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Florida sees its fair share of damage every year between hurricanes and flooding. If you are a property owner in Florida and have experienced damage caused by flooding, you may be wondering what your next steps are. It is essential to understand the process for making a flood damage claim in Florida and the potential for disputes. If your home or business has been damaged by a flood, contact Lacey Lyons Rezanka today by calling 321-608-0890 or filling out our form.

Dealing With Flood Damage

The first step after your home is damaged by a flood is to contact your insurance company and open a claim. Your insurance company will then send an adjuster to assess the damage to your home. It is essential to have documentation of the damage, so be sure to take photos or videos of the damage before you begin making any repairs. Your insurance company will likely give you two options for repairing your home:
  1. You can receive a check for the estimated cost of repairs and make the repairs yourself.
  2. The insurance company can send a contractor to make the repairs for you.
If you choose to have the insurance company send a contractor, it is important to get multiple bids from contractors before you choose one. This will ensure you get the best possible price for the repairs.

Common Flood Damage Dispute Reasons

  • The insurance company did not pay enough to cover the repair cost.
  • The insurance company did not cover certain types of damage, such as mold or water damage to your personal belongings.
  • The insurance company denied your claim altogether.

Underpayment

If you feel that the insurance company has not paid you enough money to cover the cost of repairs, you have a few options. You can try to negotiate with the insurance company. If you have receipts for the repairs, you can use these as evidence to get a higher settlement.

Non-Coverage

In Florida, most insurance policies have "named storm deductibles," which means that if a hurricane damages your home, you will have to pay a deductible before the insurance company starts paying for repairs. Some policies also exclude mold and water damage to personal belongings. If your policy excludes these types of damages and you feel like you should be covered, you can try to negotiate with the insurance company or get a new policy that includes this coverage.

Denied Claim

If you have evidence that the damage was caused by a flood and your claim is still denied, you can appeal the decision. You will need to send a written request to the insurance company outlining why you believe the denial is unjust. The insurance company will then need to review your claim and make a new decision.

What to Do If Your Insurance Claim is Denied

If your insurance claim is denied, it can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. You may feel stuck and don't know where to turn. We can help you review your policy carefully and understand what is covered and what is excluded. We will also work with you to gather the evidence you need to support your claim. If you cannot reach a resolution with your insurance company, our legal team can help. We have experience representing policyholders in disputes and may be able to help get the money you need for repairs. Contact Lacey Lyons Rezanka today by calling 321-608-0890 or filling out our form.

Commercial vs. Residential Flood Damage

Many insurance policies exclude coverage for flooding, so it is important to know what your policy covers before you file a claim. If your policy does not cover flooding, you may still be able to get some financial assistance. Commercial flood damage is typically covered by business insurance policies, while residential flood damage can vary between homeowners insurance policies. Depending on the terms of your policy, if a flood has damaged your home, you may or may not be covered for all of the damage.

Your Professional Legal Team

At Lacey Lyons Rezanka, we understand the complexities of filing an insurance claim or handling disputes. Our team of attorneys is here to help you every step of the way to get the compensation you deserve. If your home or business has been damaged by a flood, contact Lacey Lyons Rezanka today by calling 321-608-0890.