Awaiting Insurance Claim Settlement: A Common Struggle After Major Storms
The Challenge of Settling Insurance Claims
In the aftermath of major storms, many homeowners find themselves waiting for insurance claim settlements. This challenge is not unique to any single event but is a common issue faced by many. For example, after Hurricane Irma, only 40% of insurance claims were settled in Brevard County, Florida, by late October. This left 60% of those who filed still waiting to settle their claims. Brevard County officials reported that over 35,000 claims had been filed, with the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) stating that over 21,000 remained open as of late October. This scenario is indicative of the broader struggles many face following significant weather events.
Personal Stories Reflecting the Broader Issue
Conversations with family members, coworkers, and friends often highlight these struggles. For instance, during Thanksgiving, my in-laws in Rockledge shared their experiences. Both my sister-in-law and mother-in-law filed claims just after the hurricane, and neither had their claim settled by December 1. My mother-in-law, Molly, mentioned that the insurance companies prioritized claims with the worst damage. She had a tarp over part of their roof while waiting for a complete re-roof, as the companies were focusing on residences that lost their entire roofs and couldn't simply tarp the partially damaged areas.
Comparing Storm Impacts on Insurance Settlements
Hurricane Irma presented a more significant challenge compared to previous storms like Hurricane Matthew. While Matthew resulted in roughly 16,000 claims, with 91% settled by late October, Irma's damage was far more widespread. This broader impact likely influenced the ability of companies to assess damage and process claims promptly.
Statistics from Affected Counties
Other counties in Florida, such as Seminole, Orange, Volusia, Indian River, and Lee, experienced similar percentages of settled claims. Over 7,000 businesses and homes were damaged by Irma's heavy rains, strong winds, and tornadoes in September, compared with 1,651 residences and businesses damaged by Matthew the year before. These numbers highlight the scale of the challenge facing insurance companies and homeowners alike.
Tips for Navigating the Insurance Claim Process
One piece of advice from a local attorney is to keep calling your insurance company and follow up on the status of your claim vigilantly. Persistence can be key in ensuring your claim moves forward. Additionally, resources such as FEMA assistance, insurance contact information, legal assistance, and consumer tips can be invaluable. Visiting dedicated disaster resources and information websites can provide further guidance and support.
Post-Claim Steps: Debris Removal and Clean-Up
Once your claim is underway, it's essential to start planning for the clean-up and repair process. If your contractor doesn't already work with a dumpster carrier, give Express Roll-Off a call. Our prices and service have remained consistent before and after the hurricane, ensuring you get reliable support for your debris removal needs. Contact us at 321-253-1080 for more information. Thank you for reading, and hang in there!