Common Questions About Hurricane Damage Insurance Claims

Damages and losses from hurricanes come in multiple forms. They can cause great flooding, generate destructive winds and create more damaging effects, such as utility and infrastructure systems failures that further impact people, businesses and property.

What types of insurance coverage do you need
for hurricanes?

Insurance policies designed for hurricane damage typically are a bundle of other types of coverage, including homeowners, flood, vehicle and/or renters’ insurance. Additionally, one storm may require multiple claims to be filed for the respective damages. To prepare, a policyholder should be aware of what property is at risk in the event of a hurricane and work with their broker or insurer to tailor their policy appropriately.

How long do you have to file an insurance claim after a hurricane?

Deadlines can vary depending on the state — some are up to a year, but others may be significantly shorter, so the earlier you file, the better. This can be difficult in the immediate aftermath of hurricane damage, especially if the power is out in a wide area, cellular networks are down, call center wait times extend and claim backlogs build. Worse yet, waiting too long can result in a claim denial. If communication proves challenging, emergency service providers may be able to connect you with the proper contacts.

Similar to deadlines for making a claim, rules dictating how insurers settle claims for hurricane damage change by the state. Nevertheless, depending on the personal challenges a disaster presents, the current claims backlog an insurer has, and the information a property owner provides up front, a claim may be settled in as little as a few weeks to as long as multiple months.

What do you need when filing an insurance claim for hurricane damage?

When filing a hurricane damage claim or communicating with a representative, having all or at least some of the following on hand will be useful in having the claim more swiftly processed.

• Policy information: Have account and policy numbers available if necessary for authentication. Hard copies of the policies, either printed out or shared by the insurer at the start of the coverage period, will be useful if internet portals are unavailable. (Placing these documents in waterproof envelopes, containers or even a safe can protect them in case of flooding damage.) Along with having the information, it is important to understand what is included in your coverage to ensure your claim is approved — or to be able to dispute the decision if it is not.
• Documentation of the damage: Pictures and/or video of how a property and the valuable contents within looked before and after the hurricane will verify the scale of the damage and, potentially, help the insurance adjuster when they evaluate the property. A written list of damaged property, along with relevant information such as receipts or serial numbers will also support the claim.
• Know your expenses: Keep the receipts from any immediate repairs and recovery-related expenses that may be included in your policy. Even after paying for a service, you may be able to have it reimbursed.
• Know the law: As stated earlier, different states have varying regulations for insurance practices. While not everyone will be a legal expert in these matters, knowing your rights can save time and money. Again, a broker or agent should be able to assist with such nuances and provide key information. Being aware any specific rules ahead of time can provide an advantage in the event of damages.

First National Insurance agents can provide the expertise needed to navigate claims during periods of hardship. To connect with us and learn more, schedule an appointment or call 1-800-252-4850.