In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Florida residents are grappling with more than just physical damage; they’re also fighting insurance companies that fail to fully compensate for their losses. Many policyholders are now facing an equally frustrating challenge: underpaid insurance claims.
If you received a payment that doesn’t come close to covering your repair or rebuilding costs, you’re not alone.
Unfortunately, underpayments are a common tactic insurers use to minimize their financial exposure after major disasters. But the good news is: you have options, and legal assistance from a firm with a thorough understanding of policy exclusions can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome and the compensation you deserve.
How Hurricane Helene’s Damage Has Impacted Insurance Claims
Hurricane Helene brought destructive winds, storm surges, and significant flooding, damaging or destroying personal belongings, homes, and businesses. Insurance companies have been inundated with claims, and in many cases, they’ve responded by minimizing payouts.
Some insurers offer lowball settlements rather than deny a claim outright, betting that policyholders either won’t notice or won’t fight back. These underpayments can leave families with serious financial burdens, delaying repairs, relocations, or full recovery.
Whether your damage is structural, cosmetic, or involves business interruption, every dollar matters, and settling for less than you’re owed can have long-term consequences.
Why Hurricane Insurance Claims Get Denied or Underpaid
Understanding why your claim might have been underpaid is crucial in deciding how to respond. Some common tactics include:
- Undervaluing property damage assessments based on internal estimates rather than contractor quotes
- Omitting certain covered losses by classifying them as maintenance issues or wear and tear
- Blaming third-party causes, like flooding, to exclude responsibility
- Insufficient documentation
- Misinterpreting policy language to limit payouts
- Payment delays followed by pressure to accept an offer before you’ve assessed the full structural damage
In most cases, it’s not a matter of misunderstanding; it’s about maximizing profit at your expense.
Should You Hire an Attorney?
Hiring an attorney isn’t necessary in every case, but it’s the smartest move for many. An experienced attorney knowledgeable in hurricane Helene damage and insurance disputes can ensure your rights are protected, you receive fair compensation, and your insurance claim is taken seriously.
Here’s how an experienced lawyer can help with your hurricane damage claims:
- Thorough Policy Review: Insurance policies contain complex language, exceptions, and fine print. A lawyer can interpret these details and determine what’s truly covered.
- Accurate Damage Assessment: Attorneys often work with independent adjusters or construction experts to assess the real value of your losses, not the insurer’s version.
- Negotiation Power: Insurance companies tend to be more responsive when a policyholder has legal representation with extensive experience, especially during disputes.
- Legal Leverage: If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit for breach of contract or bad faith handling, and pursue interest or penalties.
When Legal Help Is Recommended
Not every claim needs a lawyer, but here are some red flags that indicate you should consult one with a proven track record:
- Your claim was drastically underpaid
- The insurance company refuses to explain how they calculated your payout
- You’ve been waiting months for a reassessment with no progress
- Your home is unlivable, but temporary housing or repair costs weren’t fully covered
- You feel pressured to accept a final offer without time to review it
- You’ve filed an appeal but received no meaningful response
If any of these apply to your situation, Larry Moskowitz, PA, can help you evaluate your options and take the next steps in your Hurricane Helene insurance claim.
What If You Choose to Handle Your Hurricane Helene Claim Yourself?
Disputing an underpaid claim is possible but requires time, persistence, and an organized approach. If you’re confident in your documentation and communication skills, here’s what to do:
- Request a detailed breakdown of how the insurance company calculated your payout.
- Compare the insurer’s decision to your estimates from licensed contractors.
- Submit a written dispute including photos, repair estimates, expert opinions by independent professionals, or additional documentation that supports your valuation.
- Follow up regularly and keep all communications regarding your property damage claim in writing.
You Don’t Have to Settle For Less
It’s frustrating to pay your insurance policy premiums year after year, only to be shortchanged when you finally need coverage. Whether your claim was partially paid, lowballed, or ignored, you deserve to know your rights and options regarding insurance disputes.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we’ve helped countless Floridians dispute underpaid claims and fight against bad-faith insurance tactics after a natural disaster. If you’re unsure whether to move forward alone or with legal support, we offer honest, straightforward consultations to help you decide.
Don’t let insurance games delay your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your coverage limits and the claims process, and let’s make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.