As experienced public insurance adjusters, we understand the confusion that can arise when dealing with insurance, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes and windstorms. When your home or business suffers damage from these destructive forces of nature, you might believe you have a good grasp of your coverage, but all too often, policyholders find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of their policies.
At Morrison & Morrison, Inc., our mission is to assist you in navigating these claims and securing the largest settlement amount possible. To get started, it’s crucial to comprehend the differences between hurricane and windstorm insurance coverage, as they can significantly impact the success of your insurance claim. In this blog post, we will delve into these distinctions and demonstrate how our expertise can help you during these challenging times.
Understanding Hurricane Insurance Coverage:
Hurricanes are powerful and destructive natural disasters that can cause extensive damage to properties and belongings. To protect homeowners and businesses from the financial burden of hurricane-related losses, many insurance policies include specific hurricane coverage provisions. Hurricane insurance generally covers damages caused directly by the high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge associated with hurricanes.
Key Points of Hurricane Insurance Coverage:
Named Storm Deductibles: Hurricane insurance often includes named storm deductibles, which are higher than standard deductibles. These deductibles are triggered when a hurricane is officially declared by a government agency, and they are usually calculated as a percentage of the insured property’s value.
Wind Damage: Hurricane coverage typically includes damage caused by high winds, such as roof damage, broken windows, and structural issues directly resulting from the hurricane’s force.
Flood Coverage: While some hurricane insurance policies may include limited coverage for water damage caused by rain, flood damage from storm surges or rising water is generally not covered. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, hurricane insurance may provide coverage for temporary living expenses, including hotel stays and food costs.
Understanding Windstorm Insurance Coverage:
Windstorms, on the other hand, are broader weather events that include hurricanes but also encompass other severe wind events like tornadoes and cyclones. Windstorm insurance, in contrast to hurricane coverage, generally protects against damage caused solely by windstorms, regardless of whether they are officially categorized as hurricanes or not.
Key Points of Windstorm Insurance Coverage:
Wind Damage: Windstorm insurance provides coverage for damages caused directly by high winds, regardless of whether the windstorm is classified as a hurricane or not. This includes wind damage to roofs, windows, siding, and other structures.
Exclusions: Windstorm policies may have exclusions for certain types of wind damage, such as damages caused by hail or water-related issues like flooding. Additional insurance coverage may be necessary to protect against these specific perils.
How Morrison & Morrison Can Help:
At Morrison & Morrison, Inc., we excel in handling the complexities of hurricane and windstorm insurance coverage, especially in the aftermath of devastating natural disasters. Our experienced team of public insurance adjusters is well-versed in deciphering insurance policies and advocating for policyholders to ensure they receive maximum compensation.
Here’s what we offer:
Comprehensive Claim Assessment: We thoroughly assess damages to determine coverage under hurricane insurance and windstorm insurance, as well as other policy provisions.
Documenting and Presenting the Claim: As claim documentation specialists, we compile all necessary evidence, documentation, and estimates to present a strong case to the insurance company on your behalf.
Negotiation and Settlement: We handle the entire claims process, including negotiations with the insurance company, aiming for a fair and prompt settlement that reflects the true value of your damages.
Expertise in Policy Interpretation: Our team’s insurance policy language expertise enables us to identify potential gaps or exclusions in coverage and explore ways to maximize your insurance benefits.
With Morrison & Morrison, Inc., you can trust that your insurance claim is in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you. Call us at: 866.723.5787 Stay safe and protected this storm season and throughout the year!
