Hurricane and Storm Damage Claims

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and Floridians must stay prepared for the potential impact of hurricanes and tropical storms. While wind damage is a large concern for hurricanes, flood damage is one of the more devastating and lasting consequences of a hurricane or tropical storm. 

With winds exceeding 140 mph (225 km/h) and a storm surge of 15 feet (4.5 meters), Hurricane Helene landed on Florida’s Gulf coast on September 26, 2024. The storm triggered fatal flooding by dumping nearly unparalleled levels of rain not only in Florida, but also in Georgia and the Carolinas, as well as Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky.

Flood Damage from Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause flooding due to several things, including: 

• Storm Surge: During a hurricane, storm surge is one of the major causes of flooding. This happens when powerful winds force seawater inland, rising sea levels and flooding coastal areas. The hurricane’s strength, size, and the coastline’s terrain can significantly impact the surge’s height.
• Heavy Rainfall: Another feature of hurricanes is heavy rainfall. A single storm can drop several inches of rain in a short amount of time, swamping drainage systems and causing flash flooding. Prolonged rainfall can cause severe flooding even in far-inland places.
• River Flooding: Storm surge and severe rainfall can cause rivers to overflow, inflicting substantial damage to non-coastal houses, businesses, and infrastructure.

Different Types of Flood Damage

1. Damage to Structure: Floodwaters can seriously jeopardize a building’s structural integrity. Homes may become uninhabitable due to damage to electrical systems, destroyed walls, and eroding foundations. The expense of repairs can be enormous, placing impacted families in a difficult financial situation.
2. Loss of Personal Property: Everything from sentimental objects to furnishings may be destroyed by flooding. Many homeowners underestimate the impact of floodwaters on their personal property, which can not only cause a financial strain, but also take an emotional toll. 
3. Contamination: Hazardous contaminants such as chemicals, waste, and debris can be carried by floodwaters. Individuals who might encounter tainted water both during and after the flooding are at risk for health complications.

Flood Insurance Should Not Be Overlooked

Flooding from hurricanes is a severe and often underestimated threat. Having flood insurance can guarantee that your house is protected in a disaster, regardless of whether you live in a high-risk or low-risk area. Keep in mind that flood insurance is separate from your homeowner’s insurance policy, meaning that flood damage is not typically covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a summary of coverage to better explain what is covered under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

Do You Live in a High-Risk Flood Zone? 

The NFIP classifies flood risk zones into the following three categories:

1. High-Risk Zone: There is a 25% possibility of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Purchasing flood insurance is mandatory for all homeowners in high-risk areas who have mortgages from lenders that are either federally regulated or insured.
   Zones: A and V
2. Moderate to Low-Risk Zone: Flooding is less likely, but still a possibility. Even if you reside in a moderate-to-low-risk zone, it is recommended that you obtain flood insurance. Areas with low to moderate flood risk account for about 25% of all flood insurance claims. Just two inches of water in your house could result in damages exceeding $7,800. Inadequate drainage infrastructure, sudden buildup of precipitation, and damaged water mains can all lead to flooding.
   Zones: B, C, and X 
3. Undetermined Risk Zone: There has been no flood-hazard analysis, although the risk of flooding remains. 

Zone: D

You can learn more about your home’s risk zone for flooding by viewing your community’s flood map. 

Dedicated to Holding Insurance Companies Responsible for Hurricane-Related Insurance Claims

Following a hurricane, like Hurricane Helene and Milton, Florida insurance companies are inundated with insurance claims. They may try to delay, deny, or undervalue your insurance claim, providing “lowball” repair estimates and settlement proposals. Our Florida Hurricane and Storm Damage Claims Attorneys at Whittel & Melton will fight for your rights if your insurance carrier has unfairly rejected or reduced your storm damage claim. We will make sure you receive the total and just compensation you are entitled to for hurricane damage in Florida.

In Florida hurricane and tropical storm insurance disputes, we represent clients in the following areas: 

• Rejected claims 
• Insufficient payment for claims 
• Bad faith practices 
• Unreasonable delay in payment of claims 
• Foundation and structural repair claims 
• Roof-related damage 
• Flood damage 
• Hurricane deductible disputes

What is a Hurricane Deductible?

A hurricane deductible is a specific type of deductible that applies to damage caused by hurricanes. Insurance companies are required to offer storm deductibles of $500, 2%, 5%, or 10% of the dwelling or structure limits of the policy under Florida Statute Chapter 627, Section 701. 

Different from standard deductibles, which are usually a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the property’s insured value, hurricane deductibles in Florida are typically stated as a percentage of the dwelling’s coverage amount. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and your hurricane deductible is 2%, you would be on the hook for the first $6,000 worth of damage after a hurricane strikes.

Understanding How Hurricane Deductibles Work

• Hurricane deductibles in Florida often only kick in when the National Hurricane Center formally classifies a storm as a hurricane. This means that standard deductibles will apply if a storm produces severe weather, but is classified as a tropical storm. 
• Most insurance policies include storm deductible provisions that apply from June 1 to November 30. For storm-related damage outside of this time frame, standard deductibles might apply.
• Florida law requires that storm deductibles be properly stated in insurance policies. This guarantees that homeowners understand their obligations and the parameters of their coverage.
• Regularly evaluate your homeowner’s insurance coverage, especially before hurricane season begins. Make sure you understand your hurricane deductible and how it fits into your overall coverage.

What Should You Do if a Hurricane Damages Your Florida Property?

If your residence or business was damaged in a hurricane, you should take the following actions to ensure that your claim is handled efficiently:  

• Document the hurricane destruction with pictures and video. 
• Get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim. 
• Maintain a record of the people you have contacted at insurance companies. 
• Make a list of all your personal property and furniture. 
• Keep track of all the documentation and invoices for any costs incurred in relation to hurricane damage.

Contact Our Florida Hurricane Season Insurance Claims Lawyers at Whittel & Melton 

If a hurricane or tropical storm has wreaked havoc on your home or business, our Florida Hurricane and Storm Damage Claims Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are prepared to help you with every aspect of filing a claim, from flood damage to understanding your hurricane deductibles.

We can walk you through this daunting process and help you get the money you need to rebuild. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.