When dealing with considerable flood damage, you may expect your insurance provider to cover the expenses associated with necessary repairs and restoration. However, do not be surprised if the insurance company attempts to deny you the compensation that is rightfully yours.
When you receive pushback, get help making the insurance company pay when you contact an Estero flood damage lawyer at GED Lawyers. A Estero personal injury lawyer can discuss your case during a free consultation to find out how much your flood damage claim could be worth.
Types of Flood Damage Claims in Estero
Floods can damage many types of properties and assets. Some of the more common types of flood damage claims in Florida our team works with include:
- Commercial properties
- Residential properties
- Multi-residence properties
- Rental properties
- Motor vehicles
- Boats and watercraft
- Hotels and resorts
Additionally, many families must include personal property damage, damage to appliances and furniture, damage to electronics, and other contents within your home or business.
Flooding can devastate your property, causing mold to develop, which can harm your health. Property that has been damaged often cannot be restored and will instead need to be replaced. You may be counting on the insurance company to cover these costs. However, you may be shocked when your insurance adjuster argues that your policy does not contain flood damage coverage.
Common Issues With the Insurance Company
Dealing with the insurance company is necessary when seeking compensation for flood damages. However, that does not mean that insurance claims are not challenging. Families face many issues when attempting to file a claim with the insurance company for flood damage.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to offer you far less than you are entitled to, leaving you with excess property damage repair costs. They might also attempt to delay the processing of your claim or deny your claim in bad faith.
For this reason, you may benefit from the legal assistance of a flood damage attorney serving Estero. Your lawyer will be prepared to handle insurance company tactics and ensure the insurance company is held accountable for its financial obligation.
What’s Covered By Your Insurance Policy in Estero?
Understanding what your insurance policy covers will be critical. You might be shocked to learn that your existing renters, homeowners, or other insurance policy do not protect you against flood damage.
However, water damage coverage and flood damage coverage are often two different things. Many insurance policies will cover water damage caused by:
- Sewer backups
- Hurricane storm surges
- Water back ups
- Accidental discharge
- Pipe bursting
But flood damage insurance coverage is an entirely different type of insurance. You may be able to purchase this coverage through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or private insurance. If you believe you purchased such coverage, be sure to go over your policy documents in detail with your attorney to understand what your policy should cover.
Your attorney may also need to show that the flood damage was sudden, as your insurance policy may not cover damage caused by gradual flooding. This is commonly referred to as a property damage exclusion.
Prepare Your Flood Damage Insurance Claim for Your Estero Home
When you are ready to move forward with your flood damage insurance claim, it will be important to get an attorney on your case as soon as possible. Your lawyer can assist you in filling out your claim accurately and including all necessary evidence to support your case.
Your attorney will assist you in reviewing the contents of your insurance policy, so you understand what coverage applies, what your deductible is, and other responsibilities you might have after filing your claim. You should also include an inventory of your property and assets, so the insurance company has a better understanding of the value of your claim.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
Many claimants are concerned that a claim denial means they will be stuck covering the costs of their property damages alone. However, a claim denial is just the beginning. Do not be surprised if the insurance company denies your claim, as paying out on your settlement will cost them money.
Insurance companies can give you a variety of reasons for claim denials. They might argue that you did not provide them with the information they needed, lacked supporting evidence, or they may go so far as to argue that you intentionally caused the damage to the property in question.
Our Team Can Handle the Insurance Company
However, with a powerful legal advocate on your side, you can show the insurance company how seriously you are taking your claim denial. Your lawyer may be able to correct any mistakes made on your application, include any additional supporting information, and attend further negotiations with the insurance company to get your denial overturned.
If successful, you should receive your insurance settlement shortly afterward. However, if the insurance company decides they want to uphold their denial, your attorney will be prepared to pursue legal action against them in court.
Deadlines for Flood Damage Claims in Estero
If you are interested in filing your Estero flood damage claim, you need to do so before the statute of limitations expires. Florida law requires property damage claims to be filed within two years of the date the damage occurred.
The exact deadline may not always be clear depending on the circumstances of your case. When this happens, your attorney can review the details and give you a better understanding of how much longer you have to file your claim. If your property damage claim is not filed before the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to obtain compensation for your flood damages.
Contact an Estero Flood Damage Attorney for Help Today
When you are ready to go up against the insurance company but want to ensure you have a trusted legal advocate on your side, reach out to an Estero flood damage lawyer at GED Lawyers for legal guidance and support.
Our firm is proud to offer no-cost, risk-free consultations to flood damage victims across Estero and surrounding cities. Claim yours when you call our office to discuss your case today.
