As Hurricane Helene approaches, homeowners in Florida need to take the necessary steps to protect their property and ensure their National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coverage is ready for any potential flood damage claim. At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we specialize in flood claims, and we want you to learn to Prepare Yourself For Hurricane Helene before it hits. By following these steps, you can protect your home, navigate the insurance claim process efficiently, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Elevate Legal Services, PLLC has successfully handled thousands of property damage insurance claims over the past 10 years, helping homeowners and businesses recover the compensation they deserve. With extensive experience in navigating complex insurance policies, particularly under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), our dedicated team has consistently fought for clients dealing with flood, storm, and other property damage. We understand the challenges faced after a disaster and are committed to providing expert guidance and personalized support through every step of the claims process.
Prepare Yourself For Hurricane Helene Before It Hits
1. Document the Condition Of Your Home
Take Photos And Videos:
Before Hurricane Helene makes landfall, take time to document your property inside and out. This will serve as crucial evidence in your flood damage claim later.
- Exterior: Photograph key areas like your roof, windows, siding, and landscaping. Be sure to capture close-up details and wide-angle shots.
- Interior: Walk through your home and take photos or videos of each room. Focus on ceilings, walls, floors, and any valuable belongings.
Why This Matters:
Insurance companies often dispute the condition of your home before the storm. Having detailed, clear, and comprehensive visual records will eliminate doubts and strengthen your flood claim.
2. Report Damage Immediately
File A Claim Promptly:
If Hurricane Helene causes damage, it’s important to file your flood claim as soon as possible. Florida law requires homeowners to report damage promptly, and any delay could weaken your claim. Filing right away increases the chances of your claim being processed smoothly.
Don’t Wait:
If you have an NFIP policy and your home was damaged or destroyed by flooding, you must comply with the program’s requirement by completing and submitting Proof of Loss forms with supporting documents before the deadline. The deadline to submit a complaint proof of loss form with appropriate accompanying documentation is within 60 days from the date the flood loss occurred. After this hard deadline comes and goes, there is essentially no way to fix non-compliance, and the non-compliance will almost certainly be fatal to the claim.
Contact your insurance company or Elevate Legal Services, PLLC right after the storm to ensure there are no unnecessary delays.
3. Mitigate Further Damage
Take Immediate Action:
After the storm, take steps to prevent further damage to your property. This might include temporary repairs like covering a leaking roof or sealing broken windows. Insurance policies require homeowners to mitigate damage, and failure to do so could result in your insurance company refusing to cover the additional damage.
Save Receipts:
Keep receipts for any supplies or services you use to prevent further damage. These expenses may be reimbursed as part of your flood damage claim.
4. Limit Access To Your Roof
Be Cautious About Roof Inspections:
After the storm, only allow a trusted professional, like a licensed contractor, to inspect your roof. Don’t let random individuals or multiple contractors access your roof before the inspection by your insurance company’s adjuster.
Why This Matters:
Too many inspections can complicate your flood claim, as the insurance company may argue that the additional access caused further damage. Once you’ve made temporary repairs, the insurance company’s representative should be the only one allowed to inspect your roof.
5. Hire A Professional To Handle Your Flood Claim
Why You Need Legal Help:
Navigating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and filing a flood claim can be complicated, especially in Florida, where insurance laws frequently change. At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we specialize in handling flood claims and can help you secure the compensation you deserve without the common pitfalls that many homeowners face when managing claims alone.
Our Commitment:
Our team works for you, not the insurance company. We will ensure that your flood damage claim is handled efficiently and that you get the full amount your policy covers.
6. Do Not Remove Damaged Property Prematurely
Document Everything:
If Hurricane Helene causes damage, such as debris or fallen trees hitting your home, take detailed photos from multiple angles before removing anything. This documentation is critical for your flood damage claim.
Wait For The Insurance Inspection:
Do not remove or dispose of damaged property until your insurance company’s representative has inspected it. Premature removal can weaken your claim, as the insurance company may argue that you’ve destroyed valuable evidence.
7. Keep All Receipts And Records
Organize Your Expenses:
After the storm, you may have to pay for services like debris removal or temporary repairs out-of-pocket. Keep all receipts and records, whether they are from cash payments, checks, or credit cards. These records will be crucial for reimbursement during the claims process.
Provide Documentation To The Insurance Company:
When filing your flood claim, present these receipts to your insurance company to maximize your reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
Contact Elevate Legal Services For Help With Your Flood Damage Claim
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we understand the challenges of dealing with flood damage claims under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), especially in Florida. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate the process, ensure your documentation is in order, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait – Act Now
Hurricane Helene is approaching, and it is time to prepare yourself for Hurricane Helene. Take action today to document your property and prepare for the storm. If you need help with your flood claim, call Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, at 561-770-3335 or email us at [email protected] for a free case evaluation. We only get paid if we recover money for you, so there’s no risk in reaching out. Call us now or fill out our contact form to get started.
Time is of the Essence, protect your home, protect your rights – Let us fight for you!
