News & Insights
October 9, 2024
What Does Hurricane Insurance Cover in Florida? Insights from Hurricane Milton
A guide to hurricane insurance and claims assistance from ITL Legal for Hurricane Milton victims.
Robert Gonzalez
Founder & CEO
Typically, homeowners insurance policies in Florida provide coverage for a variety of common risks but it’s important to know the limitations of standard policies. This might include certain types of wind damage but most policies have specific exclusions or separate deductibles due to the frequency that hurricanes hit Florida. This is why making sure you have windstorm coverage is important, it addresses the types of damage that don’t come with standard policies. To protect your property from flood damage, it’s important to note that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damages. For this, you need to get a seperate flood insurance policy.
Hurricane Milton is slated to have a significant impact on homeowners across Central and West Florida. Early estimates suggest several billion in property damage from high winds, storm surge and flash flooding. Make sure you evacuate if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, take the necessary steps to ensure you are prepared for losing power and flooding. Take photos of the high risk areas of your property and read your insurance policy to understand what steps to take if you do experience damage.
Generally speaking Hurricane deductibles differ pretty markedly from standard insurance deductibles. While a standard deductible is typically a fixed amount, hurricane deductibles are generally calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value amount. This percentage generally depends on your insurance policy and the overally value of your home. Managing these can be confusing, especially after your life has been altered by a major storm. To prep, homeowners should generally set aside an emergency fund to cover potential deductibles. Being proactive in understanding your policy is an important first step in hurricane preparedness for homeowners.
When filing hurricane insurance claims, homeowners often face several challenges that can impede their claims process. Standard reasons for claim denials or underpayments include disputes over wind/flood damage and if damage was pre-existing prior to the storm. This is why it’s important to have all pre-existing damage photographed and documented prior to the storm’s landfall.
ITL Legal is committed to assisting victims in navigating the complex landscape of insurance claims. Our firm specializes in this type of litigation, providing expert advice to homeowner’s affected by the hurricane. We offer free consultations and we understand the urgency of recovering from a disaster. Partner with ITL to have a dedicated advocate on your side.
"We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness."— Petra Nemcova, Founder of All Hands and Hearts
As Hurricane Milton nears Florida's shores, it's more important than ever to take proactive steps in safeguarding your home and understanding your insurance coverage. Reviewing your policies can help you navigate the complexities of hurricane deductibles, windstorm coverage, and the necessity of separate flood insurance. By preparing now—documenting your property, securing important belongings, and knowing what your insurance covers—you can alleviate some of the stress that comes with such natural disasters.
At ITL Legal, we stand ready to assist you in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Our dedicated team specializes in helping homeowners like you navigate the challenging landscape of insurance claims. We offer expert advice and are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you're entitled to. Don't face the recovery process alone; partner with ITL Legal to have a trusted advocate by your side.
Stay safe, and remember that preparation today can make a significant difference tomorrow.
