Do you have a denied claim after Hurricane Ian and Nicole? A denied claim is a frustrating and stressful experience especially after Hurricane Ian and Nicole.
After natural disasters and catastrophes, many claims are filed for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Many claims get denied after disasters like a hurricane.
All Types of Policies have Denied Claims after Hurricane Ian and Nicole
There are different types of homeowner policies depending on the type of home they insure. here are policies for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments. All these types of policies can have denied claims after a hurricane.
No Coverage for the Property after Hurricane Ian and Nicole
Not all property is covered under a homeowner policy. Many claims are denied after a hurricane because the damaged property isn’t covered under the homeowner’s policies. This can come as a surprise to many homeowners who aren’t familiar with their policies.
Some typical denials from insurance companies include:
Business Property: If you have business property in your home that was damaged after a hurricane, it is most likely not covered under your homeowner’s policy. Most home policies exclude business property. So, if you work from home, talk to your insurance company about making sure you have the correct coverage in place.
Highly valuable items: High-value property such as jewelry or antiques may be denied after Hurricane Ian and Nicole. Most homeowner policies cover basic personal property such as clothing and furniture. However, they exclude coverage for property that is highly valuable. If they do cover it at all, there is a sublimit of $1,000.
Don’t wait until after Hurricane Ian and Nicole to make sure your most valuable belongings are covered. Talk to your insurance company if you have jewelry, antiques or even firearms to make sure they are covered adequately by your home insurance policy.
Property covered other policies: Your homeowner insurance company may deny a claim if the damaged property is covered under a different policy. This is the case for your cars. They are covered by your auto insurance. It can also include recreation vehicles.
Policy Deductibles After Hurricane Ian and Nicole
More Florida and coastal homeowners are selecting higher deductibles on their home insurance to keep their insurance costs down. While high deductibles may make a premium payment smaller it can present a problem come claim time after a hurricane.
The problem arises if you suffered wind or water damage from the hurricane but not catastrophic damage. Maybe you lost a few shingles and had a tree come down in your yard. While its great that your home was spared serious damage, you may have to come out of pocket for your repairs. Especially if you selected a large percentage deductible.
High deductibles – even 10 percent of the home’s total coverage are not uncommon. Say your home is insured for $300,000 your deductible is $30,000.
In a case where you have minor damage after Hurricane Ian and Nicole, your insurance policy may not pay anything at all.
Flood Damage After A Hurricane May be Denied
Homeowners are beginning to understand their home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Flood is a growing risk for homeowners and is especially common during weather events. Even seemingly insignificant tropical storms can cause devastating flooding.
To have flood damage covered after a hurricane, homeowners must have proper flood insurance. Flood coverage can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program, or through a handful of private insurance companies that offer it. The important point is to not go without it.
It can be difficult to know if your home was damaged by flood or by wind, but your insurance companies employ adjusters that will examine the damage to your home after a hurricane.
Your Home Gets Vandalized After Hurricane Ian and Nicole
Unfortunately, after Hurricane Ian and Nicole, vandals took advantage and looted homes and businesses leading to additional damage.
Vandalism is not always covered under home insurance policies and it can result in a denied claim. For example, if you abandoned your home for a length of time, vandalism claims may be denied, If you were using your home for commercial purposes such as renting it out to tenants there may be no coverage for vandalism.
Not Mitigating Your Property After Hurricane Ian and Nicole
Under your insurance policy, you have a duty to mitigate your damages after a loss. This means you must take reasonable measures and make reasonable efforts to secure your property and prevent further damage.
After a hurricane this may include taking emergency measures such as boarding up broken windows, using tarps to cover damaged roofs, and controlling water damage by making attempts to dry out your home and personal property.
Not making efforts to mitigate your damages after a loss can result in trouble with your claim.
Your Tree Fell in Your Neighbor’s Yard After Hurricane Ian and Nicole
It can be frustrating for your neighbor if your tree fell in their yard, especially if you have little or no damage at your home. Even though it’s your tree, it’s your neighbor that must make the claim on their home insurance policy.
Claims Can be Wrongly Denied after A Hurricane
After large catastrophes, insurance companies must bring in adjusters from other states to handle claims. Sometimes they even must hire independent adjusters as contractors to help settle the large influx of claims that come after a hurricane.
Adjusters can make mistakes and wrongly deny claims too. Out of state adjusters or independent adjusters may not be familiar with your state’s policy language and mistakes and oversights can happen.
If you think your claim was wrongly denied after Hurricane Ian and Nicole. Contact us for help.
