What Your Insurance Carrier Should Have Done by Now

It’s been nearly three months since Hurricane Helene and Milton left paths of destruction across the Southeast. For those impacted, the recovery process has been long and challenging. If you’ve filed an insurance claim, you might wonder what’s taking so long—or if your insurance carrier has met their obligations.

Insurance Carrier Responsibilities Post-Hurricane

Insurance carriers have legal and ethical obligations to handle claims promptly and fairly. Here’s what they should have completed within 90 days:

- - Initial Acknowledgement: Insurers shall, “within 14 calendar days, review and acknowledge receipt of such communication unless payment is made within that period of time or unless the failure to acknowledge is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer, which reasonably prevent such acknowledgment,” Florida Senate 627.70131.1a.
  - Inspection and Investigation: The Florida Senate 627.70131.3a states that “unless otherwise provided by the policy of insurance or by law, within 14 days after an insurer receives proof of loss statements, the insurer shall begin such investigation as is reasonably necessary unless the failure to begin such investigation is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer which reasonably prevent the commencement of such investigation.”
  - Claims Decision: Under Florida law, “Within 90 days after an insurer receives notice of an initial, reopened, or supplemental property insurance claim from a policyholder, the insurer shall pay or deny such claim or a portion of the claim unless the failure to pay is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer which reasonably prevent such payment,” Florida Senate 627.70131.7a. If payment is delayed beyond 90 days or 15 days after any uncontrollable delays are resolved, insurers are required to pay interest on the claim. This interest starts accruing from the date the insurer first receives notice of the claim and continues until payment is issued. These legal requirements cannot be waived or voided by policy terms, and noncompliance constitutes a violation of Florida’s insurance code, though it does not independently allow for a private lawsuit.

Unfortunately, thousands of policyholders are still waiting.

Reported by Newsweek.

Hurricane Helene

The numbers don’t lie—Hurricane Helene left a staggering financial footprint. FEMA has estimated National Flood Insurance losses to fall between $3.5 and $7 billion as of November 12, 2024. In Florida alone, the Insurance Journal reports that over 65,700 claims have already been filed, with 33,130 for residential properties.

These figures don’t just represent damaged buildings—they’re a testament to the emotional and financial toll on homeowners grappling with recovery. Thousands of families await relief as insurers sift through a mountain of claims. For policyholders, these delays are more than just frustrating—they can be life-altering.

Hurricane Milton

The devastation of Hurricane Milton extends far beyond the physical wreckage, reflected in the staggering number of insurance claims filed. JT Law Firm reports more than 230,000 claims—spanning commercial and residential properties—have been submitted. The real shock lies in the unresolved cases. 112,826 residential claims are still open and unpaid, while an additional 53,372 have been closed without a single dollar disbursed.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re stories of homeowners left in limbo, forced to navigate the financial and emotional turmoil of rebuilding with little to no support. The hurricane didn’t just tear through neighborhoods—it exposed cracks in the system meant to protect policyholders in their time of need.

Steps to Take If You’re Still Waiting

If your hurricane claim hasn’t been resolved, here are actionable steps you can take:

Request a Timeline: Ask your carrier for a formal schedule outlining the next steps in your claim process.
Documentation Communication: Keep records of every interaction, including emails, phone calls, and written notices.
Seek External Support: Consider hiring a public adjuster to accurately value your claim, advocate for your best interests, and manage the insurance claims process.

How Premier Claims Can Help Your Hurricane Claim

At Premier Claims, we focus on turning delayed or denied claims into successful settlements. Our team extensively handles hurricane-related claims, fighting for policyholders to receive the payouts they’re entitled to.

How Long Does a Hurricane Claim Take to Settle?

If you’re curious about the insurance claim process after a major storm, look at our in-depth case study. Follow the ongoing journey of a complex claim in Homerville, Georgia, where Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to a chicken farm. This timeline highlights the steps taken so far—from initial inspections to the progress made in securing payments—offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Premier Claims tirelessly advocates for policyholders through every stage of the insurance process.

Don’t Walk—Take Action Today

If you’re frustrated by delays or low offers, now is the time to act. Contact Premier Claims for a free policy review and start your journey toward a fair settlement. For more details on claims data and recovery timelines, visit the Florida Department of Financial Services and the National Flood Insurance Program.

Your recovery is our priority. Let’s rebuild together.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
First Last
Email*

Phone*
Specify Client Type*
Company
Notes or Questions
Consent*
I agree to receive communications by text message or email about my inquiry. You may opt-out by replying STOP or reply HELP for more information. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. You may review our Privacy Policy to learn how your data is used.*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Post
This field is hidden when viewing the form
URL link
CAPTCHA

Hurricane Helene brought a mix of powerful winds and torrential rain, leaving behind extensive damage. Property owners now face the challenge of filing claims, but many may not fully understand what their policies cover. Things can get murky when it comes to the differences between wind damage, water damage, and concurrent losses.

Wind Damage vs. Water Damage: What’s Covered?

One of the most significant sources of confusion for property owners after a hurricane is the distinction between wind damage and water damage. Each type of damage is covered differently, so understanding the fine print is critical.

Wind Damage

If Hurricane Helene damaged your property by blowing off shingles, tearing apart windows, or causing structural damage, this is typically covered under standard hurricane or windstorm insurance. Wind-driven rain that enters through an opening caused by the storm is also typically covered.

Water Damage

However, damage caused by storm surges or rising floodwaters often requires a separate flood insurance policy. If your property sustained flood damage and you don’t have flood insurance, it’s unlikely to be covered under your standard policy. The National Flood Insurance Program outlines flood coverage applications and the required documents to prove the loss.

To protect your property, check your policy for specific wording related to wind-driven rain and flooding. If you’re unsure, a public adjuster can help review your policy and provide clarity.

Concurrent Loss: When Wind and Water Collide

Post-Hurricane Helene, things can be tricky when wind and water team up to cause damage. This is called concurrent loss, and it can impact what your policy covers. Here’s the deal—if wind rips off the top of your roof and rain floods your home, you’ve got a mix of wind-driven and water damage. The problem? Insurance policies often treat them differently.

Many standard policies cover wind damage but exclude flooding. So, if your damage is caused by both, your insurer might only pay for part of the claim—or worse, none at all—depending on whether you have flood exclusions in your policy. Some policies even include concurrent loss exclusions, meaning coverage can be delayed or denied if the excluded peril, such as flooding, is deemed the primary cause of the damage—even if wind damage, which is normally covered, occurs as a result.

CONCURRENT LOSS EXAMPLE

A commercial retail owner in the bend of Florida likely experienced wind damage during the storm. The wind could have damaged the roof and blown open doors and windows, allowing floodwaters to enter the property. After the storm, it’s often hard to tell whether wind or water caused the damage first. For policyholders without flood coverage but with causation coverage, they may still be covered under a wind loss. If you’ve had a mix of losses, consider having your policy reviewed by professionals to understand your coverage fully. To request a policy review from our team, you can submit a request here: Free Policy Review

To see just how extensive the damage can be, ABC News gathered aerial footage of the flooding and wind destruction in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact of concurrent loss.

Our team at Premier Claims knows how to advocate for the insured in instances like this. Having someone who knows the ins and outs of your insurance policy and how to match your damage accordingly can be the difference in the success of your hurricane claim. With the devastation of Hurricane Helene, nothing should be left to chance.

What You Need to Know About Hurricane Deductibles

Another often overlooked aspect of hurricane insurance is the hurricane deductible. Unlike a flat deductible, hurricane deductibles typically take a percentage of your property’s insured value. Some policies won’t specify a hurricane deductible, but will include something specific for wind. This often makes deductibles much higher than expected.

For example, if your property carries $500,000 in coverage and your policy includes a 3% hurricane deductible, you must cover the first $15,000 before insurance kicks in.

As Ashley Workman, our Senior Paralegal, explains, “Recovery after a storm like Helene is complex, emotionally draining, and can often seem insurmountable, but understanding your policy and how to navigate the claims process can help. Check your policy for mitigation requirements, or requirements to protect your property from further loss. Most policies will outline your duty to take the steps necessary to avoid further damage. It’s important to remember to do the minimum to accomplish that. Keep a record of your expenses to be submitted for reimbursement. Excessive costs for mitigation can exacerbate claim difficulties, as your carrier could refuse to pay those large expenses.”

Review your policy carefully to understand how your hurricane deductible works and how much you’ll be responsible for if you file a claim.

Take Control of Your Claim

Navigating your insurance policy after Hurricane Helene can feel overwhelming, but understanding key aspects of your coverage—like the difference between wind and water damage, hurricane deductibles, and concurrent losses—can help you take control of your claim. If you need help reviewing your policy or filing your claim, Premier Claims is here to guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to go through this alone; we’re here to help. Contact us today for immediate assistance!

90 Days Later: Has Your Hurricane Claim Been Ignored?