Hurricane and Windstorm
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if my home or business is damaged by a windstorm or hurricane?
- Will I get living expenses while the insurer is investigating my claim or my home or business is being repaired or rebuilt?
- No flood waters entered my home, but it sustained water damage. Is this covered?
- How long does the insurer have to repair my home?
- The insurer is asking for personal information and documents. Do I need to give the insurer all the information it is requesting?
- The insurer is asking for my sworn statement, do I need to do this?
1. What should I do if my home or business is damaged by a windstorm or hurricane?
You should notify your insurer immediately if your home or business property has been damaged by a windstorm or hurricane. If you do not get a quick response, the insurer has not promptly adjusted your claim, has paid less than the full value of your claim, or in some other manner has not treated you properly, call the property insurance lawyers at Wells Law Group.
2. Will I get living expenses while the insurer is investigating my claim or my home or business is being repaired or rebuilt?
Additional living expenses are usually covered by a policy of Homeowner’s Insurance up to the limits set forth in the policy for a specified period. This can cover lodging, clothing, food and necessities while your claim is being adjusted or your home is being rebuilt or repaired. Insurance for Business Interruption (loss of income) or Extra Expense Coverage (coverage associated with operating your business at a different location) are usually available under a business owners policy. If the insurer is not providing these benefits to you, contact the windstorm attorneys at the Wells Law Group.
3. No flood waters entered my home, but it sustained water damage. Is this covered?
More than likely yes. Most policies provide coverage for water damage if the water entered the home through some sort of damage to your property, unrelated to a flood. If the insurer is denying your water damage claim stating it is not covered by the policy, contact the hurricane attorneys at the Wells Law Group.
4. How long does the insurer have to repair my home?
The statutes and cases interpreting this say “reasonable time” is allotted for repair, but there is no set time frame. This will varies depending on the facts of each case and other external factors. If you think your insurer is taking too long to adjust or otherwise pay for all or part of your claim, contact the experienced hurricane attorneys at Wells Law Group.
5. The insurer is asking for personal information and documents. Do I need to give the insurer all the information it is requesting?
You have a duty to cooperate with the insurer under your policy, and you most likely must provide all the information in your possession the insurer is asking for. If the insurer is seeking information that you do not feel they are entitled to, contact an experienced hurricane attorney at the Wells Law Group and we can provide you with guidance.
6. The insurer is asking for my sworn statement, do I need to do this?
The insurer has the right to completely investigate your claim. Insurers sometimes request a sworn statement, which they have the right to do. If requested, you need to attend the examination under oath and answer the questions as truthfully as possible. However, we always caution a person about attending a sworn statement without an attorney present. Having an attorney present is your right under your policy.
Wells Law Group Frequently Asked Questions
 For more Frequently Asked Questions about insurance hurricane and windstorm disputes visit our main Wells Law Group website.
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