Named storms and ordinary ones
Which part of the policy pays for a storm
On the coast, one storm can cause damage under three different parts of a policy. The insurer decides which part pays, and that choice moves the money.
Wind is usually covered under a homeowners policy. Rising water usually is not, and sits under a separate flood policy. Rain that comes in through a hole the wind made is somewhere in between, which is where many arguments begin.
We read the cause of loss the way the policy defines it, look at what engineers and your contractor found, and check the hurricane or wind deductible the insurer applied.
Who calls us
Property near the water
The policy changes with the building. So does who owes you what.
Single-family homes
Roofs, siding, windows and the water that got in after them. Wind and flood policies are read side by side.
Condo units
The association's master policy covers some of the building and your own policy covers the rest. Where the line sits is often what is disputed.
Rental and vacation properties
A landlord's or short-term rental policy has its own terms for lost rent and repairs between guests.
Small businesses
Shops, restaurants and offices closed by storm damage, with a claim for the repairs and the income lost while closed.
Keep a record from the first day
You do not need to have everything before you call. Starting a record now makes the review quicker, whenever you phone.
Take wide and close photos of every room and every side of the building before anything is moved. Keep dated receipts for tarps, board-up and anywhere you stayed. Write down each conversation with the insurer: the date, the person and what was said.
If a contractor has priced the repairs, ask for the estimate in writing, with their name and number on it.