Tropical Storms and Public Adjusters

Hurricane Milton Hitting Florida with Wind and Flood

Florida homeowners are no strangers to the unpredictable weather that comes with living in a state frequently impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes. While hurricanes typically steal the spotlight due to their devastating force, tropical storms can also wreak havoc on properties. Despite this, many homeowners may not fully understand the potential damage that tropical storms can cause, nor the complexities involved in securing an insurance settlement.

One major issue that arises during the claims process is the distinction between tropical storms and hurricanes. Insurance companies often argue that damages caused by tropical storms should fall under the policy’s hurricane deductible, which may be much higher than the standard deductible for other types of damage. This can significantly affect how much compensation you receive for the damages caused by a tropical storm.

At Florida State Public Adjusters, Inc., we specialize in helping Florida homeowners maximize their insurance settlements after damage from tropical storms. We’ll help you navigate the intricacies of your policy, understand how tropical storm damage is assessed, and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Let’s explore the key aspects of how tropical storms cause damage, how insurance companies may handle claims, and how our expert public adjusters can assist you.

How Do Tropical Storms Differ from Hurricanes?

While hurricanes and tropical storms are both types of tropical cyclones, they differ in strength and the level of damage they can cause. However, many homeowners mistakenly assume that tropical storm damages are covered under the standard policy deductible, when in fact, insurers often argue that the hurricane deductible should apply.

Tropical Storms

A tropical storm is a low-pressure system that brings strong winds and heavy rainfall. While tropical storms have sustained wind speeds ranging from 39 mph to 73 mph, they do not reach the intensity of hurricanes. Tropical storms can still cause significant damage, especially with prolonged wind exposure and intense rainfall. The damage caused by tropical storms often includes:

  • Wind Damage: High winds can cause trees to fall, knock down power lines, and damage roofs, windows, and siding.
  • Flooding: Heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods, damaging homes and infrastructures. Water can seep into basements, crawl spaces, and other areas not designed to withstand heavy water accumulation.
  • Debris Impact: Flying debris from trees and other structures can damage vehicles, roofs, and other parts of the home.

Hurricanes

A hurricane is a much stronger storm with sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or higher. Hurricanes bring with them the same dangers as tropical storms (wind, rain, and flooding) but with more intense force. Additionally, hurricanes often bring storm surges that can lead to significant flooding in coastal areas. Given the severity of a hurricane, it’s typically classified into five categories (from Category 1 to Category 5) based on its sustained wind speed and potential for destruction.

While hurricanes are far more destructive than tropical storms, insurance companies often argue that the damages caused by tropical storms should fall under the hurricane deductible. This can lead to significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners, especially when their tropical storm damage would typically be covered by a standard deductible.

The Complexities of Insurance Claims for Tropical Storm Damage

When it comes to making a claim after a tropical storm, homeowners often find themselves in a frustrating and confusing situation. Here are some of the most common issues that arise during the claims process:

Screen Enclosure Damaged by Hurricane Winds

1. Misclassification of Storms and Deductible Confusion

One of the primary issues homeowners face is the misclassification of tropical storms as hurricanes. Insurance carriers often argue that any storm with wind speeds of 39 mph or greater (the threshold for a tropical storm) should fall under the hurricane deductible. This is problematic because hurricane deductibles are often much higher than the standard deductible for other types of damage.

For example, if you have a standard deductible of $2,500 but a hurricane deductible of 2% of your home’s insured value, you could be responsible for thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Insurance companies may argue that because a tropical storm eventually reaches hurricane status or shares similar characteristics with hurricanes, your claim should be subject to the higher deductible, even if the damage wasn’t caused by hurricane-force winds.

2. Delays in Claims Processing

Tropical storms often occur outside of the peak hurricane season, which may result in less immediate attention from insurance companies. As a result, claims related to tropical storm damage can be delayed or processed slower than claims following a major hurricane. This delay can be frustrating for homeowners who are trying to get their homes repaired and their lives back to normal after the storm.

Flooded Living Room

3. Disputes Over Damages and Coverage Limits

Insurance companies may dispute the extent of the damage caused by a tropical storm. In particular, they may challenge whether the damage was caused by wind or rain and whether certain damages fall under the policy’s coverage limits. Common disputes include:

4. Mold and Secondary Damages

In Florida’s humid environment, water damage from a tropical storm can quickly lead to mold growth, particularly if the damage isn’t promptly repaired. Mold can be costly to remove and remediate, and some insurance policies may impose limits on mold-related claims, which can further complicate the claims process.

How We Can Help

Dealing with tropical storm damage is challenging enough without having to navigate the complexities of insurance claims. We're here to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, even if the insurance company is trying to minimize or deny your claim.

Here’s how we can help:

Thorough Damage Assessment

Our team of experienced public adjusters conduct comprehensive assessments of the damage to your home. We document all damage caused by the storm (whether it’s from wind, rain, or debris) and ensure that all damages are properly categorized to align with your policy coverage. By identifying the full extent of your loss, we can fight for you to receive the highest possible claim payout, all with strategies designed to maximize your settlement.

Policy Analysis and Deductible Review

We carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy to verify that you are not being unfairly subjected to a higher hurricane deductible. Our experts analyze your policy’s language and identify any clauses that could affect your claim. If the insurance company is wrongly applying the hurricane deductible to your tropical storm damages, we fight to have the correct deductible applied.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than what homeowners are owed. We act as your advocate, handling all communications with your insurer and negotiating a fair settlement. Our goal is to secure the full compensation necessary to restore your home and cover all damages, including water damage, wind damage, and any secondary issues like mold.

Fighting for Fair Coverage of Secondary Damages

Mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and other secondary damages often result from water damages caused by tropical storms, and insurance companies may attempt to limit or deny coverage for these issues. We advocate for comprehensive coverage to ensure that all aspects of your loss are addressed, including mold remediation and other hidden damages that are often caused by water intrusion.

Comprehensive Documentation

We compile a detailed and heavily-robust insurance claim package, including photos, repair estimates, and expert reports, to support your claim. No detail is too small to include; those small details can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Faster Resolutions

We work diligently to streamline the claims process, reducing delays and helping you begin repairs as soon as possible. We know how to impose stricter deadlines on your insurance carrier while keeping you ahead of every deadline your carrier may impose on you.

Peace of Mind

Filing and fighting a hurricane claim is stressful, especially when dealing with insurers’ delays or denials. Balancing work, family, a ravaged home, and an aggressive insurance carrier is often too much. Let us handle the hard part so you can focus on restoring your home and life.

Why Choose Us?

Storm Surge Destroying Home After Hurricane

When it comes to tropical storm claims, you need a team that understands the unique challenges Florida homeowners face. We bring unmatched expertise, commitment, and compassion to every case.

  • Licensed Experts: Our team of experienced public adjusters is licensed and well-versed in Florida’s insurance laws.
  • Locally-Based Knowledge: We know Florida’s windstorm history and its impact on insurance policies, giving us a strategic edge in advocating for our clients.
  • Proven Results: We've helped countless homeowners secure settlements that fully reflect the scope of their losses.
  • Client-First Approach: We work exclusively for policyholders like you, never insurance companies. You can trust that we’re always in your corner.

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 home has been impacted by a tropical storm, don’t let your insurance company take advantage of you. We are here to guide you through the claims process and maximize your settlement. Our team of expert public adjusters has the knowledge, experience, and dedication to help you recover what you deserve after a tropical storm.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your insurance claim with confidence. We’ll fight for the compensation you need to restore your home and protect your investment.

Call (888) 518-5678 or email admin@floridastatepa.com to get started!