888-843-8326 To file an insurance claim after a hurricane, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, document the property damage, prevent additional damage when it is safe to do so, and keep records of every expense and conversation related to the claim.
You should also review your policy so you understand what insurance coverage may apply before making permanent repairs. The process can become difficult when a hurricane causes several types of damage at once. Wind may damage a roof, while heavy rain or flooding damages the inside of the home.
Because different policies may cover different losses, knowing where the damage came from matters. If questions arise over coverage or the amount offered, a Raleigh hurricane damage lawyer from CR Legal Team can review the claim and help you understand your options. We Stand Up For You®.
How Should You Start an Insurance Claim?
Once you and your family are safe, report the damage to your insurance company or insurance agent. Provide basic information about what happened, when you discovered the damage, and the parts of your home or property that were affected. Ask for your claim number and the contact information of the person handling your insurance claim.
At CR Legal Team, we also encourage homeowners to keep their own claim file. Write down the date and time of each call, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. Save emails, estimates, photographs, receipts, and letters from the insurer. Having this information in one place can make it easier to track what has happened if questions come up later.
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Call 888-843-8326What Should You Do About Hurricane Damage Before the Adjuster Arrives?
Take clear photos and videos before moving damaged items or beginning temporary repairs. Capture wide views of each affected area along with close-up images of roof damage, broken windows, damaged belongings, water stains, and other visible problems. If possible, make a written inventory of damaged or destroyed property.
CR Legal Team recommends following the insurer’s instructions while taking reasonable steps to keep the property from suffering additional damage. For example, you may need to place a tarp over an opening in the roof or cover a broken window. Keep receipts for materials and services.
The rush to repair a home after a hurricane can make it harder to choose a contractor carefully. Before agreeing to any work, look into the contractor’s background, ask for more than one estimate, and read the terms before signing. A little extra research can help you avoid contracting scams when repair services are in high demand.
What Will the Insurance Adjuster Look For?
An insurance adjuster will generally inspect the property, take photographs and measurements, and evaluate the reported damage. Be prepared to show the adjuster every area affected by the hurricane. You can also provide photographs, inventories, receipts, and repair estimates that help document your losses.
At CR Legal Team, we know an adjuster’s first estimate may not tell the entire story. Some damage isn’t obvious immediately after a storm. Problems inside walls, beneath roofing materials, or in other parts of the structure may become clearer later.
If additional covered damage is discovered, contact the insurer and ask what documentation is needed to have it considered.
North Carolina has rules governing how insurers handle claims. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15 identifies conduct that may be considered an unfair claim settlement practice when it occurs often enough to show a general business practice. This can include denying a claim without first conducting a reasonable investigation or failing to respond to claim-related communications.
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Call 888-843-8326Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hurricane Flood Damage?
Homeowners insurance can provide protection against certain hurricane-related losses, but homeowners shouldn’t assume every type of storm damage falls under the same policy. Coverage depends on the policy’s language, exclusions, deductibles, and the cause of the damage. Windstorm or hail coverage may also be subject to a percentage deductible.
Flooding requires particular attention. According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, standard homeowners policies do not cover damage from flooding or rising water. Flood insurance may instead be available through a separate policy, including coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.
CR Legal Team can help homeowners examine which policy may apply when there is a dispute about what caused the loss. This can matter when a storm produces both wind and water damage. Rather than assuming a denial is correct, review the policy and the insurer’s stated reason for its decision.
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Call 888-843-8326What Expenses Should You Track After a Hurricane?
Hurricane damage can force a family out of its home while repairs are underway. Depending on the policy, Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage may help with certain costs above normal household expenses. The North Carolina Department of Insurance advises consumers to speak with their insurer about the limits that apply before renting a temporary shelter.
CR Legal Team encourages homeowners to keep receipts for hurricane-related expenses, including:
- Temporary lodging: Keep hotel or rental receipts if your home can’t be safely occupied.
- Temporary repairs: Save invoices and receipts for reasonable work performed to prevent additional damage.
- Meals and necessities: Keep records of eligible extra expenses incurred while you can’t live at home.
- Property replacement: Save proof of purchases made to replace covered belongings damaged by the storm.
- Repair estimates: Keep written bids from contractors so you can compare them with the insurance adjuster’s estimate.
Ask your insurer which expenses are covered before assuming that everything will be reimbursed. Your policy may contain dollar limits, time limits, deductibles, or other conditions.
What If Your Hurricane Insurance Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?
A denied claim isn’t necessarily the end of the process. Read the denial carefully and compare the insurer’s explanation with your policy. If the settlement seems too low, review the adjuster’s estimate against photographs, contractor estimates, inventories, and other records. You may also be able to request another inspection when additional damage is found.
CR Legal Team can review a disputed insurance claim and help determine what steps may be available. We use Whole-Person Legal Care™ to consider the financial and personal strain that can come with serious property losses, not simply the paperwork involved in a claim.
If you’re struggling with an insurer after hurricane damage, contact our Team to discuss the situation and learn what options you may have. We can explain how to file an insurance claim after a hurricane and fight for your right to compensation.
