Whether you are struggling with an insurance company that is simply ignoring your claim, delaying your claim, or refusing to pay what is right, we can help. The Law Office of Duane A. Crooks, LLC handles all homeowners’ claims involving hurricane damage. Many homeowners’ hurricane claims involve a lot more than just wind damage. Hurricanes cause not only structural damage to the roof and home, but cause water damage to the interior and contents of a home as well.
The typical homeowner’s insurance policy covers damage to the home and damage to the contents in the home. Most policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses while the homeowner is out of the house. These additional living expenses pay for a hotel or a rental home while the damaged property is being repaired. Additionally, most policies provide coverage for debris removal and increased costs associated with bringing the home up to par.
At the Law Office of Duane A. Crooks, our firm has experience representing hurricane damage claims on behalf of homeowners and business owners against their insurance companies. We assist our clients in all phases of their claim, from initial damage evaluation (acting as your adjuster) through litigation. This means that you have an attorney representing you, who has handled numerous insurance claims involving low damage evaluations, bad faith, and cases where the insurance company simply refuses to pay the right amount. We are paid nothing upfront and receive only a small percentage of the insurance settlement
If you are a home owner and have questions about whether your hurricane homeowners insurance company is treating you fairly regarding your insurance claim you should feel free to contact us at 305-341-3420, for a free consultation.
Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim
If possible, photograph the outside of the premises, showing the any damage or flooding. Also, photograph the inside of the premises, showing the damaged property and the height of the water if your property was flooded.
- Call your insurance agent to report your claim. If you have separate flood insurance, also call your flood insurance agent to report your claim. Your flood insurance agent will prepare a Notice of Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you.
- Separate the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the best possible order for the insurance adjuster’s examination. If reasonably possible, protect the property from further damage.
- When the adjuster visits your property, let him or her know if you need an advance or partial payment of loss. Again, good records can assist your insurance companies and the NFIP in giving you an advance payment. Use your inventory to work with the adjuster in presenting your claim.
- Damaged property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper local clean-up operations should be disposed of. Be sure to adequately describe discarded items so that, when the adjuster examines your losses and your records, these articles are included in the documentation.
- Good records speed up settlement of your claim. Compile a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods, and include manufacturer’s names, dates and places of purchases, and prices. Try to locate receipts or proofs of purchase, especially for major appliances, and note manufacturers’ names, serial numbers, prices, and dates of purchase.”
At the Law Office of Duane A. Crooks our job is to protect your interests and make sure that your insurance company treats you in a fair and timely manner. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys protecting their interest, we help you level the playing field, by understanding insurance law and fighting for your legal rights.
