How Long Do I Have to File or Reopen a Hurricane Irma Claim in Florida?

Hurricane Irma swept through Florida in September 2017, leaving a path of destruction and uncertainty in its wake. Many people made initial claims resulting from hurricane damage while others may have waited. Still others made claims only to discover that they had sustained more damage than they first anticipated. Read below for information on the time limit to file or reopen a Hurricane Irma Claim and what should be reported.

Extent of Damages

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported estimated insured losses caused by Hurricane Irma at more than $11 billion, as of November 14, 2018. There were 838,109 claims, the majority of which came from homeowners. There were over 256,000 insurance claims that had not been paid as of this reporting date. More than 59,000 claims were still considered open.

Delayed Insurance Payments

Many Florida residents have become frustrated with the process involved with making insurance claims after Hurricane Irma. Many insurance adjusters are third-party individuals who do not work for the insurance company. Property owners have experienced delays, multiple inspectors and a lack of communication regarding their claim. Additionally, contractors lament that there are not enough skilled workers to help with the repairs.

The insurance industry blames delays on struggles with third parties who represent homeowners, including public adjusters, attorneys and contractors. Additionally, not complying with the terms of an insurance policy can lead to further delays.

Homeowners should expect some delays after a major storm when there are many residents and businesses that are making similar claims during a limited period of time.

Florida Law Regarding Hurricane Claims

Florida Law Statute 627.70132 limits the amount of time to file or reopen a claim under a property insurance policy for loss or damage caused by a hurricane or windstorm within three years after the damage was sustained. While this law technically gives property owners three years to file a claim, it is usually in their best interest to file a claim sooner so that the property can be repaired and further damage can be mitigated. Additionally, insurance adjusters may suspect that the damage was not related to the hurricane if there is a long delay between the time of the storm and the time of the claim.

Reopening a Claim

Many initial claims did not fully account for the entire extent of damages property owners faced, causing many individuals and businesses to reopen a claim. Citizens Property Insurance Corp. reported that more than a third of its 66,400 claims had been reopened for additional payments and additional information to be shared.

What Damages Should Be Reported

Property owners should report damages that they see. They should give a detailed description of property damage and provide photos when appropriate. There may be damage that property owners do not see, such as roof damage, but they can report damage that may point to this, such as missing shingles or water damage to the home’s ceilings.

At Get Paid For Your Claim we handle insurance claims on behalf of our clients so they don’t have to. Our service is fast, to the point and gets results. We know what needs to be done in order to get the desired outcome. We know how to strategically move the process along, while negotiating on our clients’ behalf toward the best possible outcome, the maximum settlement available. The insurance company has their own team of experts and adjusters to advocate on their behalf and Public Adjusters work for those insurance policyholders who have been forced to use that insurance to make a claim.  Contact us today to learn more.