Many state residents have dealt with roof damage from wind in Florida, especially given the state’s relationship with natural disasters like hurricanes. The mess these events leave behind can put Florida homeowners in a real bind when they have to figure out which policies to apply for in order to receive coverage—the process can be complicated. Negotiation for homeowners insurance in Florida can also be incredibly expensive, especially after major natural disasters like Hurricanes Irma and Michael in the last few years.

Is It Truly Wind Damage?

Figuring out what damage was caused by wind can be difficult since the wind does not hit the roof evenly. It’s also possible that wind damage on one roof looks quite different from others in the neighborhood. For insurance purposes, however, it’s important to be able to identify wind damage after a weather event so a claim can be promptly filed.

People often talk about the significant water damage after a hurricane, but it’s not the only kind of damage homeowners should be prepared for. Wind damage can be substantial, lifting up the corners of the shingles or even remove them from the roof completely. One of the most problematic types of wind damage is known as “lifting.” This happens when the shingle stays intact on the surface but the suction effect created by high winds can pull those shingles up and loosen the nails holding them down.

Roof damage can also happen when flying debris like branches or other objects slam into a roof at high wind speeds.

Can I Get Money for My Wind Damage?

Depending on the specifics of the claim, insurance companies will review to determine whether or not the issue involved was a “covered event” and whether or not the company will pay out based on that investigation.

Reading the fine print of the insurance policy can help homeowners figure out whether or not roof damage from wind in Florida is covered and can offer some leverage if the insurance company attempts to deny the claim.

The specifics of a homeowner’s policy can also tell them the amount of their deductible that they selected when they signed up for the policy. Any storm that has winds 39 mph or above, as classified by the World Meteorological Association, will apply a standard deductible or excess is two percent for those storms.

Is Wind Damage Covered in My General Homeowners Policy?

Most Florida residents have a homeowners insurance policy in place to help them get repairs or deal with damage in their homes after a big storm. It can come as a shock, however, if a certain issue like flooding or wind damage is named by the company as a reason they won’t pay out on the claim.

After Hurricane Andrew, many municipal government authorities updated building codes in order to prepare residents for better protection. For newer buildings, therefore, these are in a better position to withstand wind damage. However, Florida property owners claim that insurance companies have delayed the pay out of claims in the wake of recent hurricanes.

With an older home, homeowners are more likely to deal with significant roof damage from wind in Florida.

How Do Insurance Companies Determine the Coverage Limit?

If you have a covered event like roof damage from wind in Florida, the insurance company is most likely to use a percentage of your total coverage limit instead of one flat cost to determine what the policyholder has to pay.

Can I File a Florida Insurance Lawsuit?

Sometimes, homeowners may not be given the full insurance payouts that they are due. Make sure you check the specific language of your homeowners insurance policy to determine what exactly should be covered.

A Florida property damage attorney can help you if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit. Even prior to litigation, including an attorney in the negotiation process will often result in a more reasonable settlement offer right from the start.

Florida Property Damage Insurance Claim Help

If you live in Florida and your home or business was damaged, enlisting the help of an experienced property damage attorney may make a difference in the outcome of your claim. 

Learn more by filling out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by a Florida property damage lawyer. 

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