Hurricane Claims Center

How to Know If You Have a Property Claim After A Hurricane

When disaster strikes and a hurricane leaves your property in ruins, the last thing you need is an insurance company making it harder to rebuild. At CMS Law Group, we specialize in handling denied, underpaid, or delayed hurricane claims for Florida homeowners and businesses. Don’t settle for less than you deserve—let us fight for your full recovery while you focus on getting your life back on track.

After a hurricane, assessing your property for damage is the first step in determining whether you have a valid insurance claim. Here are the key indicators and factors to consider:

Signs of Hurricane Damage

Hurricane damage isn’t always obvious, and some signs may take weeks or even months to reveal themselves. In addition to visible destruction, such as missing or damaged roof tiles and shingles, or broken windows, keep an eye out for water stains on walls or ceilings, mold growth, or fogged up windows,—these could indicate hidden structural damage or building envelope failures. Inspect your property for stucco damage, warped flooring, cracks in the foundation, or gaps around doors and windows, as they may signal underlying issues caused by the storm’s force. Documenting these signs early, especially with pictures and video, can make a significant difference in the success of your claim.

Even minor damage can lead to significant issues if left unaddressed. Look for the following:

  • Roof Damage: Missing or damaged shingles (including cracked or chipped tiles), leaks, or water stains on ceilings.
  • Water Damage: Flooding, water stains on ceilings, walls, or around doors or windows, warped flooring, or peeling paint inside the home.
  • Structural Damage: Cracks in walls, foundation issues, or weakened structures like porches, screen enclosures, and fences.
  • Mold or Mildew: The result of water intrusion that hasn’t been properly dried out.
  • Exterior Damage: Broken windows, chipped stucco, dented siding, or debris-related impacts.

Property Claim After A Hurricane

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Types of Storm Damage & Claims

Types of Damage Covered by Insurance

Homeowners insurance typically covers a range of damages caused by hurricanes, but it’s important to understand the specifics of your policy. Common types of covered damage include wind damage to your roof, siding, and windows, as well as water damage caused by rain entering through storm-created openings. Many policies also cover structural damage to your home and detached structures like sheds or garages. Personal property, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics, is often included as well if the rain enters through storm-created openings. However, flood damage caused by rising water usually requires separate flood insurance. Knowing what is covered under your policy ensures you can maximize your claim after a storm.

Most standard homeowner insurance policies cover specific types of hurricane-related damage, including:

  • Wind Damage: Losses caused by high winds, such as broken windows, roof damages, or structural damage.
  • Water Intrusion (Rain): Damage resulting from wind-driven rain entering through openings caused by the storm.
  • Personal Property Loss: Damage to furniture, electronics, and other belongings from wind-driven rain entering through openings caused by the storm
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Note: Flood damage is typically not covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. Be sure to review your coverage for limitations or exclusions.

Policy Exclusions and Limitations to Watch For

Insurance policies often have fine print that limits coverage:

  • Hurricane Deductibles: These are separate and higher than your regular deductible.
  • Wear and Tear Exclusions: Damage caused by pre-existing issues may not be covered.
  • Faulty, Inadequate, or Defective maintenance, repair or construction Exclusions: Damage caused by defective workmanship may not be covered.
  • Wind Created Opening Exclusions: Interior and personal property water damages caused by wind-driven rain where the storm did not create andopening in the structure.  
  • Flooding: Requires a specific flood insurance policy to be eligible.

When to Act on Your Hurricane Claim?

Don’t delay! Florida law places strict deadlines on filing hurricane claims, reopening claims, and filing supplemental claims. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and ensures that temporary repairs don’t void coverage.

If you’re unsure whether your damage qualifies for a claim, contact CMS Law Group for a free property evaluation. Our team will help you understand your coverage and determine if you have a claim worth pursuing and, if appropriate, get you in touch with a licensed public adjuster associated with The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA).

How to Start Your Claim with CMS Law Group

Filing a hurricane insurance claim can be overwhelming, but CMS Law Group makes the process straightforward and stress-free. Follow these steps to begin your claim:

Step 1: Schedule a Free Consultation

Contact CMS Law Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we’ll review your situation, evaluate your damages, and discuss your insurance policy to determine the strength of your claim, and help you determine if you need legal representation or the assistance of a licensed public adjuster that works with The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) who specializes in adjusting claims

Step 2: Provide Documentation

If legal representation is appropriate, CMS Law Group will assist you in gathering all relevant documentation, including photos of the damage, repair estimates, and a copy of your insurance policy. Don’t worry if you’re unsure what to include—our team will guide you through everything you need to provide.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

Once your documentation is ready, CMS Law Group will help you prepare and file your claim with your insurance company. We’ll ensure it includes all necessary details and meets submission requirements to minimize delays.

Step 4: Negotiation and Advocacy

Insurance companies often look for ways to underpay or deny claims. That’s where our expertise comes in. CMS Law Group will:

A. Handle all communication with your insurer.

B. Push back against lowball offers.

C. Advocate for the full value of your claim.

Step 5: Resolve Your Claim

Whether through negotiation or legal action, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under your policy. We keep you informed throughout the process, so you’re never in the dark.

Why Choose CMS Law Group for Your Hurricane Claim?

Choosing CMS Law Group means partnering with a team of experienced hurricane claims attorneys dedicated to fighting for your rights. In a state where insurance companies often prioritize profits over policyholders, we stand as your unwavering advocate, ensuring you’re not shortchanged or wrongfully denied. With a deep understanding of Florida’s complex insurance laws and a proven track record of success, CMS Law Group provides personalized attention to every case. We guide you through every step of the claims or litigation process, tackling delays, denials, and undervalued settlements head-on. When you choose CMS Law Group, you’re choosing a legal ally committed to securing the compensation you deserve to rebuild and recover.

  • Expertise in Hurricane Claims: Our team specializes in navigating Florida’s complex insurance landscape.
  • Proven Results: We’ve successfully secured hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients.
  • Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize your needs, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Don’t navigate the claims process alone. Partner with CMS Law Group to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started.

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What You Need for Your Claim

Filing a hurricane insurance claim requires detailed documentation and preparation to ensure your claim is processed efficiently. Here’s what you’ll need:

Documentation of Damage

Properly documenting hurricane damage is a critical step in filing a successful insurance claim. Start by taking detailed photographs and videos of all affected areas, including structural damage, personal belongings, and any debris around your property. Use a date stamp if possible, and capture close-up and wide-angle shots for thoroughness. Make an inventory of damaged items, noting their value and any receipts or proof of purchase you may have. Keep a record of any temporary repairs you make to prevent further damage, along with receipts for materials and labor. Meticulous documentation can strengthen your case and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If appropriate, you should consider hiring a licensed public insurance adjuster that is associated with The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) to assist in documenting and adjusting your claim. While not a lawyer, a public adjuster is an insurance professional that is hired by the policyholder to help document damages and to assist in fully recovering insurance proceeds in the event of a loss. Public adjusters inspect all areas to demonstrate the entire impact of the loss-producing event. Public adjusters share a similar interest with the policyholder in achieving the most accurate comprehensive claim payment possible, and in an expedited manner that results in payments to policyholders.  CMS Law Group can assist you with deciding when a public adjuster is appropriate and connect you with these licensed insurance professionals.      

Accurate documentation is essential to prove the extent of your losses. Include:

  • Photos and Videos: Capture all visible damage, both inside and outside your property. Take wide-angle shots as well as close-ups.
  • Inventory of Damaged Items: Create a detailed list of personal property that has been damaged or destroyed, including approximate values.
  • Receipts and Records: Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or replacement purchases.
  • Pre-Loss Pictures, Videos, and Reports: Find any documentation depicting the condition of the property prior to the loss.   

Your Insurance Policy

Have a copy of your insurance policy readily available. This will help you understand your coverage, deductibles, and exclusions. If you’re unsure about the policy language, CMS Law Group can review it for you.

Proof of Ownership

For personal property claims, you may need to provide proof of ownership. This could include purchase receipts, credit card statements, or photos of the items before the hurricane.

Estimates for Repairs

Any professional repair or replacement estimates to include with your claim. This can help validate the cost of damages and expedite the approval process.

Communication Logs

Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company, including:

  • Dates and times of calls.
  • Names of representatives spoken to.
  • Summaries of discussions.

Expert Assistance

Having a licensed public adjuster or lawyer review your claim before submission can prevent costly mistakes or omissions. CMS Law Group can guide you through this process, ensuring you have all necessary documentation to strengthen your claim.

Proper preparation can make the difference between a smooth claims process and unnecessary delays or denials. Reach out to CMS Law Group for assistance every step of the way.

Let’s Get Your Claim Started Today

At CMS Law Group, we understand that dealing with hurricane damage and navigating the insurance claims process can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to provide you with expert legal guidance and the support you need every step of the way. With our team by your side, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled with the utmost care and attention to detail, maximizing your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. If you’ve experienced hurricane damage, contact CMS Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward with peace of mind.