Hurricane Damage Lawyers

Florida’s laws pertaining to hurricane damage claims can be highly complex, often making the path to a successful insurance claim a challenging one. To better navigate this process, here’s a breakdown of some essential aspects of Florida’s insurance laws:

1. 90-Day Rule: In Florida, insurance companies are legally obligated to either settle or deny a claim within 90 days of its filing. This timeline begins from the day the insurer receives the policyholder’s claim, along with all the necessary information to process it.

2. Underpayment and Denial of Claims: Despite the aforementioned law, many policyholders face issues such as underpayment or outright denial of their claims. Disputes may arise regarding the valuation of the damage, the interpretation of the policy terms, or the determination of what caused the damage.

3. “Right to Repair” Clause: Florida law includes a “Right to Repair” clause. This provision allows the insurance company, instead of paying the cost of the damage, to choose to repair or replace the damaged property. Understanding how this clause applies can be crucial for policyholders, as it can significantly impact their claim settlement.

4. Statute of Limitations: The state of Florida imposes a statute of limitations on property damage claims. Specifically, policyholders have four years from the date of the hurricane to file a lawsuit for any unresolved claim disputes. This necessitates swift action following a hurricane event. Statute 95.11

5. Deductibles: Florida law permits insurance policies to have a separate deductible for hurricane damage, which can be higher than the deductible for other types of damage. The hurricane deductible applies once per hurricane season, rather than per storm.

6. Exclusions and Endorsements: Insurance policies may contain certain exclusions limiting coverage for specific damages or conditions. Alternatively, they may include endorsements that provide additional coverage beyond the basic policy. Understanding these aspects can be crucial to knowing the extent of your coverage.

Given these complexities and nuances, it is vital to seek the assistance of a competent hurricane damage lawyer who can guide you through the claims process. Their in-depth understanding of Florida’s insurance laws can make the difference between a denied claim and the fair compensation you deserve.