In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, Florida residents by the thousands are making hurricane insurance coverage claims. Hurricane Michael, which hit Florida’s panhandle last month, is now often compared to the massive Hurricane Andrew of 1992.

Hurricane Michael does appear to have an aftermath less disruptive than that of Hurricane Andrew. Experts anticipate that the damage will be mostly limited to the destruction zone. Insurance providers predict that there will be fewer hurricane insurance coverage claims made after Michael because the hurricane passed through a less-populated region than Andrew did.

However, almost all residents in Hurricane Michael’s path will require some repairs. Many homes were destroyed, and those that were not destroyed will need roof repairs. Florida residents now face a challenge not only of dealing with the storm damage itself, but with the challenge of construction scheduling delays, a scarcity of roofing materials, and rising materials prices.

Reportedly, roofing materials are on back order, so some residents will have to wait to have their homes repaired. In addition, prices for roofing materials have been rising in recent months, not because of storm-related demand but because of tariffs. Contractors report having to drive to central Florida for roofing materials, causing delays. 

Hurricane insurance coverage claims can offer some help in recovering from the latest in what has felt like a string of natural disasters. But the process can be complicated, and policyholders don’t always get the full amount they’re entitled to.

If you faced hurricane damage after Hurricane Michael, you may be able to receive compensation for the damage to your home. An experienced lawyer can help guide you through the process of making a claim for hurricane insurance coverage, and can help you gain the most compensation for your claim.

Florida residents are seeing responses to their claims for coverage. Adjusters have determined that there have been around $2.9 billion in insured losses after Michael. That number is expected to increase over time. For example, Hurricane Irma’s insured losses also increased over time, with $10.5 billion in insured losses estimated in mid-August.

According to an article by The Virginian-Pilot, Anthony DuBose, president of Coastal Community Insurance Agency in Panama City, expressed pleasure that the insurance claims have been handled in a timely manner. He told the newspaper that “the companies have been good about getting money to homeowners quickly. It’s been better than I thought it would be a month and three days into it.”

Some residents are experiencing more delays than others. Those who experienced less damage may have to wait longer to make a claim and receive compensation than people who had extensive damage or who had their homes entirely destroyed.

In the wake of natural disasters, insurance agents often send agents to the most badly damaged areas first, to work with those making severe damage claims first. In this process, they will often send their most experienced agents to the severe cases early, so things run as smoothly as possible.

So, it’s important for Florida residents with hurricane insurance coverage to report the entire extent of the damage. Report all of the damage done to home and property, not just the large issues. This will help insurers accurately assess the damage, and will help residents get assistance as quickly as possible. Accurately reporting the damage will also enable residents to get the most compensation possible.