Help with flood damage insurance claims in Florida floods can be as devastating as a Hurricane or a Fire loss but most people do not purchase flood coverage. Most homeowners are under the impression that with Home Owners Insurance they will be protected in the event that a flood occurs but in actuality, Home owners insurance does NOT provide that coverage. Flood insurance is an inexpensive insurance that can dramatically help you in the event of a flood. We at Alconero and Associates Public Adjusters are FEMA certified and have completed the National Flood Insurance Program so that we can better assist our clients.
With years of experience in adjusting flood damage claims, the professionals at Alconero and Associates Public Adjusters have a thorough knowledge of the coverage provisions of the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) policies. Our adjusters have specialized training and expertise in appraising, preparing and negotiating flood damage insurance claims covered by NFIP policies.
Filing a flood insurance claim through the National Flood Insurance Program is different than filing other types of property damage claims with your insurance company. With NFIP claims, there are many different steps that need to be taken, and strict deadlines that need to be met. For example, the NFIP requires that the Proof of Loss form be completed and filed within 60 days of the flood. When time is of the essence, it is important to have professionals on your side to ensure that you get what you are due from your insurance coverage.
Here at Alconero and Associates Public Adjusters we work solely for you, the policyholder, and represent your best interests to the insurance company. We have a long list of satisfied clients who we have helped through their flood damage claims and to make a full recovery.
What does a Public Flood Damage Adjuster do in Florida
For any Floridian, the risk of flooding is constantly present. The climate of the area and the conditions of the terrain make this more common than we would like. Even a small amount of rain can cause major flood damage in Florida if not acted upon correctly. Therefore, the best thing any owner can do is be prepared for any eventuality. Relying on a Florida public flood damage adjuster like Alconero & Associates can be a determining factor when making an insurance claim.
The public adjuster will be in charge of solving several problems that can arise after suffering a flood in your property. One of the most important tasks is calculating the damage caused by Florida floods. Although the insurer will send its own appraiser, you cannot blindly trust that it will consider each and every one of the expenses that may be generated. The employee of the insurance company does not defend the interests of the client, but those of the company. Therefore, in its evaluation it will try to minimize any cost so that the payment is less than the corresponding one.
A trusted public adjuster with the experience of Alconero & Associates will look out for your best interests and perform the most comprehensive evaluation so you can get paid what you deserve. In addition, she will advise you throughout the process, help you gather the necessary documentation and represent you in front of the insurance company.
How to recognize floor damage
In general, homeowners insurance policies often include flood damage in Florida. But this does not mean that all expenses are covered. Therefore, it is important to recognize which ones are included and, therefore, will be paid by the insurer. For this, it is important to read the policy carefully, since the conditions may vary according to the type of insurance and the company that provides it.
An important point is to recognize the source of the flood. It can be heavy or sudden rain, hurricane or tropical storm, flooding of the sewer, etc. Depending on the source of the flood, the insurance may approve or deny payment depending on whether or not it is covered by the service. The question of time is also extremely relevant. It is not the same if the flood caused sudden damage, as if these were gradual over time. In general, it is assumed that the customer should make every effort to prevent damage and respond quickly to problems. Therefore, if the problem is shown to have been unresolved for some time, the company is more likely to refuse to pay.
There are several types of flood damage in Florida that can occur. The most common are on floors, carpets and walls, in most cases superficial. But it can also happen that the damage reaches the foundations and then the situation becomes more serious. Finally, the furniture, appliances and other items inside the house can also be damaged. Depending on the type of policy and coverage, some of these items may be covered by insurance.
Make a request to my insurer
When making a flood damage insurance claim in Florida, it is important that you have all the relevant information. In many cases, the insurer can find reason to deny the claim. It is very common for this to happen when the necessary measures were not taken to mitigate the damage or to prevent the flood from accessing the home. Maintenance failures, defective repairs or construction defects may be reasons for the insurer to decide not to cover the costs.
Before making a claim, it is important to ensure that you have all the relevant data. This includes, to a greater or lesser extent, the total cost of the damage caused. In addition, it is important to review the policy to ensure that you are covered against this eventuality. Even if this is the case, the fine print should be read so that later inconveniences do not arise. Some causes of flooding may be excluded, there may be maximum coverage amounts, or some property may not be covered.
Advantages of working with a Public Flood Damage Adjuster in Florida
Even if the coverage is correct and the amounts are what you identified, some insurance companies may not behave properly. They can refuse to cover flood damage in Florida, or they can minimize the amount to reduce their operating expenses. If any of this happens, enlist the help of a trusted public adjuster like Alconero & Associates can make the difference between a successful case and a failure.
Insurance companies have important teams of experts who know every technicality and every clause to the letter. Of course, an inexperienced citizen does not have to know all this. Therefore, when making a claim, there is an asymmetry of powers that works against the client. Having the advice and help of a professional, collaborates to equalize the positions and obtain a fair treatment against the impositions of the insurer.
A public adjuster will not only advise you on your policy and coverage, but will be your representative to the insurance company. Before even starting the claim, it is recommended that you contact Alconero & Associates so we can evaluate your Florida flood damage case and reach the best possible outcome. Analyzing your policy, correctly evaluating the damage, presenting all the documentation in a timely manner and defending your interests against the insurer are some of our tasks. We have years of experience and the best professionals to carry out your case and obtain the greatest compensation and in the shortest possible time for your claim.
