A Personal Story: Stuart’s Experience with Hurricane Helene
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic winds and storm surges that devastated communities across the state. Stuart, a resident of Tampa Bay, experienced this devastation firsthand. The hurricane’s unprecedented storm surge, reaching up to 7.18 feet in Tampa, severely damaged his home, leading to significant structural issues. Relying on his policy with Citizens Property Insurance, Stuart filed a claim, expecting adequate coverage to rebuild. However, like many Floridians, he found his claim underpaid, leaving him struggling to cover repair costs.
Understanding Underpaid Citizens Insurance Claims
Citizens Property Insurance, Florida’s state-run insurer, has faced scrutiny for its handling of claims. In 2023, over half of the claims filed with Citizens were either denied or closed without payment. This trend continued post-Hurricane Helene, with numerous policyholders receiving settlements insufficient to cover their damages.
Reasons for Underpayment
Several factors contribute to underpaid claims:
- Policy Exclusions: Standard policies may exclude certain damages, such as those caused by flooding, leading to partial settlements.
- Assessment Discrepancies: Insurers might undervalue the extent of damage during assessments, resulting in lower payouts.
- High Volume of Claims: Post-disaster, the surge in claims can overwhelm insurers, leading to expedited and often inadequate evaluations.
Steps to Take If Your Citizens Insurance Claim Was Underpaid
If you believe your claim was underpaid, consider the following actions:
- Review Your Policy: Understand your coverage details, including exclusions and limits.
- Document the Damage: Gather comprehensive evidence of all damages, including photographs, videos, and repair estimates.
- Request a Reassessment: Contact Citizens to discuss discrepancies and request a reevaluation of your claim.
- Consult a Public Adjuster: Engage a licensed public adjuster to conduct an independent assessment and negotiate on your behalf.
- Consider Legal Action: If necessary, seek legal counsel to explore further remedies.
How Florida Public Adjusting Can Help
At Florida Public Adjusting, we specialize in maximizing settlements for property damage claims, including those related to water, mold, flood, hurricane, fire, smoke, and theft. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Claim Review: We meticulously analyze your policy and claim to identify underpayments.
- Accurate Damage Assessment: Our experts conduct thorough inspections to ensure all damages are accounted for.
- Professional Negotiation: We negotiate directly with Citizens to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Client Advocacy: We represent your interests throughout the process, providing support and guidance.
Having assisted hundreds of homeowners with Citizens Insurance claims, we have a proven track record of converting underpaid claims into fair settlements.
Conclusion
Experiencing underpayment on a can be frustrating and financially burdensome. However, by understanding the reasons behind underpayments and taking proactive steps, you can improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Florida Public Adjusting is here to support you through this process, ensuring your property damage claims are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
