The Most Common Property Damage Claims in Florida

Florida sits in close proximity to the ocean and vulnerability to storms and hurricanes. Homes in this area face unique threats and are at an increased risk of sustaining internal and external damages.

For these reasons, homeowner’s insurance and other property-related insurance coverages are the most vital forms of protection you can have as a property owner in this state. Below, we discuss some of the most common types of property damage insurance claims in Florida. We also cover the potential problems you may face when filing.

Exterior Wind Damage

Storms and hurricanes can lead to heavy winds, falling trees, or blowing objects. These weather events commonly results in roof damage. This damage to your roof may be more difficult to spot and locate. It can remain undetected until more serious signs of interior damage begin to manifest. It’s also a type of damage that typically requires complete replacement of the roof structure.

Ultimately, roof damage claims can become complicated very quickly. Insurance companies may look for reasons to deny your claim, such as:

• Your roof is considered “too old”
• You failed to mitigate damages to this part of your property by performing regular maintenance
• The cause of your roof damage isn’t covered by your policy
• Your roof doesn’t need a full replacement (this is a common tactic used by insurance companies to minimize payouts)

Water and Flood Damage

It’s no surprise that water and flood damage is a common cause of Florida property damage claims, often caused by:

• Leftover rainwater
• Burst pipes
• Plumbing issues
• Malfunctioning or faulty appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, or refrigerators

The good news is that homeowner’s insurance covers the various types of water damage, including the ones listed above. However, it is crucial to remember that insurance companies look at water damage and flooding/hurricane damage as two distinct issues. This means that damage caused by flooding (hurricanes, heavy rain, etc.) is not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance.

This doesn’t mean that you are without options. If you are a property owner in Florida or a high-risk area for a hurricane or flood, you want to ensure that you have proper flood insurance so that your property is protected in the future.

Theft and Vandalism

Experiencing theft or vandalism to your property can be upsetting. If your home or belongings were stolen or criminally damaged, you should document the damage and contact your insurance company right away. While the last thing you may want to do is worry about an insurance claim, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover your losses.

There are many factors that the insurance company may take into consideration when assessing your theft or vandalism claim. These can include:

• Whether the location was vacant or not
• What was stolen or damaged
• Whether you can prove ownership of the lost items.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea for all homeowners to inventory all their belongings, valuables, and property contents. Take photos of everything and include detailed notes and information regarding how much you paid for a specific item and its current state.

The Benefits of Hiring a Property Damage Claims Attorney

When your property is damaged and you did nothing wrong, you shouldn’t have to pay the price of getting back on your feet with no assistance. As a paying insurance policyholder, you deserve someone who is going to stand in your corner and help you weather the storm. At the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, we work for you and not your insurance company.

If you are facing a denied or undervalued property damage claim with your insurance company, you should not hesitate to contact a seasoned insurance claims attorney. We can ensure that your rights as a policyholder are upheld. Our team can also ensure the insurance company does the right thing by paying you full and fair reimbursement for your damages.

Get your life back on track by calling our Fort Lauderdale property damage attorneys at 954-763-4950 today. We are here to help you see the light at the end of this process.