60 Minutes:
Key Takeaways from “After the Hurricane” report
The Devastation of Hurricane Helene: Lessons from the Past
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented destruction, thousands of homeowners are not just picking up the pieces of their lives—they’re bracing for a new kind of storm: the battle with their insurance carriers. While families are still reeling from the devastation, a darker, more troubling reality is unfolding. Will their insurance policies—the safety nets they’ve invested in for years—come through when they need them most?
If history is any indication, the answer might leave you unsettled. CBS’s recent 60 Minutes exposé on Hurricane Ian revealed how insurance carriers systematically underpaid or outright denied policyholders. They altered damage assessments to reduce payouts. With Hurricane Helene’s damage mirroring, if not exceeding, Ian’s, homeowners must now confront the possibility that they, too, could face the same unfair treatment.
As you begin the recovery process, it’s crucial to know how to protect yourself from an industry that may prioritize profits over people.
What Happened After Hurricane Ian?
According to the episode, many policyholders found that their damage reports were mysteriously altered, underestimating the destruction to their properties. As the whistleblowers interviewed in the episode noted, insurance carriers deployed tactics that included modifying damage estimates—sometimes drastically—to minimize the compensation owed to homeowners. A contractor featured in the episode shared, “The damage was clear, but what wasn’t clear was why the estimates didn’t match reality anymore.”
The Harsh Reality of Insurance Payouts Post-Hurricane
As evidenced in the 60 Minutes episode, policyholders from Hurricane Ian are still battling their insurance carriers for the compensation they were promised. These delays and reductions in payouts can be financially crippling at a time when people need help the most.
The question on everyone’s mind now is: Could this happen again with Hurricane Helene? Unfortunately, the current insurance climate suggests that it’s not just a possibility, but a strong likelihood.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Given the current landscape, there are several things policyholders should keep in mind when navigating the claims process after Hurricane Helene:
- Document Everything: Take extensive photos and videos of all damage before making any repairs. Your documentation will serve as evidence if your claim is disputed or reduced.
- Get an Independent Assessment: Hiring a public adjuster to assess the damage and provide an objective estimate may be worthwhile. This can safeguard you against any lowball offers or claims modifications. Contact our experienced team today to have your property inspected.
- Don’t Settle Too Soon: As we reflect on our experience with policyholders during Hurricane Ian, it’s important for policyholders to feel empowered to review every offer they receive from their carrier. Levi Warren, our Adjusting Manager, advises, “The most common mistake I see is accepting a final award too quickly. With all the emotions involved in your claim, it’s easy to want to rush through the claim process to make yourself whole again. Be sure to take your time and review the estimate you receive from your carrier to make sure nothing is missing.”
- Seek Professional Help: Public adjusters, like those at Premier Claims, can fight on your behalf to negotiate with your carrier. They understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and can help hold them accountable, aiming to take the stress off your plate.
Hurricane Helene: Prepare for a Fight
As we watch Hurricane Helene’s devastation unfold, property owners must brace themselves for the physical recovery and the potential financial battle ahead. In many cases, it’s not about how much damage was done but how much insurers are willing to acknowledge.
We encourage policyholders to stay informed, know their rights, and reach out to professionals when in doubt. The lessons from Hurricane Ian should serve as a grim reminder: proactively know the coverage and rights within your policy so you know when it’s time to defend your claim.