What To Do When Your Hurricane Insurer Does Not Cover the Full Extent of Your Property Damage

Although hurricanes are rare, they can cause extensive damage when they occur. If your property suffered damage due to a New Orleans hurricane, it is only natural to expect your hurricane insurance company to compensate you for the full extent of the damage. But that is not always the case.

Sometimes, your hurricane damage insurance claim can be underpaid for several reasons. Common justifications for underpaying a hurricane damage claim include the following:

• Policy exclusions: An insurance company may claim that certain damages reported in a claim are excluded from coverage under the policy.
• Failure to mitigate damages: If your hurricane damage insurer underpays your claim because you failed to reduce damage, they might claim that you made the losses worse by not taking proactive measures to prevent extensive damage.
• Insufficient proof of damage: Insurance companies may claim that you provided inadequate evidence of damage caused by the hurricane, hence not eligible for full reimbursement.
• Delays in reporting the claim: The insurance company may also argue that you delayed reporting the damage, leading to a diminished claim value.

What Is the Importance of Having Hurricane Insurance?

Getting hurricane insurance is a good idea if you reside in a hurricane-prone area like New Orleans. Hurricanes can cause devastating damage both in the short and long term, leaving you with a lot of losses and bills for damage repairs.

Insurance helps cover the costs associated with hurricane damage. Without it, you could be financially ruined after a hurricane.

Steps To Take When a Hurricane Damage Insurance Claim Is Not Fully Covered

When your hurricane insurer fails to cover the full extent of your property damage, there are steps to take to ensure your claim is settled in full:

• Review your insurance policy: You should review your insurance policy to understand the coverage and limits of your claim. Check for any exclusions or deductibles that may affect the compensation of your insurance claim.
• Present evidence and testimonials: Gather evidence and testimonials to support the allegations that your claim was underpaid. Valid evidence could include receipts for items damaged, photos of the damage, witnesses, and estimates for repairs.
• Assess how losses were categorized: A hurricane can cause various types of losses. If your insurance policy excludes some types of losses, your insurer may incorrectly classify damage under that category to minimize your claim payouts.

Contact a New Orleans Hurricane Damage Lawyer Today for Help

If you suffered hurricane damage and your insurer refuses to pay the full amount of your claim, consider hiring a lawyer to help with the settlement process. Irpino Avin & Hawkins is ready to negotiate with your insurance company and represent you in court. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our New Orleans hurricane damage lawyers and learn about your legal options.