The last thing you want is to be caught unprepared should a tropical storm or hurricane hit. Not only can a lack of preparation lead to an increase in property damage, but it can also put your family at risk.
But what can you do to prepare in advance? And if damage should occur, how can you get the best settlement possible from your insurance provider?
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for a tropical storm, along with some steps you should take when filing your insurance claim (should a storm hit).
Preparing for Severe Storm Damage Before a Tropical Storm
There are some essential steps that you should take before a tropical storm to ensure not only the safety of your property but also the safety of your family and you. Here are some things you can do to prepare for a tropical storm:
Preparing Your Home
- Use sandbags to create a barrier outside of your home. This will help to prevent flooding.
- Close off any openings to the outside, which include electrical outlets, vents, and cables that travel through your walls.
- Remove branches that can damage your home.
- Consider investing in storm shutters, and at the minimum, cover your windows and glass doors.
- Remove any decorations or debris that can become projectiles from your lawn and patios.
Gathering Supplies
Here is a list of supplies that you’ll want to have ready before a storm hits:
- An emergency kit
- Child and pet supplies
- Water and non-perishable food
- Flashlights and radios
- Toiletries
- Gas
- A refill of your medication
- A map
- Batteries
- Cash (should you choose to leave)
Many of these supplies will help you in case of an evacuation order. It’s always better to be prepared for an evacuation, even if one never occurs.
Insurance
Before a tropical storm or hurricane hits, you’ll want to make sure you are ready to file an insurance claim (should the storm lead to damage). Here are some things you should do before a storm to help with your claim:
- Take photos and videos of your property and make a detailed list.
- Check that your insurance is up-to-date.
- Make updates to your policy if your property has undergone any changes.
- Reach out to Colucci Law Group to help you to file your claim.
The legal experts at Colucci Law Group know how to best prepare your claim to ensure you get the best payout possible. We know all of the tricks insurance providers employ to get out of paying claims, and we will ensure everything is filed properly so they can’t get around paying you what you are owed.
What Do I Do If My Insurance Provider Denies My Claim in Bad Faith?
If you file your claim on time and properly, your insurance provider owes you a payout on your claim. Should they choose to underpay you or deny your claim in bad faith, reach out to Colucci Law Group 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.