Lauderdale Lakes Windstorm Insurance Lawyer
Steps to take after a windstorm if you must file a windstorm insurance claim
The best attempts to protect the property will end some damage in the event of a windstorm. If your home or business is damaged in the storm, you’ll want to make sure you take the following steps to make sure your windstorm insurance claim is handled fairly and promptly.
Cover your damaged property. It is vital that, if your property has been damaged, cover it with a tarp or something similar to prevent the entry of water or any other additional damage. Remember, the insurance company will take any reason to avoid paying you. If they claim that your damaged property was further damaged after the storm, they can blame you for the damage and deny your claim.
Document everything. It is recommended that you start outside and get photos of the house in each shot. Take pictures of all four sides and cover as much of the ceiling as possible. Be sure to take pictures of your entire patio, too. Start by taking photos from afar, then zoom in to take pictures in more detail. Then head inside and start taking pictures there. Start by taking pictures of the entire rooms. Then continue taking photos of individual items. A complete photographic record is essential to demonstrate losses if you need to file a claim. When you take your pictures, take an inventory of the damaged property. This will also help with your windstorm insurance claim.
Quickly file your insurance claim. Insurance policies generally require you to send your case quickly after storm damage. So, it is important that you take your pictures, write your inventory, and file your claim as soon as possible. Call one of our expert Lauderdale Lakes lawyer at Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396, we can help you with your case.
Tips to help you protect your property from severe weather
Shutters
Close shutters or put-on protective panels with pre-installed fasteners.
Vehicles
Park in the garage or store vehicles if you plan to leave them.
Surroundings
Place trash cans, garden furniture, grills, and other objects that can be carried by the wind inside your home or garage.
Prefabricated Houses
- In an intense wind event, take your family to a community storm shelter or other safe structure to protect them.
- Even when equipped with new straps and anchors, manufactured homes can expose occupants to an increased risk of injury compared to structures with permanent foundations.
Weather warnings
- Use a radio to stay on top of the latest weather reports. If you are sent to evacuate your home, go to a shelter as directed by local authorities.
- Lock doors and windows before leaving.
- Bring your survival kit and other supplies.
Let your friends and family know where you plan to stay.
If there is no time to reach a shelter, retreat to your shelter room if you have one. Otherwise, stay in the middle of your home or the basement, away from windows, and take cover under a ladder or heavy furniture.
If you need help with your claim, feel free to contact our Lauderdale Lakes team of Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396, let us fight for you.
Consult with an experienced windstorm Insurance Lawyer at Lauderdale Lakes
Windstorms can cause incredible damage to property that you have worked to cultivate for years. In a matter of a few hours, the wind in Lauderdale Lakes can destroy your home and result in costly repairs or replacements. If you have windstorm insurance, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered.
You have worked hard to make your home a home and to collect all your belongings inside it. That’s probably what motivated him to get a homeowner insurance policy. These policies can help you have a greater sense of peace and confidence that you will be protected if something happens. While homeowner insurance is an essential cornerstone of your protection, it is crucial to realize that most policies do not cover wind or flooding damage. If you are not sure if your policy protects you in the event of these occurrences, or if you want to research your options for an inclusive policy, you need an Ovadia Law Group expert.
We have years of experience helping our clients in Lauderdale Lakes find personalized solutions for their insurance needs. Whether you already have a homeowner policy approaching renovation or have not yet invested in an inclusive policy, we know how to create the best solution. We are prepared to help you find a policy that meets your needs and protects you from loss. Please feel free to contact Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 to review your policy or discuss several new strategies for your windstorm needs.
Client Testimonials
Lauderdale Lakes Windstorm Insurance Resources
Table of Contents
- Shingle loss or roof uplift from hurricane-force gusts
- Broken windows and torn screens from flying debris
- Water intrusion due to wind-driven rain and structural openings
- Interior ceiling and wall damage from roof breaches
- Downed trees damaging structures, vehicles, or fences
- Electrical surges and outages causing appliance damage
- Mold growth and material deterioration from prolonged dampness
- Water damage to furniture, electronics, and flooring
- Displacement and temporary housing costs due to unsafe living conditions
Wind damage in Lauderdale Lakes may be intensified by aging infrastructure and the area’s vulnerability to tropical systems moving inland from the Atlantic coast. Our firm helps homeowners and property managers identify the full extent of their storm-related losses and pursue full compensation under their windstorm insurance policies.
- Roof damage from high winds tearing off shingles, tiles, or flat roof surfaces
- Structural damage to homes and buildings exposed to sustained gusts
- Water intrusion through windows and doors caused by wind-driven rain
- Tree and limb damage to homes, sheds, or fences
- Damaged patio enclosures, porches, and carports from debris
- Electrical damage from downed lines and power surges
- Mold from prolonged moisture exposure due to roof leaks
Windstorm damage requires comprehensive assessment to identify all affected components of your property. Our team collaborates with structural engineers, roofing specialists, and wind damage experts to document the complete scope of hurricane and windstorm damage, building stronger cases for full compensation of all wind-related losses.
Preparing for Windstorm Season in Lauderdale Lakes
Review Your Insurance Policy: Before hurricane season begins on June 1st, carefully review your policy’s windstorm coverage, hurricane deductible amount, and any exclusions or limitations. Ensure your coverage limits accurately reflect current rebuilding costs, which often increase after major storms due to demand surge. Lauderdale Lakes’ dense development and urban growth make accurate valuation essential.
Document Your Property: Create a detailed inventory of your possessions with photos, videos, and receipts for valuable items. Store digital copies in cloud storage accessible from anywhere in case evacuation becomes necessary.
Trim Trees and Secure Property: Broward County neighborhoods like Lauderdale Lakes have many mature trees that pose major wind damage risks. Trim back limbs, secure patio furniture, and inspect fencing and roof structures for vulnerabilities.
Prepare for Power Outages: South Florida homes are often without power for days after a major storm. Have emergency supplies ready and consider installing surge protection and backup power systems.
Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive family emergency plan including evacuation routes, communication strategies, and emergency supplies. Know your Broward County evacuation zones and shelter options. Nearby highways like I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike can become heavily congested during mass evacuations.
Secure Important Documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, identification, property records, and financial documents in waterproof containers or digital formats that can be accessed remotely after a storm.
Florida’s Legal Framework for Windstorm Insurance Claims
Florida has specific laws governing windstorm insurance that affect your rights and claim process. Under Florida Statutes § 627.712, insurers issuing residential property insurance policies must provide windstorm coverage, though homeowners can opt out by providing a handwritten statement and obtaining lender approval if the property has a mortgage. Florida Statutes define “hurricane coverage” as protection for losses caused by windstorm during a storm declared to be a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center, including damage to a building’s interior caused by rain or other precipitation if the windstorm first damaged the building creating an opening. For legal action against your insurance company for breach of contract, Florida Statutes § 95.11(2)(e) establishes a five-year statute of limitations from the date of loss. Additionally, Florida law prohibits insurers from canceling or non-renewing policies during hurricane events, with cancellations postponed until after the hurricane ends.
Time is critical. Missing notification deadlines or exceeding the statute of limitations means permanently losing your right to compensation, regardless of how severe your damage may be. Document evidence thoroughly, report windstorm damage promptly, and contact a windstorm damage attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of fair compensation.
