Hurricane Damage Claims

Hurricanes cause more than $40 billion in home and commercial damages every year in the United States alone. Changes in the climate are intensifying storms, increasing the odds that damage will continue to increase in the coming years. Homeowners and business owners with property in hurricane-prone states along the East Coast and Gulf Coast should take the time to verify that they have hurricane insurance that will cover damages when they need it and should prepare their property for every hurricane season.  

Essential Guide for Property Owners to Mitigate and Manage Hurricane Damage 

Although it is impossible to predict exactly how intense storms will become or where exactly they will make landfall, hurricanes are inevitable every year. Fortunately, as each hurricane season approaches, property owners can take various steps to repair, reinforce, and prepare their homes or businesses for impending storms and help them speed hurricane recovery, if needed.  

Identifying and Understanding Risks Associated with Hurricanes 

Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, can produce several hazards that present a threat to property as well as to the health and lives of humans and animals in their paths. Most notably, hurricanes consist of high winds and heavy rainfall capable of causing extensive damage.  

• Wind: To be classified as a hurricane, a storm must have sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour for a category one storm. As storms intensify, wind speeds increase, with category 5 storms having winds of more than 155 miles per hour. Winds at that speed can obliterate entire structures and turn items that are not properly secured, such as business signs, roof shingles, and even vehicles, into dangerous missiles.  
• Storm Surge: During and after a hurricane there can be an extraordinary rise in water levels and large waves near the coast, which is known as storm surge. Measuring more than 20 feet high at times, storm surge as well as storm tine (storm surge combined with usual tidal levels) are a major threat to human life and property from flooding.  
• Heavy Rainfall: In addition to storm surge, major rainfall is common during a hurricane, which can cause flooding further inland than a storm surge might reach.  

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Property for Hurricane Season 

In the U.S., the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and typically peaks in September. Homeowners and business owners can prepare their properties for the likelihood of storms by taking precautions before hurricane season starts. For instance:  

• Perform regular maintenance: Doors, windows, and roofs are particularly susceptible to damage during the high winds of a hurricane, so property owners should be sure to perform regular maintenance and replacement as necessary before hurricane season arrives. 
• Trim trees: Tree branches and uprooted trees can cause significant damage during a hurricane. Trimming trees regularly and performing necessary upkeep to keep trees healthy can help mitigate damage.  
• Maintain emergency kits: Hurricane kits with food, water, and safety items can protect occupants in case of a storm. Kits can also include tools to make quick repairs, turn off water or power when necessary, and fill sandbags to mitigate flood damage.  
• Storage: Anything that property owners store outside should be properly secured or moved to indoor storage when possible, including vehicles and outdoor furniture.  

Navigating Your Hurricane Damage Insurance Claim Process 

The first step in navigating the insurance claim process during hurricane aftermath is for policyholders to contact their insurance companies. Response times may be significantly delayed in the days following a big storm as many property owners race to make claims at the same time. In the meantime, policyholders should ensure the safety of their families and employees and start documenting all damage from the storm.  

Comprehensive Support for Businesses Impacted by Hurricanes 

Businesses have special concerns when it comes to recovering from a hurricane, including ensuring the safety of their employees, replacing damaged inventory, and developing a plan to reopen. Support is available for businesses impacted by hurricanes.  

Addressing Unique Challenges for Commercial Properties After a Hurricane 

Every part of a community will have challenges recovering from a hurricane. Commercial properties and businesses are often faced with the task of rebuilding while still trying to pay employees who may have lost their homes. Additionally, some essential businesses may want to reopen quickly to help residents in a struggling community.  

Business hurricane insurance and the Small Business Administration (SBA) can be helpful resources during the recovery process.  

Strategies for Ensuring Business Continuity in the Wake of a Hurricane 

For businesses located in hurricane-prone areas, a plan of preparedness is the best defense. In addition to organizing emergency materials and a communication plan, establishing a system for business continuity is key. In the connected world, some businesses may be able to stay up and running online long before a physical location can reopen. 

Expert Assistance with Hurricane-Related Business Insurance Claims 

Business owners who have never dealt with hurricane insurance claims can easily become lost in the process. In this case, a public insurance adjuster can help. The insurance company’s adjuster works for the insurance company, looking out for the carrier’s best interests. Public insurance adjusters, such as the experts at WorldClaim, advocate exclusively for the policyholder. 

Our team will examine your policy to ensure we understand all the terms, exclusions, and conditions. This allows us to help you better understand your coverage and prepare your claim and necessary documentation accordingly. We differentiate between flood and wind damage and set the claim up for success. Depending on your policy, you may have hurricane-specific deductibles or other terms that must be considered while negotiating the claim to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Contact WorldClaim for Trusted Assistance in Hurricane Damage Recovery 

From lending an ear to evaluating damage to arranging emergency housing — WorldClaim does it all. Our expert services free you to focus on your safety, family, and getting business operations back up and running. 

The aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming. The public insurance adjusters at WorldClaim serve as guides throughout the recovery process and advocate on your behalf to ensure an accurate and fair settlement. Contact us today for more information.