Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Hail Damage Insurance Claim in Florida?

Why Florida Homeowners Insurance May Deny Your Hail Damage Claim

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to homes in Florida, leaving homeowners overwhelmed as they navigate the process of filing an insurance claim. While insurance policies are designed to provide relief in times of need, securing fair compensation can be complex and frustrating. This raises an important question: do you need a lawyer for your hail damage insurance claim in Florida?

This article will explore the challenges of handling hail damage claims, common tactics used by insurance companies, and the benefits of hiring an experienced insurance claim lawyer to protect your rights.

Do Standard Home Insurance Policies cover Hail Damage?

Yes, most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover hail damage. However, the extent of coverage depends on your policy’s specific terms and conditions. Typically, hail damage is covered under the dwelling protection portion of the policy, which includes damage to the structure of your home, such as:

• Roof
• Siding
• Windows
• Exterior fixtures

If hail damage causes further issues, such as water damage from a compromised roof, this may also be covered if you act quickly to prevent additional harm.

High Deductibles for Wind or Hail Damage Some policies in hail-prone areas, including parts of Florida, may have higher deductibles specifically for wind and hail damage. This means you’ll need to pay more out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.

The Challenges of Hail Damage Insurance Claims

Hail damage can range from minor dents to severe roof and structural damage. Filing a claim for these damages may seem straightforward, but homeowners often encounter hurdles, including:

• Disputes Over the Cause of Damage Insurance companies may argue that the damage was caused by wear and tear or pre-existing conditions rather than the hailstorm itself.
• Low-Ball Settlements Adjusters may undervalue the cost of repairs, leaving homeowners unable to restore their property fully.
• Delays in Processing Claims Insurers may prolong the claims process, causing frustration and delaying essential repairs.
• Denial of Claims Some claims are outright denied due to alleged policy violations, insufficient documentation, or other reasons.

Navigating these challenges alone can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the intricacies of insurance policies and Florida’s laws.

Why Do Insurance Companies Deny or Underpay Hail Damage Claims?

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts. Common tactics they use include:

• Citing Policy Exclusions: Insurers may claim that certain damages are not covered under your policy.
• Blaming Maintenance Issues: They might argue that the damage resulted from neglect or poor upkeep.
• Using Ambiguous Language: Complex policy terms and vague explanations can make it difficult for homeowners to understand their rights.
• Hiring Biased Adjusters: Insurers often rely on their adjusters, who may downplay the extent of the damage to save money.

These tactics clearly show that having an advocate on your side can be crucial to securing a fair outcome.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

Hail damage to your roof isn’t always easy to spot. If the hail is large enough (1” in diameter or bigger), you will most likely see dents/dings on your shingles. But just because your roof doesn’t have large dents in the shingles doesn’t mean you won’t have hail damage. More signs of hail damage to your roof are dings/dents/splatter marks to your roof vents, gutters, roof flashing, and other roof penetrations.

1. Document the Damage

• When it’s safe, take extensive photographs of the damage to your home from the ground. You should also review your insurance policy to know what to expect and what questions to ask.
• Do not start repairs. Cover the damage with a tarp to protect your home while the claim is processed.

2. File a Claim

• When you file a claim, you request that your insurance company pay for home repairs based on the policy coverage.
• Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess your home or roof damage. If this adjuster finds your damage only cosmetic, your policy will likely not cover repair costs for the damaged shingles.

As a property owner, you count on your insurance to cover losses when hail damages your home or business. Unfortunately, however, several things can go wrong in the insurance claims process, including:

• Delayed approval: Insurance companies are notorious for dragging out the claims process and wearing down claimants who may be willing to accept less than they deserve or need to finally settle and get paid.
• Undervaluing a claim: Although homeowner’s insurance typically covers hail damage, your insurance company may state that the damage is not as extensive as you think.
• Coverage Denial: The repair cost does not exceed your deductible amount or some other possibly illegitimate reason the insurance company claims the damage is not covered because it happened too long ago.

Remember, insurance companies are businesses, and they make big profits by denying claims. A new roof is a major expense, even with you paying a portion of the costs through your deductible. So, if they can find any excuse to avoid their responsibility to pay, they will take it.

Tips to Ensure Adequate Hail Damage Coverage

• Review Your Policy: Understand what is and isn’t covered. Ask your insurance agent about exclusions or limitations related to hail damage.
• Upgrade Your Roof: If your roof is old or damaged, consider replacing it with impact-resistant materials, which may also qualify you for a discount on your premium.
• Maintain Your Property: Regular maintenance can reduce the likelihood of denied claims due to poor upkeep.
• Add Endorsements: In hail-prone areas, adding endorsements or riders to your policy can provide extra protection.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

While it’s not always necessary to hire a lawyer for a hail damage claim, certain situations call for legal assistance:

• Your claim has been denied.
• The insurer offers a settlement that doesn’t cover the cost of repairs.
• The claims process takes too long, leaving your home vulnerable to further damage.
• You feel intimidated or unsure how to respond to the insurance company’s requests.

In these cases, seeking legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Has your Hail Claim Been Denied or Underpaid in Florida?