In September of 2017, Hurricane Irma came barreling up the western coast of Florida’s peninsula, leaving a path of destruction across most of the state. There was so much Hurricane Irma damage done that over 838,000 claims were filed.
Was yours one of them? Are you part of the 93 percent of claims that have been closed? If so, the chances that your claim was underpaid are disproportionate to that of the average homeowner’s insurance claim.
Why? It’s because the insurance companies were struggling in the days, weeks, and months after the storm hit. They were frantic, trying to close claims as quickly as possible and they were able to get away with underpaying for Hurricane Irma damage because policyholders were desperate. They needed the money to make repairs and get their lives back to normal.
Hindsight is 20/20, and if you’re living with the regret of accepting a lower settlement than you should have taken, you’re not stuck without options.
Check all paperwork from your Hurricane Irma damage
This includes receipts for any repair work you needed to take care of. Estimates from professionals who needed to do the work. Video or photos from before the destruction. And anything that can and will help prove that your claim was underpaid.
You should also obtain an explanation letter from your insurance company stating the reason for underpayment. If you never received one, contact your insurance company to get a copy.
Review your insurance policy documents
Next, compare the Hurricane Irma damage paperwork you’ve collected with your policy documents. Is everything covered? Is your hurricane deductible playing a factor in your underpayment?
If you can’t find anything, then your insurance company could have been acting in bad faith. Underpaying a claim due to stressful circumstances for their policyholder is unethical. Just as you are expected to uphold your on-time payments, your insurance carrier should be expected to pay out according to the promise they made.
Seek help from an industry professional
If the process seems confusing, daunting, or stressful to you, reach out to a professional Public Adjuster who has been down this road many times before.
A Public Adjuster can also help by conducting a second inspection. Second opinions work with doctors, dentists, and also with insurance companies—especially when the initial inspection is done by someone employed by the insurance company.
Work with an experienced public adjuster
If you still have Hurricane Irma damage or weren’t able to fully recover due to an underpaid claim, contact me today for a no cost evaluation and help with potentially re-opening your claim. I have been working with many clients who have been going through a similar struggle.
Remember, insurance companies are for-profit companies. They do whatever they can to cut corners and keep as much money in their pockets as they can. It’s unethical, but it’s how they operate. And unless you fight back, they will continue to operate this way.
Call me today to learn more about moving forward with your underpaid Hurricane Irma damage claim.