A Guide to How Florida Property Owners Should Handle Large-Loss Insurance Claims After Hurricanes

Florida is no stranger to major storm systems that can pose substantial risk to homeowners. From hurricanes and tropical storms to windstorms and flooding, Florida has seen and experienced it all. And unfortunately, the property damage that can occur after these types of weather events can be catastrophic.

In a case where a home or property has taken on extensive damage, a large-loss insurance claim needs to be filed for the homeowner to hopefully get the funds needed to restore their home or property to its pre-storm condition. The only problem is large-loss insurance claims in Florida are complex, time-sensitive, and often stressful.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help simplify and speed up the process. Below are practical steps and tips that Florida homeowners can follow, so they can improve their chances of receiving a fair settlement and avoid costly pitfalls.

Step 1. Get to Know Your Policy Before a Storm Hits

Every Florida homeowner should know what their coverage includes and excludes, preferably before a storm hits and causes damage. This is essential because the typical standard homeowners insurance policy in Florida might cover wind damage, but they rarely cover flooding. In most cases, a homeowner needs to have a separate flood policy.

Reviewing your policy is also important because you want to know what your deductibles are. In Florida, hurricane deductibles are often a percentage of dwelling coverage, and wind/hurricane deductibles may behave differently than regular ones.

Lastly, you will want to be familiar with your review limits and endorsements. Sometimes policyholders are surprised to find out that coverage for certain valuable personal property, outbuildings, or additional living expenses is less than expected. Make sure your policy and any endorsements match what you actually own.

Step 2. Act Immediately After the Storm

As soon as the storm is over, you should ensure your property is safe first and foremost. Of course, you don’t want to ignore hazards, so if clearance hasn’t been granted by officials, then you should wait for their word before getting to work. Once clearance is granted, check your home and property to see if any areas are unsafe, and secure them as needed.

When you start the recovery phase, only do what you have to to make the property safe. Be sure you document the damage thoroughly along the way, so you have a comprehensive record to share with your insurance company. Take photos, videos, even drone shots if possible, both inside and out. Include close-ups and wide angles. If you can capture your property’s pre-storm condition through photos, appraisals, and/or maintenance records, this will also help show what is new damage.

Any time you do anything to your home, save the receipts, invoices, and estimates. This includes any emergency repairs (tarps, boards, etc.) you make to prevent further damage. These may be reimbursable.

Step 3. File the Claim in Compliance with Florida’s Deadlines

Florida law requires that notice for large losses due to storms, hurricanes, wind, etc., be given to the insurer within one year of the date of loss for the standard claim. But it is recommended to submit your claim as soon as possible because insurance companies in Florida can become quickly overwhelmed with claims after a severe weather event.

In some cases, further damage may be discovered later, or repair costs rise. In the event this happens, supplemental claims may be filed. However, it is important to know that supplemental claims must be filed within 18 months of the date of loss.

In Florida, large-loss claims have a proof of loss requirement. Insurers often require you to submit a “proof of loss” form, which is a detailed statement of your damages with estimates. Getting this done accurately and timely is essential to having your claim processed in a timely manner.

Step 4. Hire Expert Help When Necessary

Insurance companies don’t like approving claims, so it is critical to ensure that your case is submitted properly. Hiring the right people for the job can pay off big in this regard. After a large loss, hiring an experienced full-service restoration company is an all-in-one solution in which experts can help assess the full scope of your damage, challenge undervalued estimates, negotiate with your insurance company, and restore your home to its pre-storm condition.

In many cases, hiring an attorney may also be necessary. If the insurer delays, improperly denies coverage, or disputes value, it may be necessary to engage an attorney experienced in Florida insurance law. Statutes allow lawsuits under certain circumstances.

Step 5. Be Organized, and Beware Common Pitfalls

Any time you need to file a claim with your insurance company it is recommended to keep a “claim diary.” In your diary you should log all communications with your insurer. Be sure to record dates, names, and what was said. Copies of letters, emails, texts, and phone calls will also be helpful.

Remember, you don’t want to make permanent repairs until your home is inspected. While emergency measures are okay, avoid starting full rebuilds until after the insurance adjuster visits if possible. Otherwise, there can be disagreements over what damage was storm-related vs. what was pre-existing.

Watch out for underpayments or vague denials. Stay vigilant when dealing with your insurance company and be prepared to push back if they undervalue your damage or find questionable exclusions. Review the adjuster’s report very carefully. Supplement with your own proof.

Step 6. Understand Your Rights Under Florida Law

As a homeowner in Florida, you have certain rights that you need to know about. For instance, Florida requires insurers to acknowledge claims within specified timeframes after they receive notice, and to make decisions or pay/deny within certain legal limits. Delays without valid cause may violate the policy or state regulations. There are also time limits for filing suit if you can’t settle. Florida statutes such as § 627.70132 set these deadlines.

A large loss from a major storm can instantly disrupt lives in countless ways — emotionally, financially, and practically. But understanding your insurance policy can actually make a big difference in your overall experience. While the process of filing a large-loss insurance claim is never easy, you can improve your chances of getting a fair settlement, and a quicker recovery, by following the above steps.