Winter Park Property Insurance Lawyer
Every year, Florida faces multiple threats during storm season. Some of these storms do not impact the state, while other times, they wreak havoc throughout our communities and leave a massive wake of destruction. The damage left behind during storm season affects both homeowners and business property owners. Some people suffer a total loss of their home or business. In some cases, people lose both their home and business. Despite this, Florida doesn’t require property owners to carry property insurance.
If you own certain animals or have a swimming pool, you may be required to carry liability insurance. If you have questions about insurance or a pending property claim, speak with an experienced Winter Park property insurance lawyer.
What is Property Insurance?
Property insurance can assist with paying for damage caused by covered perils. Depending on your policy, covered perils can include:
- Hurricanes
- Thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Lightning
- Windstorms
- Fire
- Water
- Electrical
- Water
- Smoke
- Plumbing
- Theft
- Mold
- Vandalism
Your property insurance can pay for damage to your home, the contents inside, and any personal belongings you lost. If you have other structures on your property, your insurance may provide coverage as well. These structures could be a tool shed, a guest house, a detached garage, etc.
Florida Property Insurance Deductibles and Exclusions
It’s important to point out that many property insurance policies have numerous exclusions. You may also have deductibles that you must meet before any payments are made. For example, hurricane coverage usually has a deductible, and there are exclusions regarding flood damage. Sadly, many policyholders are shocked to find out Florida property insurance policies exclude flood damage.
Homeowners who want flood coverage will need to explore available options. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sells flood insurance if you live in one of the communities that participate in the program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers NFIP and works closely with almost 100 insurance companies who offer flood insurance to property owners and renters. For questions on available flood coverage, speak to your insurance agent or company.
Dealing with Your Florida Property Insurance Company
Insurers are required to treat their policyholders fairly, which includes paying valid claims promptly. Understandably, policyholders expect their insurance companies to assess claims fairly. However, even your own insurance company isn’t necessarily looking out for your best interests. Insurance is a for-profit business. Their motivation is to find ways to save money. Some unscrupulous companies may go so far as unfairly denying or limiting your coverage without providing any warning or proper justification.
Do not give a recorded statement, sign any documents, or accept a settlement without speaking with a Winter Park property insurance lawyer first. There may be long-term consequences that you are not aware of, and your insurance company is not factoring in.
Contact a Skilled Winter Park Property Insurance Lawyer
Before resolving any property insurance claim in Florida, you should speak with a skilled Winter Park property insurance lawyer first. At Israoui Law, we have years of experience dealing with insurance companies. We understand the tactics they use and the ways they try to deny claims unfairly. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. We will help you through every step of the process, so you don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by your insurance company.
