Hurricane property damage in Florida is unavoidable so it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the what to do if your home or business has damage from a hurricane.

In this article, we’ll talk about different types of hurricane damage claims and how to get help from a public adjuster. Dealing with hurricane damage and an insurance claim can be stressful and we’ll help you through the process.

Common Types Of Hurricane Damage Claims

The most common types of damage after a hurricane is roof damage. You may not be able to see the damage unless you are able to get on your roof and see if there are broken tiles, missing shingles or debris under the tiles or shingles. Another tell sign of roof damage is if you see water stains on your ceiling. It’s best to take photos of your home or business, indoor and outdoor before the storm as proof to the damage from the hurricane.

Another common type of property damage after a hurricane is flying debris. Trees, branches, fallen fences can fly into or on your home and cause major damage. This is due to the high winds so this kind of damage can happen many miles inland. Per NOAA, a category 1 hurricane has sustained winds of 74-95 mph, category 2 hurricane has sustained winds of 96-110 mph, category 3 hurricane has sustained winds of 111-129 mph, category 4 hurricane has sustained winds of 130-156 mph and category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. Any of these types of hurricanes will cause damage to your home.

Other types of damage are fire, water and mold. Power surges and outages can cause appliances to malfunction or water leaks can cause electrical fires, damage to dry wall, flooring and other parts of your home. Water leaks can lead to mold and may be in your walls or places you may not be able to see it right away. It’s very important call Ocean Point Claims and schedule an appointment to do a free inspection as soon as you see the damage. We will be able to spot the different types of damages to your home or business and do a roof inspection with no upfront costs.

One Of The Main Questions Homeowners Have Is: What Is Covered?

What is covered all depends on what kind of insurance policy you have. Most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover hurricane damage, but not damage from flooding. Another thing to consider is policy limits since you may have coverage, but it might not be enough to cover the damage caused by the hurricane. Ocean Point Claims is experienced with policy language, policy limits and will do a free policy review to see what is covered.

How To Deal With Damage After A Hurricane

Once the storm has passed and you’ve returned to your home (if you evacuated), start taking pictures of the damage. Then call Ocean Point Claims to have us come out and do a free inspection immediately. The property insurance claims process can be long and if there’s a dispute, the pictures will show as proof to the damage. You may be tempted to throw out damaged items but it’s best to keep them until your public adjuster has had time to inspect them. This will prove the validity of your hurricane damage claim.

When looking for contractors for repairing the damage, be aware that some contractors try to get you to sign an invoice or contract that doesn’t have an exact cost. Some shady contractors will write something like “for insurance proceeds” on their invoice, then try to get the whole value of the claim, instead of just the cost of their own work.

How Can A Public Adjuster Help?

A public adjuster is a claims adjuster who represents you instead of the insurance company. Public adjusters understand how the claims process works and have the experience and knowledge to get you the maximum settlement you deserve. Oftentimes, insurance adjusters will lowball repair estimates by using prices for the cheapest possible materials. Sometimes, they’ll even avoid going to damaged areas of the house to avoid having to make a note of the damage. A public adjuster works with you to find and document every bit of damage, and advocates for you with the insurance company. The insurance companies have their own representatives and you should too. We have your best interests in mind and negotiate on your behalf.

Call us today (888) 824-1306 to get the help you need. Our team of adjusters has the experience and knowledge to get you the maximum settlement. Focus on repairing your home and your life and leave the stress and paperwork to the experts.

It is always a good idea to keep your business protected at all times from unexpected situations. The recent spread of Coronavirus has brought businesses to a standstill due to the lockdown and tough restriction on the movement of people and products. The government has ordered the shutdown of businesses that offer non-essential services. This shutdown is bound to affect business income, leaving owners wondering whether insurance covers losses arising from Business Interruption. Today we discuss Business Interruption insurance, what it covers and how Ocean Point Public Adjusters can help you get the most of your BI claim in the aftermath of the Coronavirus lockdown.

How Do You Get BI Insurance?

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on businesses. As authorities close down premises to limit the spread of the virus, economic growth is expected to fall below predicted estimates. The closure of businesses and loss of revenues raises questions regarding business interruption under property insurance policies. Business Interruption coverage comes bundled with your commercial property insurance policy. This brings with it a host of complications, and it is in your best interests to consult a Public Adjuster who will file and follow up on the claims. Ocean Point Claims Company will help you with your insurance claim anywhere in Florida.

Does my Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

At Ocean Point Public Adjusters, we are committed to getting all your claims filed. In the wake of the Coronavirus spread, one thought that worries most business owners is whether their businesses are covered against the Coronavirus. Some General liability policies don’t protect your business from the effects of the virus as the policy only compensates bodily injury and property damage for third parties. After the SARS outbreak of 2003, insurers put in a condition that could exclude loss of income due to viruses/bacteria. Although your policy may have a virus exclusion, you may still have coverage. This is an important reason to let Ocean Point review your policy.

At Ocean Point, we work with you, the policyholder, to demonstrate that your business suffers damage and loss as a result of government-ordered closure. This proof of damage makes you eligible to Business Interruption compensation.

Our adjusters go through every detail in your insurance policy to ensure you understand the conditions of your insurance contract. When submitting your Business Interruption claim, we will demonstrate that your insured business property was interrupted by not only the virus. We will document these interruptions and show that they needed some remedial actions for your business to get back on its feet.

Some other types of business interruption that could lead to loss of revenue during this outbreak includes: crisis management coverage, communicable disease coverage, or cancellation of bookings coverage. These events affect your revenue and business continuity and should be taken into account. Some insurers would want proof that the virus is present in your premises for it to count as physical damage. Our adjusters would verify whether this is the case, and develop plans demonstrate loss of income due to a shift in the workforce or supply chain before we present your claim.

In order for us to file your claim, there should be a correlation between damage arising from the virus and loss of business income. Some losses that you can sustain during this pandemic period are: absence of staff, reduction in client numbers, an overall reduction in the demand of your company’s products and government closure. During the claims process, our adjusters are on hand to demonstrate a direct link between these losses and damage resulting from the aftereffects of the Coronavirus.

The BI Claims Process

Once we can prove that your business has indeed suffered an interruption due to coronavirus, you will need to know how we go about the claims process. Along with your Commercial Property Insurance comes a Business Income Coverage form. This form adds coverage for loss of income, business interruption and losses due to actions taken by authorities. Let us explore these, and their implications in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic:

Business Income/ Interruption

This form provides coverage for income lost as a result of business closure during the lockdown. In this case you shall prove that, indeed, you suspended business activities due to the lockdown and the BI coverage will only pay for lost income until normalcy resumes. As businesses close down globally, there may be no apparent physical damage due to the Coronavirus. But if traces of the virus are found within the premises, it constitutes microscopic-level damage and may trigger BI insurance until the contaminants are removed.

Contingent Business Interruption

This form covers lost income that arises from suspension of business at suppliers’ and client sites. When China began a lockdown due to the Coronavirus, most American companies felt the pinch since China is a source of raw materials and a big part of the supply chain. If your current insurer covers Contingent Interruptions, it is your duty to prove that the shutdown is a result of the virus’ physical damage.

Civil Authority Coverage

If civil authorities prohibit access to your business premises, driving down income, then you could be eligible for a Civil Authority Coverage. Currently, governments are working to contain the spread of Coronavirus through quarantine measures, which means limiting access to business premises and reducing movement of products. The settlement of this coverage depends on the location of contamination and the actions taken by the authorities.

Having explored the various forms covered in a BI claim, below is the information you will need to supply when filing for compensation:

• Revenue reports
• Expense reports
• Documentation of business history
• Payroll and HR information

With these, you could calculate how much your BI can cover using the formula:

BI Loss= Net income + Continuing Expenses + Additional Expenses

The Need for a Public Adjuster

The process of filing for a Business Income Claim can be tedious, and if you don’t do it right, you will end up receiving little to no compensation on your lost revenue. Which is why you need a Public Adjuster to help smooth out the process. They will work with you to make sure you maximize your claim and see to it that company adjusters treat the BI claim like they would any other claims. We highly suggest that you engage one of our experts to help you determine the most that you can get out of your claim and have the serenity that when this Coronavirus pandemic is over, your business will be back on its feet.

Conclusion

The Coronavirus has affected all business operations. In the past, insurance companies usually took the burden of crisis of the business owners’ shoulders. Insurance policyholders need to arm themselves with the right knowledge in order to soften the blow of such a crisis. With the help of Ocean Point public adjusters, one can determine exactly how much they can claim, and get help with the entire process of making a claim. A proper understanding of your policy document combined with an aggressive follow up of your Business Income claim could help you recover lost revenue and keep your business running in these uncertain times.

The hurricane season starts around June 1^st, reaches its peak on September 10^th, and ends on November 30^th. This, however, does not mean that a hurricane cannot form at other times of the year.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is tasked with developing the names for all Atlantic and Northern Pacific storms. WMO has six lists of hurricane names, which means a list of hurricane names is recycled every six years. This year, you will hear names recycled from the 2014 list. The names are:

• Hurricane Arthur
• Hurricane Cristobal
• Hurricane Dolly
• Hurricane Bertha
• Hurricane Fay
• Hurricane Edouard
• Hurricane Hanna
• Hurricane Gonzalo
• Hurricane Isaias
• Hurricane Omar
• Hurricane Paulette
• Hurricane Josephine
• Hurricane Teddy
• Hurricane Sally
• Hurricane Kyle
• Hurricane Laura
• Hurricane Marco
• Hurricane Nana

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are among the most destructive forces in nature. They can damage property and shatter lives in seconds. While you can’t stop a hurricane, you can take steps in time to protect your property and family from the destructive force of a raging storm. Preparing for the 2020 hurricanes now can help your property and your business property minimize the impact of the imminent hurricanes.

If you live in a high-risk hurricane zone like Florida, Ocean Point Claims Public Adjusters advices that you prepare adequately for the impending hurricane season. Don’t wait until a storm watch is issued, as it may be already too late to take some of the precautions outlined in this article.

Take the steps in time and you will reduce property damage significantly, get through the hurricanes season with less stress, and make hurricane damage settlement easy.

Our Florida Public Adjusters Have You Covered During Hurricane Season and After!

Our public adjusters are professionals who are licensed by the state to represent your best interests in a property insurance claim. In case you suffer a loss as a result of a storm or hurricane, it is advisable to call us immediately to help with making your next decision with your property damage.

In Florida, a large number of hurricane claims are roof damage claims caused by the dangerous winds that will cause extensive damage to your home or business. A Catergory 1 hurricane can damage shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Also, large branches of trees can snap off and rooted trees may be toppled on to your property says the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center (NOAA).

If you live in Florida, it is extremely important that you insure your residential or commercial property against the Florida hurricanes and make sure your policy limits are at a limit that will cover damages done to your home or business. Many property insurance claims, are notoriously undervalue and underpaid and that’s where Ocean Point Claims public adjusters come in helpful. We will help you all through the cumbersome process of filing documents, understanding policy lingo and negioate your claim till you get maximum settlement for your hurricane property damage.

Ocean Point Public Adjusters’ Hurricane Preparation Tips

The National Hurricane Center has forecasted that at least six tropical storms will mature into hurricanes in 2020. It is crucial that you follow our public adjusters’ hurricane preparation tips, to minimize damage and make hurricane damage settlement easy.

Follow Mike’s Weather Page

• Check Your Insurance Policy

Many homeowners aren’t sure if they are insured against damages caused by winds, water, and storms, among other weather elements. Some insurance policies provide coverages for just one or two items, while some cover more. When looking over your policies, take careful notice of policy limits and hidden language in your policy like “right to repair” which allows the insurance company to choose which companies come to repair your home.

Peruse over your insurance policy and note what the coverage entitles you to, and what it doesn’t. If you have a problem understanding, call Ocean Point Claims to give you a professional opinion of your policy coverage. Ocean Point public adjusters have years of experience in analyzing insurance policies to help clients know what policy is good for you.

• Take Clear Pictures and Videos of Your Property Before the Hurricane

Pictures and videos of your property before the storm damage will be viable evidence of the condition of your property prior to the storm. We cannot overemphasize to homeowners the need to take photographs of the internal and external spaces of their properties before a storm or hurricane strikes. The pictures, videos and all your important documents should be kept safely where they cannot be damaged by the hurricane. If convenient, keep copies of the documents in cloud storage folders.

• Secure your property

Securing your residential or commercial property will minimize the damage on the property when the hurricane strikes. Cover the windows with wooden boards, clear the gutters, strap the roof, reinforce the doors, store all outdoor furniture, and, most importantly, organize for an evacuation plan for you and your family during a hurricane.

• Stock Up on Supplies

Stock your hurricane survival kit with items that will keep you going for the forecasted duration of the hurricane. Include water, toiletries, food, essential accessories, work and travel documents, and medication. Make sure you stock up ahead of a hurricane before stores run out of supplies.

• Keep Copies of Receipts for Hurricane Displacement Expenditures

Ocean Point recommends that during the storm, keep copies of receipts of all expenses related to being displaced from your residential property by the hurricane.

• Take Clear Picture and Videos of Property After the Hurricane

After the storm, take clear photographs and videos of all damages and missing items that you have lost as a result of the storm. Clear photos and videos will be crucial in making claims and evaluating your losses.

• Call Ocean Point Public Adjusters Immediately to Start the Claims Process

Ocean Point has a team of experienced public adjusters who will help you take the stress out of the claims process. Our public adjusters have extensive experience in storm damage insurance claims, and we speak the insurance lingo! We will walk you through every step of the way to get you the maximum settlement you deserve.

Give us a call today, you will be glad you did!

Was Your Claim Underpaid? Or Denied? Call Ocean Point Claims!

It’s not too late to get the maximum settlement you deserve! Insurance Companies have their own team of adjusters, lawyers and experts, so why don’t you?? Our experienced public adjusters will protect your rights and have your best interest in mind. Call a Public Adjuster Near You TODAY!

Why Choose Florida’s Expert Public Adjuster Near You?

When you have property damage, choosing the right public adjuster near you to handle your claim can make all the difference. Our Licensed Public Adjusters offer stress free insurance claim representation for a wide variety of claims such as water damage, mold damage, fire damage and more.

We conduct a thorough review of your insurance policy and every aspect of your property loss. In addition, we have helped countless property owners receive the maximum settlement for their losses and damages. In addition, we handle damages from water, fire, wind, mold, hurricane and more throughout Florida to maximize your settlement with our strategies.

The Expert Public Adjusters Near You at Ocean Point Claims Work for YOU Not the Insurance Company!

Our licensed public adjusters have negotiated hundreds of insurance claim settlements, underpaid and denied claims, from fires, floods, and mold damage to recent disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. Ocean Point Claims Company has helped many residential customers and business owners with Hurricane Irma claims and still, to this day helps customers that didn’t realize they had damage from Hurricane Irma.

Our team at Ocean Point Claims is here to help you!

We know how devastating property damage can be for home and business owners. Often times, property owners who have never dealt with insurance companies after damage occurs, either settle for low offers from an insurance company representative or feel that they can fight with their insurance companies for more money on their own.

In addition, insurance companies often have teams of their own adjusters and lawyers. Therefore, you need an expert public adjuster on your side.

However, Ocean Point Claims can relieve the stress of not receiving proper compensation for damages to your home or business. Having a knowledgeable and experienced public adjuster on your side will help. Most noteworthy, here at Ocean Point Claims, we will go the extra mile to make sure that you’re getting the maximum settlement out of your damage claim. Above all, we will be with you every step of the way for questions and concerns.