On June 1st, hurricane season here in Florida officially began. Floridians will know that the season lasts 5 months, with August and September being the most significant. If you’ve had the misfortune of suffering the devastating effects of a hurricane, you’ll know how catastrophic it can be to your home and community. Windstorms can beat a house severely, and the effects of flood and water damage can be brutal. 

No doubt you’ll be following the weather forecast, getting organized, and assessing your preparedness. We recommend that you follow www.floridadisaster.org/kit for tips on assembling a disaster supply kit and www.stateofflorida.com for their essential guide to hurricane preparation. Knowing how to keep your family and home protected can be a lifesaver.

Insurance game playing

Most people believe that having an insurance policy means that they’re covered. But here’s a not-so-fun fact: many insurance companies deny insurance claims for hurricane damage to the home. Let’s look at the top reasons that insurance companies might use to deny your claim, and what you can do to avoid the pitfalls.

1. You weren’t fast enough

Time is of the essence, so assess any damage to the home as quickly as possible, and report it to the insurance company right away. In Florida, the Statute of Limitations is 3 years for windstorm and hurricane-related claims.

2. You’re not covered

Insurance companies will argue that you don’t have enough coverage. Your policy is not guaranteed to include certain types of damage, and the policy will be heavily debated. Many policies, for example, don’t cover floodwater caused by a hurricane storm surge.

3. You reached the coverage limit

A common mistake we make as homeowners is to underinsure the home. Then, when extreme damage is sustained, the insurance company maintains that there’s not enough coverage to pay for the damage. Insurance companies may then only pay a specified amount and leave the difference to be paid by the homeowner when the damage exceeds the limit.

4. You didn’t document the damage

This common roadblock that insurance companies use highlights the importance of being able to back up your claim with evidence of damage to the property. The insurance company will question the hurricane claim without the owner having solid documentation – this includes a home inventory (check out our recent blog on this very topic), photographs, and video footage, which can offer proof of damage or loss. 

5. You’re not represented.

Going up against an insurance company alone is daunting, and the truth is that most storm claims are denied because the claim doesn’t have the proper representation. Without a lawyer fighting your corner, you can become just a number. 

The key to winning your insurance claim

It’s time to make sure that your policy is up to date and that you have a plan in place if your home is damaged. At Haahr Law Group, we have extensive legal experience and the highest level of personal service. In fact, our specialist area of practice is hurricane and storm claims.

So, get in touch for a free consultation to find out how we can help you to rebuild your life after a devastating hurricane. 

The word fire strikes fear in many of us. It’s something that can start so easily and spread so quickly, and it can destroy homes and shatter lives. 

When a fire takes hold, it can cause loss of life, structural damage to wood and brick, smoke damage to ceilings, walls, and furnishings, and destruction of the possessions within, both material and sentimental. 

Yet many fires that occur in our homes or business are preventable. Let’s take a minute to learn how to reduce risk, preserve life and protect your home and business. Here are our top tips on keeping you, your family, your home, and your business free from fire. 

Smoke detectors

Not only are installing smoke detectors an essential part of keeping your family and home safe, but you should also have one installed on every level of the home or workplace. Bedroom alarms are especially important because if a fire breaks out while you’re asleep, smoke damage will be fatal. Remember to check the alarms monthly, and replace the batteries twice per year, and consider having the alarms wired to the mains. 

Extinguishers

Having a small fire extinguisher in an easily accessible spot in the house or office is wise. Remember that some extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires and others are better for fires caused by cooking. Extinguishers should be checked for signs of tampering and expiration.

A fire blanket in the kitchen is an excellent way to stop a fire in its tracks by smothering it. 

Escape plan

Do your family or work colleagues know what to do in the event of a fire? Talk about it together, so that everyone is clear on what steps to take in an emergency such as fire. Nominate an assembly point, and pick a room where you can gather, preferably one with a phone to call for help and a window to escape from. You could wait here by closing the door and blocking off smoke with a towel or a sheet.

Electronics

Many fires start because of faulty electronics. Any device that produces heat, such as a charger for a cell phone, must be unplugged at night. Discard any appliance that has exposed wires or plugs. Never overload electrical sockets. Avoid using dryers at night and ensure that lint is cleared from the machine regularly as this can easily catch fire.

Open flames

Candles are lovely in the home, but never light them near curtains, blinds, or anything flammable, and blow them out before you leave the room. 

Never leave open flames unattended when cooking in the kitchen or at the BBQ.

Rebuilding together

The aftermath of a fire can be extraordinarily stressful. You might think that having home insurance means you’re automatically covered, but we have seen how insurance companies can investigate fire and smoke damage claims to minimize your compensation for the loss. 

The insurance company will focus on whether they can assert that you were involved in setting the fire by hiring a cause and origin fire expert. An insurance adjuster will inspect the property first, either immediately or within 24 hours of the incident, followed by the origin fire expert.

If the worst should happen, we are here for you. If you’ve got a pending or denied fire or smoke damage claim get in touch.

Moving to Florida from out of state? Let us be the first to offer you a warm Florida welcome. There are so many things you’ll love about the Sunshine State – from our beaches and warm weather to our people and the top places to eat and drink. 

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