Hurricane Damage Claims

ICON: Homeowner Hurricane Damage

Wind is one of the leading causes of property damage in the United States.

Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes can produce high winds strong enough to break windows, damage roofs and siding, and even collapse your home's structure entirely. Wind can also leave your home vulnerable to water damage, as water seeps in through damaged shingles or cracks created near windows.  

ICON: Homeowner Windstorm or Hail Peril

Water damage caused by a storm or faulty plumbing can lead to costly repairs.

Water damage is the second most common home insurance claim in the U.S. Water leaks can sometimes go unnoticed, leading to a buildup of moisture that further exacerbates the damage and can cause mold growth. Water damage describes damage caused by plumbing issues or water falling from the roof down.

ICON: Homeowner Flood Insurance

Did you know that flood damage is not covered by a standard insurance policy?

Standard insurance policies typically exclude flood damage from covered damages. If you live in a flood zone, consider adding a flood insurance plan to supplement your current policy. Flood policies cover damage caused by rising water (water originating from ground level and rising). 

free

Property Inspection & Policy Review

Tiger Adjusters Public Adjuster
1 / 3

Hurricane Property Damage In Florida

Florida experiences more catastrophic storms than any other state in the U.S., and with its position on the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that hurricanes are a major cause of property damage in Florida year after year.

The combination of high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding makes hurricanes one of the most destructive (and potentially most expensive) natural disasters a homeowner can experience. According to NOAA, hurricanes in Florida led to an estimated $4.4 billion worth of damage in 2024 alone. 

Common Damage Resulting from Hurricanes

For many property owners in Florida, dealing with hurricane damage isn’t a matter of “if” but “when.” Here are the most common types of damage associated with hurricane claims.

  • Hurricane-force winds are known to damage or tear away shingles, shatter windows, and damage the structural integrity of homes. High winds can also turn debris, like tree limbs, into dangerous projectiles.
  • Water intrusion from roof damage or wind-driven rain can damage your home’s walls, electrical systems, and more. The remaining moisture can also lead to mold that is both dangerous and hard to remove. 
  • Storm surge or flash flooding from heavy rainfall can breach your home’s threshold, damaging flooring, walls, and possessions, and in extreme cases, sweeping a home’s structure right off its foundation. 
  • Your roof is the first line of defense for the interior of your home against the elements. During a hurricane, high winds can often strip away shingles and tiles, leaving the interior of your home and its contents vulnerable to further damage.
  • In extreme cases, the combination of high winds, water, and flying debris becomes too much for the structural integrity of a home, leading to collapsed walls and weakened foundations. Depending on the severity of the damage and your insurance policy limits, some hurricane claims may be classified as a total loss. 

Post-Storm Checklist

  1. Make sure to take photos of any hurricane damage before cleaning up. Try not to throw away damaged items until after your insurance adjuster has seen them. Remember: Public Adjusters are insurance claim experts skilled at compiling evidence and evaluating damages. They can help you document your claim thoroughly to get the settlement you are due. 
  2. Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible and make them aware of your loss to begin the claims process.
  3. Take the proper mitigation steps to prevent further damage to your home until repairs can be made. This often involves tarping the roof, drying out flooded areas with industrial fans, etc. Pro-tip: A Public Adjuster will help identify mitigation needs and advise you on the correct steps to take to ensure your claim coverage is not impacted. 

INFOGRAPHIC: How a Public Adjuster maximizes your insurance claim payout

Florida Claim Compliance Deadlines

Here are the major property insurance claim compliance deadlines to keep in mind during your claim process.

  • Your insurance company must send you an acknowledgment of your insurance claim within 7 days after you submit the claim.
  • Within 30 days after you submit a complete Proof of Loss Statement in writing, your insurance company must send you confirmation that your claim is covered in full, partially covered, denied, or being investigated further.
  • Your insurance company must provide you with a copy of any detailed estimate of the amount of the damage within 7 days after the estimate is generated by the insurance company’s adjuster.
  • Within 60 days after you submit the claim, you should receive full payment, payment of the undisputed portion of your claim, or a written denial of your claim. If you have a mortgage lender or another party that has partial ownership of the property, the claim payment check may also be made out to them.
  • If your claim is not denied and you do not receive full payment for your claim or payment of the undisputed portion of your claim within 60 days after your claim is filed, your insurance company must pay you interest on the full or undisputed claim amount. The interest starts accruing on the date you filed your claim and continues accruing up to the date when your insurance company issues payment for the claim or the undisputed portion of the claim. The interest payment is due when the claim is paid or the undisputed portion of the claim is paid.