestos suggests using your smartphone to take high-resolution photos and videos from multiple angles, as this provides a more complete picture of the damage with an accurate timestamp. Also, keep records of all repair invoices and receipts, including any temporary repairs, which can be key in establishing that you have taken steps to protect your home. Keep in mind that if compiling evidence for your claim becomes too unwieldy, you can consider hiring a Public Adjuster to assist you.

When it comes to repairs, it is vital to take steps that can help mitigate damage to your home. “Mitigation doesn’t just protect your home, it protects your claim,” asserts Patestos. “If you don’t take efforts to minimize your losses, your claim may get denied. But you don’t have to take extreme measures — something as simple as covering damaged roofs and windows with tarps or plywood shows that you took steps to prevent further damage. If you can’t do it yourself, ask friends or neighbors for help or contact an emergency mitigation company.”

If your home is damaged during a storm, the insurance process can be lengthy, confusing, and difficult. However, if you take the right steps to prepare, your home can be protected, and filing a claim can be as pain-free as possible. 

Be keenly aware of your policy’s coverage and limitations, extensively document the condition and contents of your home before and immediately after the storm, and take steps to mitigate further damage from occurring. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared than the majority of homeowners this storm season.