Tampa Hurricane Damage Lawyer

At Suli & Martinez, we are prepared to help you navigate the complex hurricane damage claims process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Our experienced attorneys understand how to fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation needed to rebuild and recover your property quickly. We offer a free consultation where we can answer any questions you may have about your claim and help you understand your next steps.

Call to request a FREE consultation today: (813) 592-0000

How Do I Know if My Tampa Insurance Covers Hurricane Damage?

Your homeowners insurance policy typically covers wind damage from hurricanes but not flood damage from storm surges or rising water. You should review your policy and check your declarations page for specific hurricane deductibles. In Florida, deductibles are calculated as percentages of your home’s insured value—commonly two percent, five percent, or ten percent (2%, 5%, or 10%) as opposed to fixed amounts. Unfortunately, this means your initial out-of-pocket costs could be substantial.

To help ensure you have full hurricane protection in Tampa, you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Sadly, many Tampa homeowners discover too late that they have a standard policy that excludes flood damage. Flooding is among the most devastating losses experienced during hurricanes.

What Type of Storm Damage Is Typically Covered by Insurance in Tampa?

No single insurance policy covers all hurricane damage in Tampa. For comprehensive protection, Tampa property owners need multiple policies that work together when severe storms strike. Your standard homeowners policy typically covers wind damage to your roof and structure but excludes rising water damage.

For complete hurricane protection, we recommend that Tampa residents maintain three distinct types of coverage. Homeowners insurance handles wind-driven rain and structural damage, while separate flood insurance is essential for storm surges that affect many Tampa Bay neighborhoods. Additional specialized coverage like ordinance and law protection may cover costs if Tampa building codes require upgrades during repairs.

Here are the distinct types of coverage you consider in Tampa:

• Homeowners Insurance: Covers wind damage, torn roofs, broken windows, and water that enters through wind-created openings.
• Flood Insurance: Protects against rising water from storm surge and heavy rainfall that enters your home from the ground up.
• Wind/Hurricane Insurance: Sometimes required as separate coverage in high-risk Tampa coastal areas.
• Personal Property Coverage: Covers damage to your belongings up to your policy limits.
• Additional Living Expenses: Pays for temporary housing if your Tampa home becomes uninhabitable.
• Ordinance and Law Coverage: Helps with costs to rebuild according to current Tampa building codes.
• Scheduled Personal Property: Provides extra protection for high-value items that exceed standard coverage limits.

Can I Appeal a Denied Claim?

Yes, you can appeal a denied hurricane damage claim if your insurance provider rejects it. Insurance companies are required to provide you with a reason for the denial, and you have the right to challenge their decision.

To appeal a denied claim, you will need to gather additional evidence, such as repair estimates, expert opinions or documentation showing that the damage was covered under your policy. It may also be helpful to work with an attorney to guide you through the appeals process and strengthen your case.

Tactics Florida Insurance Companies May Use to Deny a Hurricane Damage Claim

Insurance companies sometimes use tactics to deny or reduce the amount of compensation they offer for hurricane damage claims. Knowing these tactics can help you recognize when your claim is being unfairly handled by Tampa insurers and when to seek legal assistance.

Lack of Proper Documentation

Insurers may claim you have not provided enough proof of damage, even if you have submitted detailed records and photos. They might request unnecessary documentation or dismiss evidence you already provided, claiming it is insufficient, unclear, or submitted too late. Tampa homeowners should carefully document all damage with time-stamped photos, videos, and detailed written descriptions.

Policy Exclusions

Insurance companies often use exclusions, like flood damage or general wear and tear, to avoid paying out on claims. They may argue your hurricane damage resulted from excluded causes rather than covered perils. For example, they might claim water damage came from flooding (not covered under standard policies) rather than from rain entering through wind-damaged areas (which is typically covered).

Delayed Responses

Insurers may delay responses by dragging out the claims process or repeatedly asking for the same information, hoping you will give up or accept a lower offer. Despite Florida law requiring insurers to acknowledge claims within 14 days and make decisions within 90 days, some Tampa insurance companies deliberately extend timelines, knowing financial pressure mounts on homeowners with each passing day.

Underestimating Damages

Insurance adjusters may intentionally offer less than what is needed to properly repair your property, leaving you with a smaller payout. They might use outdated pricing models, overlook hidden damage, or fail to account for Tampa’s specific building material costs and labor rates, which often surge after major storms.

Bad Faith Claim Denials

Some insurers deny legitimate claims outright without proper investigation, hoping policyholders will not appeal. This constitutes bad faith in Florida and violates your rights as a policyholder. Insurance companies must have valid reasons for claim denials and must communicate these reasons to you clearly.

Misrepresenting Policy Terms

Adjusters may misinterpret policy language or misrepresent coverage terms to justify reducing or denying your claim. They might claim certain damages fall outside your policy’s scope even when your policy clearly covers such damages, counting on your unfamiliarity with complex insurance terminology.

Pressuring Quick Settlements

After a hurricane devastates Tampa neighborhoods, insurers often pressure homeowners to accept immediate settlements before the full extent of damage becomes apparent. These quick offers typically undervalue your claim significantly and prevent you from claiming additionally discovered damage.

Biased Engineer Assessments

Insurance companies sometimes hire multiple engineers until they find one who will produce a report favorable to the insurer. These biased engineering reports may attribute damage to non-covered causes like pre-existing conditions rather than hurricane-force winds.

Disputing Causation

Insurers frequently dispute whether damage was caused by the hurricane or by other factors. They may claim roof damage existed before the storm or resulted from normal wear and tear rather than hurricane winds, despite clear evidence of storm-related destruction.

Administrative Claim Denials

Some Tampa insurance companies deny claims based on technical errors in paperwork or alleged policy violations. This includes claims that you failed to mitigate further damage, did not maintain your property properly, or made errors on your application that void coverage.

What Should I Do After a Hurricane Damages My Tampa Property?

After a storm causes damage to your property, taking immediate and careful action can help protect your claim. Follow these steps to ensure you are prepared:

• Document the Damage: Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas, including the exterior and interior of your property
• Contact your Insurance Company: Report the damage as soon as possible and start the claims process
• Make Temporary Repairs: Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows or securing leaking roofs
• Keep Receipts: Save all receipts for repairs or temporary fixes, as these can be included in your claim

How Can Suli & Martinez Help Me?

At Suli & Martinez, we are committed to helping you recover from storm damage by guiding you through every step of the claims process. When our trusted law firm represents you, we work diligently to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If your property has been damaged by a hurricane or other severe storm and you need help with your insurance claim, we encourage you to contact our law offices in Tampa today.

Our legal team is here to provide the support and legal help you need throughout the insurance claims process. Contact our law offices today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you recover the compensation you need.

Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. Call: (813) 592-0000