Hurricane Damage To Your Florida Home? Do This First

When Sarah and her husband returned home after Hurricane Helene, devastation was an understatement. Their roof was gone, water had flooded every corner of the house, and broken windows left debris scattered everywhere. Despite having hurricane insurance, Sarah didn’t know where to begin. Should she start taking pictures? Begin repairs? Call her insurance company? She felt completely overwhelmed—until she reached out to us. With our expert guidance, Sarah quickly went from feeling lost to empowered, knowing exactly what steps to take to begin restoring her home.

If you’re feeling like Sarah did after these recent hurricanes, we’re here to help. Let’s make sure you’re taking the right steps to get the maximum compensation to rebuild your life. Schedule a consultation with our experienced insurance claim lawyers today: (727) 821-3195.

When Sarah first saw the damage to her home, her instinct was to start cleaning up right away. However, in those early moments, it’s crucial to pause and focus on securing your property without altering any of the existing damage. This means covering exposed areas—like broken windows or a damaged roof—with tarps or plywood to prevent further deterioration. These steps not only protect your home from more damage but also strengthen your insurance claim by demonstrating that you took immediate, responsible action to minimize additional losses.

Once the storm had passed, the first thing Sarah did was check for safety hazards before stepping back inside. She carefully inspected for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage that could pose a risk. Re-entering your home too soon or without taking the proper precautions can be dangerous. Before doing anything else, make sure your home is safe to re-enter. If you have any doubts, it’s always best to consult professionals like electricians or building inspectors to assess the situation and keep you safe.

Sarah knew she needed to document the damage, but she wasn’t sure just how detailed she had to be. We guided her to take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles, along with close-ups of specific problem areas like her collapsed roof and waterlogged floors. Thorough documentation is essential for a successful insurance claim—it shows the full extent of the damage and supports your case. To do the same, take plenty of photos and videos, making sure to capture every detail, from minor cracks to major structural issues. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

Beyond photographs, Sarah compiled a list of everything damaged in the storm—furniture, appliances, and personal items. She documented what was broken, estimated the value, and noted when each item was purchased. This detailed inventory helped strengthen her insurance claim by providing a clear picture of the loss. Do the same by cataloging both large and small items and including as much detail as possible.

When Sarah first called her insurance company, she wasn’t sure how much information to provide. We advised her to keep the conversation factual, and focus solely on the details of the damage. While it’s natural to feel frustrated and want to vent, it’s important to stay focused on the facts. The key is to be clear and concise when describing the damage, without speculating on causes. This approach helps ensure your claim stays on track. Here’s what you should keep in mind when talking to your insurer:

A common mistake homeowners make is offering too much information or using emotional language. Sarah avoided this by preparing her key points in advance. She stuck to the facts: what was damaged, when it happened, and what she’d done to secure her home. Keep your conversation straightforward, and if you’re unsure, we can help guide you through this step.

Sarah’s biggest surprise was discovering parts of her damage weren’t covered by her hurricane insurance policy. Many homeowners believe they’re fully protected, only to find exclusions buried in the fine print. Knowing what’s covered—and what isn’t—is critical, especially under stress. We walk our clients through their policies to ensure they fully understand their coverage and create plan of action to secure rightful compensation.

Hurricane policies can be tricky. While they often cover wind damage, water damage from flooding is usually not included. For Sarah, this meant that certain parts of the water damage to her home weren’t covered under her hurricane policy. If your policy doesn’t include flood damage, you could be left paying out of pocket for significant repairs. That’s why it’s so important to fully understand what’s covered in your plan. If you find gaps in your coverage, like missing flood protection, our team can walk you through your options and help you navigate the next steps.

One of the best decisions Sarah made was to hire a professional assessor right away. By having an expert on her side, she ensured that the full extent of her damage was properly documented. The earlier you bring in an assessor, the better your chances are of a fair settlement.

Sarah didn’t wait for her insurance company to send an adjuster—she hired one of her own. Independent adjusters work on your behalf, ensuring the insurance company doesn’t downplay the damage. In more complicated cases, like Sarah’s, hiring a lawyer early can also help ensure a smoother claims process.

Timing matters. Sarah filed her claim within days after of the hurricane, which worked in her favor. We advise homeowners to file their claims as soon as possible, with all documentation ready. The more prepared you are, the quicker your claim will be processed.

Sarah’s claim moved quickly because she had her documentation and inventory in order, along with a clear timeline of events. To ensure your claim is processed swiftly, stay organized, respond to insurer requests promptly, and keep copies of all communication. When you hire one of our hurricane insurance claim attorneys, then can handle all aspects of your claim from start to finish and correspond with the insurance company on your behalf — saving you time and minimizing the stress.

Sarah had to leave her home for several months while it was being repaired. Thankfully, her policy covered additional living expenses like hotel stays and meals. If your home is uninhabitable, check your policy for provisions on temporary living expenses. These costs can add up, so it’s crucial to know your rights and entitlements.

Like Sarah, you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you secure maximum compensation to rebuild your home, navigate the insurance claim process on your behalf, and recover from the storm. Our hurricane insurance claim experts are here for you and ready to review your case!

Don’t wait—call (727) 821-3195 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation today and start your path to recovery.