Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and Earthquakes
Navigating Hurricane, Tropical Storm, and Earthquake Claims
Understanding the complexities of insurance coverage for hurricanes, tropical storms, and earthquakes is essential because there are exclusions and limitations associated with these disasters.
Many insurance policies do not comprehensively cover such natural calamities, sometimes resulting in denied claims when you most need support. Engaging a knowledgeable public adjuster is vital in these scenarios, helping you negotiate and settle claims effectively.
Many insurance policies do not comprehensively cover such natural calamities, sometimes resulting in denied claims when you most need support. Engaging a knowledgeable public adjuster is vital in these scenarios, helping you negotiate and settle claims effectively.
Preparing your home for a hurricane or tropical storm
Understanding the risks
Hurricanes and tropical storms bring intense rain and wind, threatening severe property damage. The primary difference between these two types of storms lies in their wind speeds: hurricanes must have sustained winds of 74 MPH or more, while tropical storms have sustained winds of 73 MPH or less.
Preventive measures
- Ensure that outdoor furniture and other objects that can become airborne are securely anchored.
- Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water accumulation that can lead to flooding.
- Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against high winds and flying debris.
- Check your roof for any damage and repair issues to prevent leaks and structural damage during the storm.
Filing an insurance claim after a hurricane
Document everything
Before the storm hits, take photos or videos of your property to document its pre-storm condition. After the damage, document all impacts immediately, capturing the extent of flooding, wind damage, and any other related destruction.
Contact your insurance quickly
For filing an insurance claim after a hurricane, promptly notify your insurance company. The faster you act, the sooner an adjuster can assess the damage, and the quicker you’ll be able to proceed with repairs.
Work with a professional
A public adjuster can review your policy to ensure you’re maximizing your claim, especially when dealing with mixed damages like wind and flood, which may be differently covered under your policy.
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Understanding earthquake damage and adjustments
Filing claims for earthquake damage
Special earthquake insurance is a must if you live in an earthquake-prone area since standard policies typically exclude this type of damage.
If you experience an earthquake, document the aftermath as soon as it is safe and contact your insurance company and earthquake damage adjuster immediately. The adjuster will evaluate the structural impacts, including any ground ruptures or fire-related damages directly caused by the earthquake.
The sudden impact of earthquakes
Earthquakes can cause immediate and catastrophic damage, from collapsing buildings to triggering landslides and tsunamis. A significant seismic event can overcome even the best-prepared defenses despite stringent building codes designed to mitigate these damages.
Choose Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters
Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters represents your interests, not those of the insurance company. Our experts ensure that your claims for hurricanes, tropical storms, or earthquake damage are thoroughly evaluated and fairly settled. If your property has been affected by these devastating forces, contact us to ensure you receive the full benefit your insurance policy should provide.
