Most people don’t study meteorology and aren’t experts on the weather. While you don’t have to go to school to become a weather forecaster to live in Florida, it’s still important to know some basic facts about hurricanes. There are a lot of myths swirling around, and some of these myths can actually lead to real-world consequences.
Below are some major misconceptions about hurricanes, along with resources to help you prepare and what can be done if your insurance provider decides to deny your property damage claim in bad faith after a hurricane.
Misconceptions About Hurricanes
There are quite a few misconceptions about hurricanes. To keep you safe, here are some of the top myths you may have heard and their realities:
Myth: A hurricane is a hurricane. They are all the same.
Reality: Hurricanes vary in intensity, from Category 1 to Category 5. These intensities will mean the difference between damaged roofs and trees and severe destruction of homes and businesses. Make sure you pay attention to the hurricane Category and prepare for an evacuation in case you get orders to do so.
Myth: Taping my windows will prevent shattering.
Reality: This is actually not only untrue but can be hazardous. Taping can lead to larger and more dangerous shards of glass. Install metal shutters (or at least plywood) to protect your windows.
Myth: I can just get some supplies and ride out the storm.
Reality: While some storms are minor enough that you can bunker down, this isn’t the case for all storms. You should have an evacuation kit and plan ready in case the storm gets worse. Utilize the resources in the next section to put together a plan of action and an emergency kit.
Myth: My insurance company will take care of everything.
Reality: Insurance companies are good at paying as little as possible and may even deny a claim entirely in bad faith. Make sure you document your property with lists, photos, and videos before a storm and then document the damage after. File properly and on time. If you need help with filing your claim, reach out to Colucci Law Group. We’ll help you to get the most out of your settlement.
Finding Reliable Information and Resources
Here are some sources of reliable information that will help you to prepare for an upcoming storm:
- DWRM Hurricane and Tropical Storm Information (https://floridadep.gov/water/water/content/dwrm-hurricane-and-tropical-storm-information): This site provides you with general storm guidance, links to evacuation routes, links to current season storm information, and more.
- Florida Chamber Safety Council (https://www.flchambersafety.com/hurricane-resources-for-floridians/): This site provides you with a list of helpful resources and tools, which include links to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Red Cross, the National Weather Service, and more.
- FloridaDisaster.org (https://www.floridadisaster.org/): This website provides Floridians with a ton of helpful information and resources. This includes information about planning for a storm, including preparation checklists, a list of shelters, tips for mitigating damage, how to discover your zone, some common hazards, and much more.
What If My Insurance Company Denies My Claim in Bad Faith
If your property has been damaged due to a hurricane, you are up to date on your insurance, and you have filed your claim properly, your insurance company owes you compensation. If they deny your claim in bad faith, reach out to Colucci Law Group today for support.
Colucci Law Group consists of legal experts who provide clients with support to fight bad faith claim denials. We will provide you with an outstanding property insurance lawyer to represent you in a suit against your insurance provider. We are also able to file your claim for you and defend your rights, so you get the settlement that you deserve.
For more information about our property insurance legal services, reach out today. We’d be happy to help you to file your claim or represent you in a lawsuit against your insurance provider.
If you suspect that you are the victim of a bad-faith insurance claim denial, we can help. The Colucci Law Group has the resources to assess the validity of your claim at no cost to you. For a free consultation, email us or call our Dunedin office at 727-733-9438. You may also call our Fort Myers office at 239-378-7800. Our team assists victims of bad-faith insurance claims across the state of Florida.