Flood Claims
The most common natural disaster in the United States is flooding. They occur in all fifty states. Florida is particularly vulnerable to floods because it is essentially surrounded by water and is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes.
Flood damage is not covered by a typical homeowner’s insurance policy. Rather, such coverage is provided by a separate flood policy issued pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program (referred to as “NFIP”).
Flood insurance claims are somewhat different than typical property damage claims. A few important issues to remember about flood insurance policies are that there are strict deadlines for filing proofs of loss and lawsuits (statute of limitations). Because of these technical issues and others, it is important to consider hiring an attorney to assist you with your flood claim to make sure you get an adequate recovery.
Your flood insurance policy may require other obligations so it is important to read it carefully before and after a loss. Many of the obligations above involve sensitive matters which should be handled with great care. If you are confused or have questions, call The Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke at 305-669-028.
Things to Do After Your Property Sustains Damage as a Result of a Flood
- Review your insurance policy – particularly any section outlining the insured’s obligations.
- Promptly report the flood loss to the insurance company.
- Record the damage by photographs or video.
- Protect your property from further loss or damage as a result of the flood.
- Show the insurance company the damaged property, and otherwise allow it to inspect the loss.
- Keep accurate records of expenditures for repairs to the damaged property (and provide them to the insurance company upon request) as a result of the flood.
- Provide a “proof of loss” (a form outlining the amount you are claiming for the damage to your property) to the insurer for your flood.
- Otherwise cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation of the claim.
How The Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke can Help You with Your Flood Insurance Claim
Our office helps homeowners and business owners in all phases of the flood insurance claim process – from filing initial claims (or supplemental claims) and proofs of loss to resolving claims through appraisal, mediation, or litigation. We assist individuals and business owners with the following.
- Reporting the loss and establishing claims.
- Coordinating and if needed, attending inspections of properties.
- Completing and submitting proofs of loss. This is particularly important as there are strict deadlines for submitting proofs of loss for a flood claim.
- Gathering, compiling, and submitting documents to insurers substantiating losses and repairs.
- Protecting the interests of insureds during the claims process.
- Working with other professionals (public adjusters, experts, consultants, etc.) assisting insureds during the claims process.
- Invoking appraisal on behalf of insureds.
- Assisting insureds settle their flood insurance claims.
- Litigating flood insurance claims on behalf of insureds.
Denied Claims
Just because your flood claim has been denied does not mean that you cannot further pursue that claim. Our firm often handles claims that have been previously denied.
Supplemental/Re-opened Claims
If your insurance company fails to fully pay your flood claim, or fails to adequately or accurately determine the scope of damages for your flood claim, you can file a supplemental or “re-opened” claim. Our office can assist you with the filing and handling of such claims.
Has Your Property Sustained Damage Due to a Flood that is Potentially Covered by a Flood Insurance Policy? Has Your Insurance Claim Been Denied, Delayed, or Underpaid?
Call The Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke today for a free consultation regarding your property insurance claim. If you are unable to come to our office, we will come to see you.
Other Legal Matters Handled by The Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke
In addition to flood claims, The Law Offices of Donald M. Kreke handles other legal matters including: Florida personal injury attorney matters (including, but not limited to, truck crash claims, automobile accident claims, motorcycle wreck claims, boating collision claims, claims against cruise lines, premises liability claims, slip and fall accident claims, negligent security claims, dog bite claims, and defective products claims), other property insurance claims – both residential and commercial – and inception claims, and supplemental and re-open claims (including, but not limited, broken pipe claims, fire claims, hail claims, hurricane claims, mold claims, roof leak claims, sinkhole claims, storm claims, tornado claims, vandalism and theft claims, water claims, wind claims, loss of business income claims, and extra expense claims), bad faith insurance claims, property damage claims, collection matters, criminal defense matters, traffic offenses (including speeding tickets), claims against insurance brokers and/or agents, medical malpractice claims, nursing home claims and elderly abuse claims, and matters involving contract disputes. We also assist clients with reviewing and drafting contracts. If your legal issue or matter is not listed above, please contact us. We may be able to help.