If you have been affected by a hurricane and need to file an insurance claim, you may be wondering how long you have to do so. In Panama City and Rosemary Beach, Florida, the law provides some protections for policyholders in this situation.
The first thing to know is that insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith when handling claims. This means that they must investigate and process claims fairly and promptly. If an insurance company denies a claim without a good reason, or if it delays processing a claim unduly, it may be liable for bad faith damages.
However, there is no specific time limit within which an insurance company must settle a hurricane claim in Panama City or Rosemary Beach. In general, the sooner you can file your claim, the better. This will give the insurance company less time to drag its feet or come up with excuses for denying the claim.
What Cannot be covered by insurance?
Not everything can be covered by insurance, even after a hurricane. For example, most policies will not cover damage caused by flooding. If your home has been damaged by Hurricane Michael and you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy in order to have your damages covered.
Another type of damage that is typically not covered by hurricane insurance is damage caused by wind gusts. Many policies will only cover damage caused by sustained winds, not gusts. This means that if your home has been damaged by flying debris or falling trees, your insurance company may not be required to pay for the repairs.
If you are unsure whether your policy covers a particular type of damage, you should speak to an experienced hurricane insurance claim lawyer in Panama City or Rosemary Beach. An attorney can review your policy and help you understand your rights and options.
The Morgan Law Group, P.A. is a Panama City law firm that represents hurricane victims in insurance claims disputes. If your claim has been denied or delayed, we can help. They represent clients in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach, and throughout the surrounding areas.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
Panama City and Rosemary Beach, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claim Lawyers – The Morgan Law Group, P.A. can help you if you need to file an insurance claim after a hurricane. Contact them today for a free consultation. They represent clients in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach, and throughout the surrounding areas.
Can my insurance provider drop me?
Under Florida law, insurance companies are not allowed to cancel or non-renew homeowners' policies solely because a hurricane has damaged the property. If your policy is up for renewal and you have filed a claim, the insurance company must offer to renew the policy. It can only refuse to do so if it intends to stop offering coverage in that area altogether.
What if my insurance company goes out of business?
If your insurance company goes out of business after a hurricane, you may still be able to recover damages through the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. This fund is designed to provide coverage for policyholders whose insurers are unable to pay claims due to financial difficulties.
If you have been affected by a hurricane and need to file an insurance claim, the Panama City and Rosemary Beach hurricane insurance claim lawyers at The Morgan Law Group, P.A. can help. They will review your policy and make sure that you are getting the benefits you are entitled to under the law.