Are You Still Waiting to Hear From Your Insurance Carrier? You’re Not Alone.
Imagine walking through your flooded home, wondering when—or if—you’ll receive the payout you desperately need to rebuild. Thousands of Floridians are living this nightmare after Hurricane Helene and Milton’s back-to-back devastation. With property damage soaring into the billions, insurance carriers are undoubtedly overwhelmed, leaving policyholders in limbo. But the delays don’t have to define your recovery.
At Premier Claims, we’re here to help you navigate this complex and frustrating process, getting your claim on the fast track so you can move forward.
Why Hurricane Claims Are Facing Delays in Florida?
Hurricane Helene and Milton’s double hit created unprecedented pressure on Florida’s insurance system. According to The Insurance Journal, “Hurricane Helene alone caused over 112,000 claims,” and Milton only compounded the chaos, causing widespread destruction across the state. With so many claims filed in such a short span, insurance adjusters are stretched thin, and policyholders are left waiting for inspections, assessments, and—ultimately—payouts.
By law, Florida insurance carriers are required to investigate most claims within 30 days after receiving a proof-of-loss statement from the insured. However, in times of crisis, like the current state of emergency, those deadlines are often extended, leaving property owners waiting for months without the help they need.
How Premier Claims Turns Insurance Delays Into Claims Success
If you’re still waiting for your insurance carrier to act, now is the time to consider the help of a public adjuster. Unlike insurance adjusters, public adjusters work solely for you—the policyholder—to prioritize your needs. Premier Claims has a team of experienced public adjusters working across Florida, ready to step in and set a strong foundation for your claim.
By working with Premier Claims, you’ll hopefully avoid common pitfalls like claims getting lumped together incorrectly. For instance, flood damage caused by Helene should not be mixed with wind damage from Milton—this can lead to claim delays and may reduce your payout. Our team fights for every detail of your claim to be handled accurately. Our goal is to get you back on your feet. To learn more about a public adjuster’s role in your recovery, read our blog: How Can a Public Adjuster Help with Your Hurricane Helene Claim?
Bacon’s Furniture | Hurricane Ian
When Hurricane Ian devastated Port Charlotte, Florida, Bacon’s Furniture faced extensive damage to their property. Despite the severity of the destruction, their insurance carrier offered a settlement that fell drastically short of converting the loss. Premier Claims stepped in to help the policyholder navigate the complicated insurance process and fight for a fair payout.
The insurance carrier initially offered $2,251,000—nowhere near what was needed to restore the property. Even worse, the carrier used delay tactics, bringing in three different adjusters and two engineers to reassess the damage, hoping to underpay significant parts of the claim. Our team remained persistent, leveraging their knowledge and experience to challenge the insurance carrier’s lowball offer.
Through a relentless pursuit of justice, we secured a final settlement of $13,955,000—a 520% increase from the original offer. Beyond helping Bacon’s Furniture recover financially, Premier Claims also provided essential advice to ensure the policyholder secured a more robust insurance policy for future protection.
Avoiding These Costly Mistakes After a Hurricane
After a hurricane, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but avoiding certain mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. Here are key tips to keep in mind:
- Be Wary of Untrustworthy Contractors: In the aftermath of a disaster, contractors often swoop in to offer quick fixes. Be careful—some unscrupulous individuals prey on vulnerable property owners, promising repairs that may not be covered by insurance. Always consult your adjuster before committing to any repair work to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
- Don’t Rush to Cleanup Before Documenting the Damage: Before you begin cleaning up, make sure you’ve fully documented the damage. Take photos and videos of your property, keeping a detailed written record of damaged items. This documentation is crucial for a smooth claims process and helps to ensure that nothing is overlooked by your insurance carrier.
- Stay Off the Roof: While it’s tempting to inspect the damage yourself, especially on your roof, resist the urge. Climbing onto a storm—damaged roof can be dangerous, and the last thing you need is an injury on top of everything else. Leave it to the professionals—our team is ready to inspect your property safely and thoroughly.
How Premier Claims Can Help You Through the Chaos
As claim delays drag on, you’ll need an experienced team that will fight for your rights. Premier Claims is here to provide you with the support and expertise you need, from helping with documentation to pushing for fair settlements. We understand the ins and outs of the claims process, and we’re committed to fighting for you to receive every penny you’re owed per your policy.
In addition to expediting claims, we can assist you with accessing “Loss of Use” benefits your policy may feature, which can cover temporary housing, meals, and other expenses while your property is uninhabitable. These benefits are often overlooked, but they’re crucial during long delays.
Act Now: Pro Tips for Policyholders
- File Your Claim With All Your Evidence: Filing your insurance claim promptly and with as complete of documentation as possible is critical. Premier Claims can help inspect your property to help ensure no damage goes unnoticed—starting your claim on the right foot can make all the difference.
- Document Everything: Photograph and video every aspect of the damage. Keep a written record of damaged items, receipts, and any communication with your insurance carrier. These steps are vital for avoiding claim delays and securing your payout.
- Stay Off the Roof: Seriously—leave it to the professionals. It may be tempting to inspect your roof yourself to document the damage. However, our team of inspectors is here to take the burden off of your plate—aiming to safely record and document any damage.
- Research Contractors Carefully: Before hiring any contractor, do your homework. Look up reviews, check their credentials, and never pay out of pocket for repairs without hearing from your insurance carrier.
What’s Next? Avoid Further Claim Delays
Delays in hurricane claims are frustrating and can add unnecessary stress to an already overwhelming situation. But you don’t have to wait indefinitely or handle the claims process alone. Premier Claims is ready to step in and advocate on your behalf.
Every day you wait can cost you. Contact Premier Claims today and let us help you recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton faster. Your journey towards rebuilding starts now.
Reach out to our team today for help setting your claim up for success.