Daytona Beach First Party Storm Damage Lawyer

Sustaining property damage in a hurricane or a severe storm in Daytona Beach can be devastating. While most Floridians know the risk of storm damage and are prepared with homeowners’ insurance, there are a variety of reasons that storm damage claims can be denied and property owners are unable to recover compensation for their losses. In some situations, the homeowner failed to include flood insurance in his or her policy, and the claim is denied because the majority of the damage resulted from flooding. In other situations, the policyholder might have made an error in filing the claim, and it may be possible to obtain compensation upon appeal. In yet other cases, first party storm damage claims are denied as a result of unfair or deceptive insurance practices.

It is important for Florida policyholders to understand their rights and to seek advice from an experienced Daytona Beach first party storm damage lawyer. 

Steps to Take Before Filing Your First Party Storm Damage Claim in Daytona Beach

A first party storm damage claim means that you are a policyholder and are filing a claim with your own insurance company. A third party claim, differently, involves filing a claim with another policyholder’s insurance company. If your property sustained storm damage, and you need to file a first party storm damage claim, there are a number of steps you should take ahead of time:

• Know what your policy covers, and check to see whether the type of damage you have sustained is covered. For example, if your property largely sustained damage from flooding and you do not have flood insurance, you may not be eligible for compensation. You should also familiarize yourself with the deductible associated with your insurance policy.
• Assess and record the damage to your property. As long as it is safe to do so, take multiple photographs of the damage to your home, and ensure that they are time-stamped to prove that the damage occurred as a result of a storm or other covered incident.
• Gather evidence of your property prior to the storm. The insurance company will want evidence that the storm caused the damage to your home. You should keep photographs of your home that are recent, and if possible, taken immediately before a storm. They should be dated and kept in a safe place. Typically, the best thing to do is to email the photographs to yourself before a storm, ensuring that they are accessible even if your computer is damaged, and that they are time-stamped by your email message.
• Inform the insurance company of the damage as soon as possible. Your policy likely requires you to inform your insurer of the property damage in a timely manner. Failure to do so can lead the insurance company to deny your claim.
• Hire a lawyer to help with your claim. Filing a first party storm damage claim can be complex, and a lawyer with experience handling similar claims can help to guide you through the process. Having a lawyer on your side will also be extremely beneficial in the event your claim is denied. 

Unfair and Deceptive Insurance Practices in Daytona Beach 

Florida law prohibits insurance companies from engaging in any unfair or deceptive insurance practices, including unfairly denying claims, failing to properly investigate claim, and making unfair settlement offers.

If you believe you have been subject to unfair or deceptive practices, you may have options to hold the insurance company accountable.

Contact a Daytona Beach First Party Storm Damage Lawyer

Do you have questions about filing an insurance claim? A Daytona Beach first party storm damage lawyer can help. Contact The Pendas Law Firm today.