How to Maximize Your Hurricane Insurance Coverage After a Storm

A hurricane can cause tremendous damage to homes and businesses over a wide geographic area.

According to research from NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management, the average amount of damage caused by an Atlantic hurricane that makes landfall in the United States is $22.8 billion. If you are a homeowner who had your property damaged by a hurricane, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights and your financial interests. Here, our New Orleans hurricane damage lawyer provides a guide to maximize your insurance coverage benefits after a storm in Louisiana.

What is Hurricane Insurance Coverage?

The Gulf Coast region is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. According to a report from Reinsurance News, Louisiana has the highest percentage of homes and businesses in any state in high-ranking hurricane areas. Homeowners and business owners need to be sure that they have adequate insurance coverage for this annual risk.

Hurricane insurance coverage is a type of property insurance designed to protect homeowners and businesses from damage specifically caused by hurricanes. The coverage typically includes protection against wind damage and, potentially flooding. However, certain perils, such as storm surge flooding, could be listed as a policy exclusion depending on the terms of the specific coverage.

Five Steps to Maximize Your Hurricane Insurance Payout After a Major Storm

Step #1: Notify Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company Right Away

Your hurricane insurance policy will likely require you to notify the company right away if any covered damage has occurred. Your safety is the top priority. If you need to evacuate the region for a hurricane, you are under no obligation to notify the insurer of the property damage the very next day. Still, as soon as it is safe, you should contact your insurance company to report the damage caused by the hurricane. Prompt notice is a must. You do not need all of the details at this time—but you should provide some general information to get the claims process moving. Among other things, you will likely need your name, policy details, and a general description of the damage. For instance, if a hurricane shatters windows and tears off part of your roof, reporting these specifics can help expedite the assessment process. Insurance companies typically prioritize claims based on the severity and timing of the notification.

Step #2: Thoroughly Document Your Property Damage and all Losses

Document everything. You are never going to wish that you had less documentation of the damage in the aftermath of a hurricane. Issues can arise for a wide variety of reasons during the claims process. The more information you have about what exactly happened, the better position that you will be in to get your claim paid. Along with other things, you should take detailed photos and videos of all damaged property immediately after the storm passes. You should also try to document every affected area—no matter how seemingly small. Finally, create a comprehensive list of damaged or lost items.

Step #3: Be Prepared to Cooperate With the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance companies will investigate your hurricane damage claim. They have both a right and responsibility to do so in a reasonable amount of time. To help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible, it is a best practice to try to cooperate with an insurance adjuster who is operating in good faith. When the insurance adjuster visits to inspect the damage, be ready to provide access to every part of your property and share all your documentation of the damages and losses. Cooperation can facilitate a smoother evaluation process. For example, you may guide the adjuster through the damaged areas, discuss what happened, and answer their questions.

Step #4: Know You Have the Right to Negotiate for a Better Settlement 

Imagine that you filed a hurricane damage claim after a storm in New Orleans. A few months later, you get a settlement offer from the insurance company. It is not terrible, but it is also quite a bit less than you expected, and you believe it does not cover the full value of your damages. You have the right to negotiate for a better property damage settlement. The first settlement offer issued by an insurance company is not final—unless you accept it, cash it, and sign a release of claims. You should review the adjuster’s report and the settlement offer carefully to ensure it covers all your losses adequately. If the offer seems low, you should provide evidence such as repair estimates from contractors, receipts for lost items, and documentation of similar properties’ repair costs.

Step #5: Seek Professional Legal Representation (Consult With a Lawyer)

You do not have to take on a homeowner’s insurance company or a commercial property insurance company alone after a major hurricane. If negotiations stall or the insurance company disputes your claim, it is time to seek professional legal guidance and support. A top-rated New Orleans hurricane damage lawyer can review your case, assess the policy, and handle all further conversations with insurance adjusters. Major property insurance companies put a ton of resources into protecting their financial interests. You need a reliable advocate in your corner. An experienced attorney can assist with your initial claim, with settlement talks, or with an appeal.

After a Hurricane, Some Homeowners Struggle to Get Benefits (Do Not Give Up After a Denial)

Unfortunately, you may do everything right and still struggle to get your property insurance claim paid after a hurricane. Your settlement offer could be far too low or, even more frustrating, the insurance company may try to deny coverage outright. After a hurricane, navigating insurance claims can be daunting. It is not uncommon to receive a low offer or to get a denial letter. You have the right to take action to fight for the full and fair benefits that you are entitled to under the terms of your property. Receiving a denial does not mark the end of the road. Persistence is key. A New Orleans hurricane damage lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process.

Why Trust Insurance Claim HQ to Help Maximize Your Benefits After a Storm

Hurricane damage claims can be very challenging to navigate. If you have questions about what needs to be done to hold your insurance company accountable after a serious storm, professional guidance and support is just a phone call away. At Insurance Claim HQ, our client testimonials and history of case results speak for themselves. We invest time, resources, and attention to detail into every case. More specifically, our New Orleans hurricane damage lawyers are ready to:

• Listen to what you have to say and answer your most pressing insurance questions
• Carefully investigate your hurricane damage—gathering all relevant evidence
• Complete the insurance paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations
• Develop a comprehensive strategy designed to maximize your property damage benefits

Set Up a Free Case Evaluation With Our New Orleans Hurricane Damage Attorney Today

At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans hurricane damage lawyers are standing by, ready to review your case and take action to help you secure the maximum possible financial benefits. If you have any questions or concerns about maximizing your recovery from storm damage, we are here to help. Call us today or connect with us online for a free, no-commitment initial case review. Our firm handles hurricane insurance claims in New Orleans and throughout the wider region.