George Hooker shares valuable advice on minimizing risk and documenting storm damage during hurricane season
As hurricane season approaches, homeowners in Florida face the daunting task of preparing for potential storm damage during hurricane season. To gain insights into effective preparation and managing insurance claims, Calle Ocho News spoke with George Hooker, Esq., a prominent attorney at Cole, Scott, & Kissane, Florida’s largest law firm.
Recently, Hooker successfully represented a Miami-based client in a significant hurricane storm damage case. In this interview, Hooker discusses crucial steps homeowners should take before hurricane season, how to avoid common pitfalls in insurance claims, and strategies for dealing with litigation if a claim is denied or underpaid.
Understanding insurance deductibles and preparation
When it comes to storm damage insurance, Hooker emphasizes the importance of understanding your policy's deductible. He notes that many homeowners opt for high deductibles to lower their insurance premiums. However, this can create challenges if severe damage occurs, as high deductibles may be difficult to afford. Hooker advises homeowners to select a deductible they can reasonably afford in the event of significant hurricane damage.
To mitigate risk and avoid potential insurance claims or litigation, Hooker suggests a proactive approach. This includes taking detailed photographs of your home before a storm hits and immediately after the storm passes. Such documentation helps provide a clear picture of any damage and supports your claim with your insurance provider. He also recommends performing emergency repairs as necessary and keeping your insurance company informed throughout the process.
Documenting storm damage
Effective documentation is key when filing an insurance claim. Hooker stresses that taking comprehensive photographs of every affected area of your home is crucial. These images should capture the damage in detail and, if possible, include pre-storm photographs to establish that the damage was caused by the storm rather than pre-existing conditions.
Beyond photographs, homeowners should keep all invoices, estimates, and documents related to repairs and expenses incurred due to storm damage. This thorough documentation can support the claim and ensure that the insurance company fully understands the extent of the damage and the associated costs.
Common mistakes made with hurricane season damage
Hooker identifies several common mistakes homeowners make when filing hurricane season damage claims. One major error is delaying the report of the claim. Some homeowners might wait, assuming the damage does not exceed their deductible or is not covered by their policy. However, Hooker warns that delaying the report can adversely affect coverage, as most policies require prompt notice of claims. In Florida, prompt notice is defined as what is "reasonably practicable" given the situation. If a homeowner discovers damage but waits too long to report it, their coverage might be jeopardized.
Avoid litigation if possible
If a storm damage claim is denied or underpaid, homeowners should avoid the possibility of litigation. Hooker advises that rather than immediately resorting to litigation, homeowners should explore alternative dispute resolution methods. These include mediation through the Department of Financial Services (DFS) or appraisal processes where both parties appoint appraisers to resolve differences in estimates.
Hooker also cautions against conducting extensive repairs or mitigation work without the insurance company's approval. While it’s essential to address immediate damage, excessive or unauthorized repairs can complicate the claim process and potentially impact coverage.
In discussing a recent case where Hooker represented an insurance carrier, he shares that the case involved a tropical storm with minimal wind speeds. The client’s very old roof got damaged, which Hooker successfully argued was due to normal wear and tear rather than the storm.
Impact of rising insurance costs
Rising homeowners insurance costs are a significant concern for Florida residents. Hooker attributes these increases to high litigation rates in the state, which have driven up premiums. However, he is optimistic that recent legislative changes addressing attorney’s fees and other reforms may lead to relief in the future. In the meantime, he advises homeowners to explore insurance credits for mitigation efforts and shop around for the best possible deal.
Future outlook on hurricane damage insurance
Looking ahead, Hooker anticipates a decrease in litigation due to legislative changes. He also stresses the importance of protecting homes from damage by strengthening them with hurricane-resistant features like windows. Furthermore, he advises homeowners to consider purchasing flood insurance in addition to standard homeowners insurance, as flood damage is often not covered under standard policies. With increasing storm severity, even areas previously considered safe from flooding might experience catastrophic damage.
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