Lightning Damage and Public Adjusters
Florida is no stranger to intense thunderstorms and lightning strikes. In fact, the state experiences more lightning strikes annually than almost any other state in the U.S. And the state of Colorado isn't far behind.
While lightning can be a spectacular natural phenomenon, it can also cause significant and costly damage to homes and properties. Unfortunately, insurance claims resulting from lightning strikes can often be met with delays, denials, or lower-than-expected settlements. That’s where Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc. comes in.
How can lightning damage properties in Florida? Why may insurance companies delay or deny claims? And how can our team of experienced public adjusters help you navigate the process and secure the maximum settlement you’re entitled to?
The Types of Damage Lightning Can Cause to Your Property
Lightning is a powerful force of nature, capable of causing widespread damage in a split second. In Florida, lightning strikes are a common cause of property damage, and the impact can be far-reaching.
1. Fire Damage
Lightning strikes can ignite fires, especially in wooden structures or in areas where flammable materials are present. A direct strike to your home's roof, electrical system, or other key areas can easily start a fire that may spread quickly, causing significant damage to both the structure and its contents.
2. Electrical System Damage
Lightning can send a surge of electricity through your home's electrical system. This can destroy appliances, electronics, wiring, and even the structure of the house itself. The damage might not always be immediately apparent, as the effects of a surge can sometimes take time to show. You might find your devices suddenly malfunctioning or completely ruined without knowing the cause.
3. Structural Damage
A lightning strike can directly damage the roof, walls, or foundation of your home. If the strike occurs near or on your property, the force can cause cracks or even structural shifts, compromising the safety and integrity of your home.
4. Plumbing and Water Damage
Interestingly, lightning can also cause plumbing damage. A strike can affect water lines, resulting in leaks or (in extreme cases) ruptures that lead to flooding. The combination of water and fire damage can be incredibly costly to repair.
5. Tree and Landscaping Damage
While not typically as expensive as structural damage, lightning strikes can also harm trees, bushes, and landscaping. A direct hit can split a tree or cause it to fall, damaging your roof or other parts of your property.
Do Lightning Claims Get Denied or Delayed?
You may think that your insurance company will quickly approve your lightning damage claim, but that’s often not the case. Here are a few reasons why insurance companies might deny, delay, or underpay your claim:
1. Lack of Immediate Visible Damage
In some cases, lightning damage may not be immediately visible, especially when it affects your electrical system or plumbing. Insurance adjusters may argue that there’s no clear evidence of lightning damage, making it harder to secure a full settlement.
2. Debatable Cause of Loss
Insurance companies might argue that the damage was caused by something other than lightning. For example, they could claim that a fire was due to faulty wiring or that an electrical surge was caused by a power outage, rather than a lightning strike.
3. Policy Exclusions or Limits
Certain policies may exclude lightning-related damage or have limits on the amount they will pay out for such losses. Your insurer may try to minimize your payout by pointing to specific exclusions in your policy, leaving you with less than what you need to repair your home.
4. Failure to Properly Document the Damage
When filing a claim, your carrier places the burden of proof on you. Whether fair or not, insurance companies may delay or deny your claim if they believe you haven’t documented the damage properly or if they think the repair estimates are inflated.
5. Claims Backlog
During the peak of hurricane season or after a large weather event, insurance companies can be overwhelmed with claims, leading to delays in processing. This is especially true in Florida, where storms and lightning strikes are frequent.
Maximize Your Settlement
Navigating an insurance claim after lightning damage can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with the emotional stress of property loss. That’s where we can make all the difference.
Here’s how our team can help ensure you receive the maximum settlement for your lightning damage claim:
Expert Assessment of Damage
Our team of licensed public adjusters has extensive experience in assessing lightning damage. We conduct thorough inspections of your property, including areas and structural components that might have damages that aren't immediately visible (like electrical systems and plumbing). This ensures that no aspect of your claim is overlooked, helping to maximize your settlement.
Documentation of All Damages
One of the most important aspects of a successful claim is proper documentation. We gather detailed evidence of the damage caused by the lightning strike, including photographs, expert assessments, and repair estimates. This helps create a compelling case for your insurance claim.
Filing Your Claim on Your Behalf
Rather than trying to navigate the complex claims process on your own, our public adjusters handle all the paperwork, deadlines, and communication with your insurance company. We make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time, helping to avoid common delays or issues that can arise.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Our public adjusters are skilled negotiators with a deep understanding of Florida and Colorado insurance laws and regulations. We put this expertise to use for you, working with your insurer to fight for the full compensation you deserve for your lightning damage. If your claim is denied or undervalued, we challenge the insurance company's decision and advocate for a higher payout.
Minimizing Your Stress
Dealing with the aftermath of lightning damage can be overwhelming. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on restoring your home and your life. We handle the details of the claim, working hard to earn you the best possible outcome without the added stress.
Why Choose Us?
We understand that dealing with lightning damage can be both physically and emotionally draining. Our team is committed to providing personalized, professional service to homeowners throughout Florida. We’re passionate about ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, and we work tirelessly to make that happen.
We will always offer the following:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- Experienced, licensed public adjusters
- Thorough, accurate damage assessments
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers
- Complete claim management, from start to finish
If your property has been damaged by lightning, don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call us today to discuss your claim. We’re here to help you get the settlement you deserve and restore your home with as little stress as possible.
Call (888) 518-5678 or email admin@floridastatepa.com to get started!