How to Protect Your Home and File Insurance Claims After Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Natural Disasters
Natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes bring chaos and uncertainty, especially for homeowners worried about damage to their property. Preparing for such events and knowing how to file an insurance claim can make a significant difference in the recovery process. Here’s what homeowners should do to protect their assets and navigate the insurance claims process effectively.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the recent hurricanes in Florida, including Hurricane Milton. We extend our heartfelt support to the families and communities enduring the hardships caused by these storms. During these difficult times, we pray for safety, swift recovery, and resilience for everyone in the path of these disasters.
Preparing Before the Disaster: Document Everything
When a hurricane or other major storm is approaching, homeowners should focus on preparation before the storm strikes. One of the most crucial steps is documenting your property and possessions. Take detailed photographs and videos of your home, both inside and out, including personal belongings, furniture, and valuables. This documentation can be incredibly useful later when proving the value and condition of your possessions. Focus on high-value items such as electronics, jewelry, appliances, and artwork, storing the images and videos in a safe place like the cloud or an external drive. If possible, take photos or videos of the serial numbers of electronics and other items.
It’s equally important to gather critical documents, such as insurance policies, property deeds, and receipts for high-value items. Keeping these documents in a waterproof and fireproof container ensures they remain accessible after the storm. You should also have electronic copies of all important records accessible through email or online storage.
Keep Insurance Information Handy
Before disaster strikes, confirm that you have your insurance carrier’s contact information easily accessible. You’ll need to notify them of any damage quickly. It's advisable to save your insurance policy details, agent contact numbers, and policy number in your phone and with your critical documents. This will allow you to report the claim immediately after a storm has passed, ensuring you are one of the first to file, as insurance companies tend to be overwhelmed after major disasters.
Making the Insurance Claim: Timing is Key
Once it’s safe to do so, inspect your home for any damages caused by the hurricane or tornado. Promptly contact your insurance company to report the damage and initiate the claims process. Time is of the essence here, as delaying your claim can complicate the process. Be specific when detailing the damage to your property. While waiting for an adjuster, take more photographs and videos of the damage to ensure everything is documented. Remember, your initial inspection and claim may not catch every issue, so thorough documentation is vital.
It is important to report an insurance claim as soon as possible after a natural disaster. Most insurance policies include a provision that requires timely reporting of claims, and failure to do so may result in a denial of coverage. Delayed reporting can hinder the insurer’s ability to accurately assess the damage and determine the cause, leading them to reject the claim based on the lack of timely notification. Homeowners should carefully review their policy to understand the specific deadlines for reporting claims to avoid such issues.
Insurance Company Adjusters vs. Public Adjusters
After you file your claim, your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. This adjuster works for the insurance company and may try to minimize the amount you are entitled to receive. A public adjuster, on the other hand, works independently and advocates for you as the homeowner. Public adjusters are often more motivated to ensure that your claim reflects the full extent of the damage.
You are not obligated to accept the insurance company’s assessment at face value, and in many cases, hiring a public adjuster can make a significant difference in how much compensation you receive. While public adjusters typically take a percentage of your payout, they often secure larger settlements than you would obtain through the insurance company’s adjuster alone.
What to Do if Your Insurance Company Mishandles the Claim
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always handle claims properly. If you feel that your claim is being unfairly delayed, underpaid, or wrongfully denied, you do have options. If informal negotiations fail to resolve the issue, retaining an attorney experienced in first-party insurance disputes may be necessary. In a first-party lawsuit, you are suing your insurance company for failing to honor the terms of your policy.
New Jersey, like other states, has specific legal protections in place to hold insurance companies accountable when they act in bad faith. If your insurer fails to evaluate your claim properly, delays payment without a valid reason, or refuses to cover damages that are clearly within your policy, a lawyer can ensure your rights are protected. First-party lawsuits can compel the insurance company to compensate you fairly and, in some cases, even provide additional damages for the hardship caused by their bad-faith actions.
Conclusion: Take Action Before and After the Storm
Natural disasters are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By taking proactive steps before a storm, such as documenting your property and gathering important documents, you can streamline the claims process afterward. Understanding the differences between insurance company adjusters and public adjusters and knowing what steps to take if your insurance company mishandles your claim will protect you and your home from further harm.
If you are in a dispute with your insurance company after a natural disaster, the Law Offices of Peter J. Lamont can provide the legal support you need to fight for your rightful compensation. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with navigating the complex world of insurance claims.
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About Peter J. Lamont, Esq.
Peter J. Lamont is a nationally recognized attorney with significant experience in business, contract, litigation, and real estate law. With over two decades of legal practice, he has represented a wide array of businesses, including large international corporations. Peter is known for his practical legal and business advice, prioritizing efficient and cost-effective solutions for his clients.
Peter has an Avvo 10.0 Rating and has been acknowledged as one of America's Most Honored Lawyers since 2011. 201 Magainze and Lawyers of Distinction have also recognized him for being one of the top business and litigation attorneys in New Jersey. His commitment to his clients and the legal community is further evidenced by his active role as a speaker, lecturer, and published author in various legal and business publications.
As the founder of the Law Offices of Peter J. Lamont, Peter brings his Wall Street experience and client-focused approach to New Jersey, offering personalized legal services that align with each client's unique needs and goals.
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