Floridians know all too well the devastation hurricanes can leave in their wake. From cracked walls to flooded basements, property damage after a storm is not uncommon. But what about filing a hurricane insurance claim to recover those losses? That can feel like a natural disaster in its own right.
With complex policies, specific deductibles, and the possibility of claim denials, navigating the Florida hurricane insurance claims process can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the end of this blog, you’ll know more about how to file a claim, what your policy covers, and where to turn for support if issues arise.
Filing Property Insurance Claims After a Hurricane
Finding reliable insurance in Florida’s volatile market has been a growing challenge. Major providers like Allstate and State Farm have scaled back operations, leaving homeowners to rely on state-backed options or niche carriers.
The increasing financial strain brought by recent storms like Hurricane Ian, Milton, and Helene this past hurricane season has forced families to seek new insurers amidst rising premiums. Consulting insurance law experts, like those at Merlin Law Group, can help families find fair and sustainable coverage solutions.
Types of Insurance Coverages Available in Florida
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your home’s structure from the powerful wind, rain, and hail in a hurricane. However, insurance companies in every coastal state from Maine to Texas have separate deductibles—or sometimes even exclusions—for windstorms and hurricanes, so it’s essential to check your policy if you live in a high-risk coastal area.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary coverages available to Floridians and what they protect against.
1. Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies
What does hurricane insurance cover in Florida? Most policies include windstorm coverage, which protects against damage from high winds, tornadoes, and debris. This includes broken windows, roof damage, and structural harm caused by flying objects.
However, these policies typically exclude flood, rain, and water damage—even though hurricanes and tropical storms consistently bring heavy rains and storm surges.
2. Flood Insurance
Flood insurance, mandatory for properties with mortgages in FEMA-designated high-risk zones, must often be purchased separately through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. This policy covers flood-related damages, such as rising water levels and storm surge impacts.
3. Separate Hurricane Deductibles
Florida enforces hurricane-specific deductibles, separate from general policy deductibles. How does the hurricane deductible work? Hurricane deductibles are usually calculated as a percentage (2%-10%) of your home’s insured value, meaning you could face significant out-of-pocket costs before your insurer steps in.
For example, a $300,000 home with a 5% hurricane deductible requires you to pay the first $15,000 of storm-related damage.
Florida Hurricane Insurance Submission Steps
1. Document damages thoroughly with photos, receipts, and repair estimates.
Comprehensive documentation of storm damage is vital to filing a successful property insurance claim. It establishes the extent of your loss and creates a solid foundation for the claims process.
How To Do It:
- Use your smartphone or camera to take photos and videos of the damage. Capture the damage from multiple angles, both inside and outside your property.
- Record pre-storm comparisons. Photos from before the storm, such as home appraisals or a prior inspection, will serve as powerful evidence of the extent of the new damage.
- Create inventory lists. If personal belongings are damaged, list the items and their purchase receipts, if available. Note the estimated costs for repairs, where applicable.
- Don’t rush cleanup; document everything before removing debris unless safety hazards require otherwise. Only perform essential temporary repairs, like covering exposed areas to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for these interim repairs, as insurers often reimburse these costs.
Example: A resident of Fort Myers with roof shingles torn off in Hurricane Ian used before-and-after images to secure a higher settlement from their insurer due to clear visual evidence of structural differences.
2. Understand what viable property insurance damage looks like.
Not all damage is covered under your policy. Knowing whether your insurer will recognize your claim as “viable” could save you time and stress.
Common Types of Viable Hurricane Damage:
- Wind Damage: This includes damaged roofs, broken windows, and siding ripped off by gale-force winds.
- Flood Damage: Remember that most traditional homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover flooding unless you hold a separate flood insurance policy through FEMA or a private provider.
- Structural Damage: Look for cracks or shifts in the foundation or walls caused by storm surges.
Review your coverage policy for specific exclusions. For example, “anti-concurrent clauses” may deny your claim if uncovered flood damage worsens damage from a covered loss, such as wind. Ensure your policy includes “Replacement Cost Coverage” over “Actual Cash Value” to avoid significant out-of-pocket gaps in repairs.
3. Notify your insurer promptly, ensuring you meet any claim deadlines.
Time is of the essence when reporting hurricane damage. Insurers often have strict timelines for submitting claims. In Florida, you typically have one year to file from the date of loss for a claim, and 18 months from the date of loss for a supplemental claim.
How To Do It:
- Locate your policy’s “Notice of Loss” requirements to confirm any filing deadlines.
- Contact your insurance company via the claims hotline or app and provide an initial notification of the incident. Clearly state your policy number and the damages caused by the storm.
- Request a claim number, which will allow you to track your case.
- Keep communication records—emails, letters, or notes from phone calls to document every interaction with your insurer.
- Take note of deadlines for submitting supplemental materials (e.g., photos, estimates, or Proof of Loss documents).
- Ask if your insurer will cover temporary accommodations or relocation costs if your property has been rendered uninhabitable.
Example: Businesses in the Florida Panhandle recovering from Hurricane Michael’s aftermath secured better claims results when they immediately submitted storm impacts and sent follow-ups with repair estimates days later.
4. Work with an adjuster to assess your property and negotiate the settlement.
An adjuster determines your settlement’s value. Overlooking a detail during their inspection could result in an undervalued claim.
How To Do It:
- When the adjuster inspects your personal property, walk with them. Point out every area of damage, including less obvious impacts like leaks or mold.
- Verify that they document all damages. If something is missed, follow up with an email listing what was overlooked.
- Consider hiring a public adjuster or a damage expert, such as a general contractor, to work alongside the insurance adjuster. Public adjusters advocate on your behalf and can often capture damages insurers miss.
Example: After Hurricane Harvey, a Texas homeowner secured tens of thousands in additional roof repair costs after confirming the adjuster failed to record damaged roof flashing and gutters.
5. Review the coverage decision and next steps.
Once your insurance company provides their coverage determination, ensure you thoroughly review the following details:
- Approval vs. Denial: If approved, check whether the payment covers the full scope of repairs and replacement.
- Denial Review: If denied, insurers must justify and cite sections of your policy to substantiate their decision.
If issues arise:
- File an appeal if you disagree with their assessment.
- Consider legal representation. If your claim is unjustly delayed, underpaid, or denied, consult an insurance litigation attorney or contact trusted firms like Merlin Law Group, who specialize in supporting policyholders and wrongful denial cases.
- Don’t cash settlement checks until you confirm the amount matches your final agreement with the insurer. Doing so could indicate acceptance of the payout.
6. Build confidence and get help!
Filing a claim can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. Be proactive and informed, and, if necessary, seek professional assistance.
Merlin Law Group offers free consultations and has helped residents recover over $2 billion in settlements nationwide. Whether you’re facing delays, underpayment disputes, or policy coverage confusion, their expert attorneys ensure you have an advocate for your recovery.
Contact Merlin Law Group for Florida Hurricane Insurance Claim Advice
Hurricanes don’t just test the strength of your home—they test the strength of your insurance policy. At Merlin Law Group, we specialize in helping Florida residents understand their insurance options and fight for what they deserve in the aftermath of devastating storms.
Be hurricane-ready today—contact Merlin Law Group for expert advice on claims and coverage.
FAQ
How long does an insurance company have to settle a hurricane claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, insurance companies must acknowledge a claim within 14 days and pay or deny the claim within 90 days, provided the policyholder has submitted all necessary documentation. This is known as the 90-day rule for insurance claims in Florida. This timeframe protects homeowners by ensuring a prompt resolution after a loss.
Why are insurance companies denying hurricane claims?
Insurance companies often deny hurricane claims for various reasons, including insufficient evidence provided by the homeowner, damages not covered by the policy (such as flood damage without a separate flood insurance policy), late filing of the claim, or exclusions or coverage limits specified in the insurance contract. To avoid potential denials, homeowners should review their policy terms carefully and provide thorough documentation of damages.
