Post Hurricane Helene Responsibilities as a Policyholder

As you brace yourself for the impending hurricane, it’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation. While we can’t control Mother Nature (trust me, we’ve tried), we can control how we respond when the storm clouds roll in. Knowing your responsibilities as a policyholder can protect your property and make the recovery process much smoother.

1. Act Quickly to Mitigate Damage

Once the winds start howling, your first job is to mitigate further damage—a fancy way of saying, “Stop the damage from getting worse!” Here’s how to do that without losing your cool:

Secure the Area: If it’s safe, cover broken windows and doors with plywood or tarps to protect any entrance to your property. If you can, use sandbags to block floodwaters! Anything you can do to prevent further damage from occurring may help your claim.
Turn Off Utilities: Consider putting your property on “Do Not Disturb” mode. If you suspect flooding, shut off the electricity, gas, and water. Nobody wants a surprise electrical fire or a gas leak to add to the drama.
Document Everything: Channel your inner photographer! Snap photos or record videos of the damage as soon as you can after a hurricane. This evidence will be your best ally when filing an insurance claim.

2. Notify Your Insurance Carrier Immediately

Once you’ve taken steps to secure your property, it’s time to let your insurance carrier in on the action. Here’s how to make the call count:

Gather Your Information: Before dialing, grab your policy number, damage details, and any documentation you’ve collected. You want to be the most organized policyholder they’ve ever spoken to!
File a Claim Promptly: Depending on your insurance carrier and the state you live in, you’ll have a set deadline to follow to file a claim. It’s important to ensure you follow said deadlines to ensure you set your claim up for success.
Keep a Record of Communication: Document every interaction with your insurance carrier. Dates, times, names—be the Sherlock Holmes of your claims process!

3. Take Charge of the Recovery Process with Premier Claims

After notifying your insurance carrier, it’s time to take charge of the recovery process—and you don’t have to do it alone! Here’s how Premier Claims can step in and assist you:

Get Experienced Guidance: Our team is ready to help you understand your policy, advocate for coverage, and guide you through the entire claims process. Think of us as your personal insurance sidekick, keeping you from being left in the dark.
Work with Professionals: If damage has occurred, we can connect you with licensed professionals who can assess the situation and provide repair estimates. We’re all about assembling your superhero team for recovery so you can focus on what matters most—keeping your family safe.
Stay Informed and Empowered: We’ll keep you updated throughout the claims process and offer tips on how to communicate effectively with your insurance carrier. Our mission is to make sure you feel empowered and informed every step of the way.

4. Lean on Your Community for Support

Finally, don’t forget about the power of community. After the hurricane is the perfect time to channel your inner neighborly spirit.

Reach Out for Help: Whether it’s a quick chat with a neighbor or joining local support groups, leaning on each other can lighten the load. You might even discover your neighbors have hidden talents, like providing homemade cookies or offering a helping hand!
Share Resources: Knowledge is power! Share tips and resources about recovery, insurance claims, and local services. You’re all in this together, after all.

Weathering the Storm Together

Facing the aftermath of a hurricane can feel daunting, but understanding your responsibilities as a policyholder can empower you during this challenging time. Taking proactive steps to mitigate damage, notifying your insurance carrier promptly, and leaning on your community for support can turn a stressful situation into a more manageable one.

If you need help navigating the claims process, remember Premier Claims is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with our team today, and together, we’ll turn this stormy season into a story of resilience and recovery.

No-Nonsense Guide to Turning Rejection into Victory

Got a big, fat “denied” stamp on your insurance claim? Ouch—we know how much that hurts. A denial isn’t the end of the road—it’s just a detour. If you’re ready to file an appeal for your denial, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather your facts, and call the Premier Claims team to tackle the appeal process head-on.

Step 1: Get to the Bottom of Why Your Claim Was Denied

First, understand why you can appeal your denied insurance claim. Your insurance carrier will send you a formal denial letter explaining their reasons. The terms could be straightforward, like missing documentation or a policy exclusion, but sometimes, they’re more complicated.

Review the Denial Letter Thoroughly

Compare the reasons in the letter with the terms of your policy. Does the denial align with your understanding of your coverage?

Discuss the Denial

Contact your claims adjuster or agent if the explanation doesn’t add up. Sometimes, a simple conversation can clear up misunderstandings.

If the letter looks like it’s written in a foreign language, Premier Claims is here to help. Our team will break down the fine print and help you understand your policy and the so-called reasons for denial.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence Like a Pro

Once you understand why your claim was denied, it’s time to build your case. This step is all about showing your insurance carrier why they got it wrong. You’ll need:

Proper Documentation

Collect all the paperwork tied to your claim—damage photos, repair estimates, and correspondence with the insurer. If you have photos of your property before the damage occurred, make sure to include them!

The key here is thorough documentation. The more compelling your evidence, the harder it is for the insurer to stick to their denial.

Step 3: File a Formal Appeal

If a friendly conversation with your insurance carrier doesn’t lead to a resolution, it’s time to file a formal appeal. Your insurance policy will outline the specific appeals process, including any deadlines. Don’t miss these—once the window closes, so does your chance to appeal.

Write an Effective Appeal Letter

Address the reasons for the denial directly and back up your argument with the evidence you’ve gathered. Make sure everything is organized and easy to follow.

Stay Professional

This is all about facts, not feelings. Keep the tone professional, and let your evidence do the talking.

Do you want your appeal letter to be as effective as possible? Premier Claims can take this task off your hands, writing a clear and compelling appeal intended to increase your chances of success.

Step 4: Get a Public Adjuster on Your Team

Here’s where things can start to turn in your favor. A licensed public adjuster, like those at Premier Claims, can make a world of difference. They understand the ins and outs of property insurance claims and know how to best get results.

Why You Need a Public Adjuster

Public adjusters work for you—not the insurance carrier. They’ll review your policy, document and value your losses, and negotiate your settlement on your behalf.

Timing is Key

The sooner you get a public adjuster involved, the better. They can help strengthen your case and handle the tough conversations with your carrier. To learn more about when to get a Public Adjuster involved in your claim, read our blog: https://premier-claims.com/blog/when-to-hire-public-adjuster/

Don’t wait until your appeal is denied before calling for backup. Getting our team involved early can turn the tide in your favor before things get messy.

Step 5: Consider Filing a Complaint or Taking Legal Action

If you’re still not getting anywhere, you may need to escalate the situation. Filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner is one option. If things have really gone south, you might consider legal action.

Filing a Complaint

Insurance regulations govern the industry. If you believe the insurer treated you unfairly, submit a formal complaint to your state’s regulatory body, which can sometimes push the insurer to reconsider.

Legal Action

In some cases, hiring a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes may be necessary. This can be costly and time-consuming, but sometimes, it’s the only way to get what you’re owed.

If you’ve reached this stage, Premier Claims can still help. We can connect you with trusted legal experts who know how to handle property insurance disputes and fight for your rights.

Don’t Go It Alone

Appealing a denied insurance claim can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Working with experts like Premier Claims can significantly increase your chances of success. We’ve helped countless clients turn denials into approvals, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Need help with your appeal? Contact Premier Claims today!

Facing the aftermath of a storm can be a daunting experience. But when it comes to safeguarding your property and filing an insurance claim, it’s essential to have a clear plan of action. Below is a guide to assist you through the initial steps following a date of loss.

Survey Exterior Damage

After ensuring your safety, the first step is to assess the storm damage to your property.

Exterior Inspection

Begin by examining the exterior of your property for visible damage. Look for missing shingles or broken gutters. As well as obvious roof leaks or scattered roofing materials.

Air Conditioning Unit

Even if it’s not the summer season, check your AC unit for damages. You wouldn’t want any surprises when it’s time to use it.

Other Damages

Be thorough in identifying all storm-related damages, including those caused by trees, neighbor’s trees, or missing fencing.

Survey Interior Damage

Inspect the inside of your property for signs of internal damage.

Water Leaks

Keep an eye out for water leaks or puddles on walls and floors, especially on the ground floor.

Windows and Attic

Check windows for leaks and inspect your attic for any issues.

Take Photos

Capture clear photos to document all damage you see on your property in the aftermath of a storm.

Exterior Damage

From damaged roofs to broken AC units, photos play a significant role in your insurance claim.

Interior Damage

Document any damage inside your home, ensuring clarity in the images.

Keep Everything

Hold onto damaged items, as your insurance assessor may need to inspect them for your claim. Even if you can’t keep large items, like a waterlogged carpet or a broken TV, take photos and keep small samples if possible. A piece of your wet carpet can serve as evidence!

Shield Your Property

To prevent further damage to your property while waiting for repairs, we recommend covering visible holes or broken windows. You can do this by using tarps or canvases. Furthermore, ensure that you move valuable belongings and electronic equipment out of harm’s way.

Public Adjuster Inspection

Enlist the expertise of a public adjuster to ensure that all damage to your property is accounted for prior to filing a claim. Their in-depth knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to your best interests can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance claim. Ultimately providing you with the peace of mind you deserve after a date of loss occurs.

Navigating the aftermath of a storm and filing an insurance claim can be challenging, but with the right steps and the support of Premier Claims, you can restore your property with peace of mind. Remember, our dedicated team is here to assist you throughout the process.

Imagine yourself walking into a courtroom. Let’s say you’ve been sued by a disgruntled employee alleging you unlawfully fired them. Unfortunately, their lawyer is very good at making the judge believe that they were the victim of workplace abuse. Despite documentation that clearly demonstrates their poor performance as an employee—including unexcused absences, frequently missed deadlines, and complaints from other employees regarding their conduct—you opted to represent yourself to forgo additional legal fees. Without legal representation, you fail to introduce evidence of poor workmanship in your defense, and you overlook any viable objections.

Now ask yourself: Was saving the initial expense of a lawyer lucrative, even with the knowledge that if you lose, it will cost you more money? This hypothetical scenario paints a picture of a level of risk comparable to the risk of filing a large loss insurance claim without a public adjuster.

With the involvement of a public adjuster, a claim settles for more, which means more money for you to restore your property to its former glory. Without our assistance, your settlement could be lower, resulting in a lower payout of the claim as a whole.

Do You Know Your Worth?

In 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through the Florida coast, destroying homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Bacon’s Furniture in Port Charlotte, Florida, experienced a total building and inventory loss due to the high winds. The hurricane pulled off the roof down to the plywood, leaving bits of the roof sprinkled among the rubble.

As a furniture store, the inside of the building contained dining room chairs that no one would ever use for a Thanksgiving meal, couches, and armchairs that would never spark sibling rivalry during family movie night, and beds that would never receive praise for giving their owners the best sleep of their lives.

The financial loss would cost Bacon millions, but their carrier’s initial offer was only slightly over two million dollars. Enter Premier Claims.

Our experts did a thorough inspection of the damage outside of the building, as well as the torn and broken furniture inside. After multiple negotiations, inspections with a handful of experts, and hiring a Business Personal Property (BPP) company to do a full inventory of the damaged furniture, we got Bacon’s carrier to release over thirteen million dollars.

Don’t Settle For Less

Bacon could have settled and accepted the two million, but it wouldn’t have covered the entirety of the cost for the damage and loss of inventory sustained by the store. By retaining Premier Claims, Bacon’s Furniture benefited significantly from higher payouts, even with Premier’s added fee expenses.

At Premier Claims, we understand the importance of transparency and trust. Our fee structure varies depending on the state and the specifics of the claim. In some cases, fees are billed hourly, while in others, they are contingent on the successful resolution of your claim. Rest assured that we’re committed to advocating for your best interests and aim to maximize the potential of your claim. We’re here to provide the support and expertise you need, tailored to your situation.

Empower Yourself with Premier Claims

Don’t let concerns about our fee overshadow the significant benefits of partnering with Premier Claims. With our full team of experts on your side, you can navigate the claims process confidently, knowing that you have dedicated advocates fighting for your rights under your policy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help secure the compensation you deserve.

What Do I Do After a Hurricane?