Even a minor rainstorm could cause substantial damage to your home or business. A steady rain combined with strong winds could result in a leak in your roof or around your windows. If the ground is saturated with water, a tree could fall onto your car or home with little to no wind. Therefore, you need to ensure that when you purchase insurance, storm damage coverage is included.

Many insurance policies do not cover storm damage from floods or hurricanes. When you purchase your insurance policy, read all parts of the policy regarding coverage and exclusions, especially regarding storms and storm damage. To cover all types of storm damage, you may need to purchase riders to the insurance policy.

Depending on the type of storm and the severity of the storm, your property may suffer minor damage or be destroyed. Some storms cause more damage after the storm has passed because of flooding. Common storm damage we experience because of Florida storms include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents, including accidents involving cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles
• Electric Scooter Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Accidents Involving Defective Products (Product Liability Claims)
• Bicycle Accidents
• Premises Liability Claims (slip and fall accidents)
• Workplace Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Nursing Home Negligence
• Boating Accidents

Claims for hail, wind, and water damage can be substantial. In addition to property loss and damage, business owners may also have claims for the interruption to their business. If your insurance company denies a storm damage claim, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs and expenses.

The Palm Beach County storm damage attorneys of Trelles & Bichler can help you file an insurance claim. We assist clients with the entire claims process from documenting damages and filing a claim, to appealing denials and fighting for full payment for all storm damage.

If you experience storm damage, it is essential to take steps to document the damage and prepare to file an insurance claim. Some of the steps that you should take after a hurricane, windstorm, hailstorm, or another storm that causes damage to your property include:

• Do not return to your property until it is safe to do so. You may need to wait until officials give the “all clear” to return.
• Take photographs and make videos of the storm damage, including damage to personal property and real property.
• Contact your insurance provider immediately to report the claim.
• Document all conversations with insurance agents, adjusters, and other representatives.
• Minimize damage by making emergency repairs, if necessary. Document all damage before and after repairs. Keep detailed records of expenses when making repairs.
• Document all expenses and losses related to the storm damage, including temporary lodging, food, travel, and replacement of necessary items.
• Obtain at least three written estimates for storm damage repair from independent contractors in your area who are licensed and bonded to compare to the report generated by the insurance adjuster or the inspector.
• Make sure you are present when the insurance adjuster inspects the damage to your property. You may also want to request your contractor to be present to discuss the damage with the insurance inspector.

If your insurance company refuses coverage or delays your claim, contact a Palm Beach County storm damage attorney immediately.

The storm damage claims process can be overwhelming. In addition to dealing with a difficult insurance company, property owners also need to be aware of fraudulent contractors and scam artists after a major storm or natural disaster.

If you have questions about a storm damage claim, call Trelles & Bichler at 561-299-4878 (HURT) to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Palm Beach County storm damage claims attorney. Get the facts about storm damage claims from a trusted legal advocate.

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