Hurricane Milton: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know About Filing an Insurance Claim

While most of us enjoy a breezy day now and then, extreme winds can be destructive, tearing shingles from roofs, toppling trees, and sending debris flying—all of which lead to costly repairs and, often, an insurance claim. Filing a claim can bring peace of mind and help cover these unexpected costs. Knowing the key steps and deadlines is important if you’re a Florida homeowner impacted by Hurricane Milton. For expert support handling your claim from start to finish, contact Herman & Wells at (727) 821-3195.

When filing your wind damage claim, review your policy to understand your coverage and the filing requirements. Take detailed photographs of the affected areas, gather repair estimates, and save any relevant receipts. This documentation shows the full extent of your losses and supports your claim. Report your claim as quickly as possible and follow up with your insurer for updates.

Document all structural damage, like broken windows, roof damage, and compromised walls. Use photos, contractor estimates, inspection reports, and repair invoices to show the severity of the damage clearly. Specific, thorough documentation strengthens your claim and reinforces its legitimacy.

If items inside your home sustained damage, create an itemized inventory with photos, original purchase receipts (if available), and estimated values. Additional documentation (such as professional assessments) can substantiate replacement costs for high-value items like electronics or furniture, ensuring fair reimbursement.

For damage to outbuildings, like detached garages or sheds, submit documentation specific to each structure, including photos, repair estimates, and assessments. Describe each structure’s purpose and condition before the hurricane to prevent claim denials due to alleged pre-existing conditions.

If your home is uninhabitable, track costs for temporary housing and additional living expenses, like hotel stays, short-term rentals, and increased food and transportation costs. Gather receipts and records of these expenses to support your claim under ALE coverage.

After submitting your claim, Florida law requires that insurers acknowledge your claim within 7 days and issue a decision within 60 days. This timeframe is intended to give homeowners a reasonably swift response, ensuring that claims don’t linger indefinitely. If you haven’t received an update by the 60-day mark, promptly follow up and document all communications with your insurer.

A Proof of Loss is a detailed statement documenting the extent of your damages and the total amount being claimed. Submitting this document promptly is critical to the validity of your claim. Insurers rely on the Proof of Loss as a primary piece of evidence to process your claim accurately, so ensure that it includes all damage assessments, estimates, and relevant documentation.

Florida law mandates that adjusters respond to your communications within 14 days. This requirement is in place to maintain consistent updates, prevent unnecessary delays, and allow homeowners to stay informed about their claim’s progress. If adjusters fail to meet this timeline, it’s recommended to document the delays, which may be useful if you need to escalate your case.

Homeowners in Florida have one year from the event date to file their initial claim. Missing this filing deadline could result in a claim denial, so mark this date clearly and gather necessary documentation as soon as possible. If you’re approaching this deadline and haven’t filed yet, consider consulting with an attorney to ensure everything is handled correctly and on time.

In Florida, you have up to one year from the event date to reopen an existing claim if new damage surfaces or previous repairs need reassessment. Additionally, supplemental claims, which cover costs that arise after the initial claim settlement, can be filed up to 18 months after the incident. Meeting these deadlines is essential to access the full extent of coverage for ongoing or newly discovered damages.

Ensure that any additional damage discovered within 18 months of the event is included in a supplemental claim, which can secure further compensation.

Every insurance policy has specific conditions that policyholders must meet to maintain coverage eligibility. These conditions may require prompt notification of damage, cooperation with the insurer’s investigation, and adherence to documentation and inspection requests. Ensure you meet all policy conditions, as failure can result in denied or reduced claims.

Insurers may be wary of claims for signs of pre-existing damage, which could lead to denial if they determine the recent storm did not cause the damage. Keep thorough records and photo documentation of your property’s condition before any new damage to strengthen your case. This helps distinguish storm-related damages from any previous issues.

Documenting the source and extent of wind damage is essential to avoid overlap issues, as insurers may attempt to reduce payout by attributing some damage to causes other than wind. Including detailed records, like time-stamped photos and repair assessments, can help substantiate wind as the primary damage cause.

Most policies contain certain limitations and exclusions on coverage, which can restrict or disallow payments for specific types of damage. Reviewing your policy in detail can help you understand these boundaries and prepare for any limitations that may impact your claim. Knowing these clauses enables you to address potential issues before they affect your payout.

Deductibles are the amounts you’re responsible for covering before insurance coverage begins, and they vary depending on the policy and type of claim. Knowing your deductible upfront is essential for calculating your out-of-pocket expenses and can help set realistic expectations for your claim’s total reimbursement.

Some policies pay based on Actual Cash Value (ACV), which factors in depreciation, while others pay Replacement Cost Value (RCV), which covers the cost of new materials without depreciation. Understanding how your policy calculates payouts can guide your approach to filing claims and ensure you are prepared for the possible differences in reimbursement amounts.

If you are displaced from your home due to storm damage, many policies reimburse additional living expenses (ALE). It’s crucial to keep receipts and records of all expenses related to temporary housing, meals, and transportation, as these may be eligible for reimbursement under ALE coverage.

When hurricanes strike, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. Hiring a lawyer will make the claim process smoother and give you peace of mind. The attorneys at Herman & Wells specialize in Florida insurance law and can assist with documentation, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you need help filing or negotiating a Hurricane Milton insurance claim, reach out to Herman & Wells at (727) 821-3195.

Our team is here to guide you through each step of the process and secure the payout you’re entitled to.