How long you have to file a property damage insurance claim will depend on your policy, where you live, and other factors. While Florida law gives you up to a year to begin the process, there are many reasons why getting started right away is preferred. However, this may not always be possible. Thus, understanding the deadline is crucial to protecting your rights.
Do you need help getting your insurance company to pay for your repairs or have other concerns with your case? A Boca Raton property damage lawyer is your best resource. They can review your policy, explain the timeline, and handle your claim for you.
Your insurance policy likely spells out the deadline to file a property damage claim. A clause in your contract details the filing deadline in the policy. The verbiage might include notifying your insurer “as soon as possible” or filing within a set time.
Some states set statutes of limitations for filing property damage claims. For example,
Florida Statutes § 627.70132 establishes a one-year deadline for filing a property damage claim. This timeline generally begins on the date the damage occurs. For hurricane damage claims, the clock starts on the day the hurricane makes landfall. With other storms, such as tornadoes, the date of loss may be the date the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) verifies the event.
You have several options if you meet the applicable deadline, but your insurance carrier still denies covering the losses. One is filing a bad-faith lawsuit against it. Your state will also have a statute of limitations for these claims. Under Florida Statutes 624.1551, you have five years from the covered event to begin this process.
Your best option if you have questions or concerns about a property damage claim is to talk to a lawyer. A property damage attorney can evaluate your options and determine which deadlines you need to meet to protect your rights.
The deadline to file a property damage claim makes it seem like you can take your time in the initial days and weeks after a disaster. However, there are many reasons why you will want to act quickly. Some things to keep in mind include:
Many property damage lawyers handle these claims from start to finish. Thus, you get the advantage of an attorney who can navigate the process and motivate the insurance company to stop unnecessary delays.
Sometimes, it may take longer to file a claim. For example, you might have evacuated from a storm and cannot return home immediately. Another example involves significant damage you don’t discover until later. In these cases, you still want to act quickly to pursue the compensation you need for repairs.
Once you know how long you have to file a property damage claim, you likely want to formulate a strategy to prepare and file your claim. A disaster recovery lawyer can handle this for you. They will:
While each policy is different, some of the repairs and replacements often provided by a homeowners’ or business property damage policy include:
Another type of property damage coverage, renters’ insurance, generally only covers the contents of your rented space because the building owner should have property damage coverage to repair the structure.
Property damage lawyers generally deal with a wide range of covered losses. When an event causes covered damage and the insurance carrier delays or denies the claim, it can be challenging for the policyholder to recover the money they need without help.
Some common types of covered incidents we see with our property damage cases include:
Our team represents both commercial and residential property owners, helping them navigate the claims process, fight the insurance company when necessary, and secure the compensation they need and deserve.
Ged Lawyers provides consultations for Florida homeowners or business owners struggling to file a claim or get fair coverage of their property damage. Florida property damage claims comprise one of Ged Lawyers’ primary practice areas. We know how to help you get the money you need to make the necessary repairs. Contact us today to get started.
