Property owners living along and near the coast such as in Florida know what risks their homes face in the event of hurricanes.
In such times, they have to look to their insurance to provide the financial assistance required to cover the property damage they incur after a hurricane storm.
However, a home can suffer different forms of damage during a hurricane. While some are inevitable and unexpected, some kinds of damage can be prevented or reduced by taking certain measures, especially when you live in a hurricane-prone area like Florida.
The most common property damage caused by hurricanes is roof damage, which is also the most obvious. Roofs are expensive, but tumultuous winds easily throw them off. However, not all hurricanes are powerful enough to tear off a roof.
Typically, category 3 and 4 hurricanes have enough force to tear off the strongest roofs. The age and condition of the roof will likely determine whether you’ll receive compensation and how much. For new roofs, you may get the full cost of replacement.
Powerful hurricanes can cause tears in the foundation of your structure or the land surrounding your home.
Even though your structure doesn’t incur any visible damage, such a structural defect is life-threatening as collapse may occur. In that case, the home becomes uninhabitable.
It’s common for doors and windows to be torn off by powerful winds during a storm. When that happens, it creates an avenue for heavy rains and wind to enter your home and cause further destruction. Your belongings and important documents will likely be affected.
It’s also common for walls and floors to be severely impacted by water damage when roofs, windows, and doors get torn off. Note that most homeowners’ policies have limitations when it comes to water damage.
There is utility damage when power lines, phone lines, and water systems suffer destruction during a hurricane. Utility damage is very common after hurricanes, even for category one (minor) storms. Luckily, you can file an insurance claim when a storm destroys your utilities.
Your water heating systems, HVAC, generators, pools, and other home equipment may suffer damage after a storm. Your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover such damages unless otherwise stated.
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Homeowners insurance covers most types of hurricane property damage, including roof and structural damage as well as water damage via a broken roof or window. However, it does not cover water damage from flooding.
You should file a claim with your insurance company within 180 days after a hurricane event. You may have to make some temporary fixes to prevent further damage even before calling your insurer. Ensure you take down proper documentation (photos) of the damage before taking any steps.
It’s noteworthy that even while insurance companies arm up to protect you in the day of trouble, they desperately pray for accidents not to happen. If they do happen, it’s a loss for them.
They try to cut their losses by underpaying you. For that reason, having a hurricane insurance claims lawyer is advised as they can negotiate on your behalf to obtain maximum compensation. It’s also crucial to estimate the total repair cost by calling contractors to assess the damage.
If you live in a hurricane-prone city, here are tips to help reduce the effects of storms on your home:
Whether you’re new in some hurricane-prone city or looking to protect yourself against the next storm, you are equipped for that now that you know the likely risks you face and what you can do.
