Florida homeowners know all too well that hurricane season isn’t just a time of concern; it’s a time for action! The start of hurricane season means it’s time to prepare your home not just physically, but also strategically for a potential insurance claim.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from delays, denials, or lowball offers from your insurance company is to take two critical steps right now:
- Take photos and videos of your home’s interior and exterior
- Fix any existing property damage issues like loose shingles, water leaks, damaged windows and doors, and roof damage.
Tip #1: Photograph and Record Your Property Before a Storm Hits
Capturing clear, date-stamped photos and videos of your home and belongings before a hurricane causes damage can be one of the strongest forms of evidence in an insurance claim. If your insurance company later attempts to say the damage was “pre-existing” or not storm-related, your visual records can prove otherwise.
Did you know? Most cell phones already timestamp pictures and videos for you!
Many cellphones include a timestamp on each of your pictures and videos already. You don’t need anything more than a cellphone to take timestamped media of your property before a hurricane hits. When you take the pictures and videos, you also want to ensure you have the media backed up in the event your cell phone is lost or damaged. Email yourself the images and videos, or back them up to a cloud service to ensure you have easy access in the event you need to send these to a property damage lawyer or your insurance company.
What to photograph and record videos of:
- Entire exterior of the property (roof, siding, windows, doors, landscaping)
- Interior of every room (walls, ceilings, flooring, and high-value items)
- Appliances, electronics, furniture, and fixtures
- Any already completed repairs
Why this matters?
Insurance companies often dispute claims by stating that damage existed before the storm. Having clear proof of the home’s condition before the hurricane can be the difference between a fair payout and a denied or underpaid claim.
Tip #2: Repair Pre-Existing Issues—Especially Roof Damage
Insurance policies often include exclusions for damage that results from neglected maintenance. If you have loose roof shingles, visible wear, or other small issues, now is the time to address them to avoid a potential claim denial or underpayment later on.
What to check and fix:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Damaged siding along your house
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Tree branches overhanging the roof
- Any damage to your property
Why this matters?
If your roof is already compromised, even slightly, it’s more likely to suffer major damage during high winds or heavy rain. Insurers may argue that a failure to maintain your roof voids coverage, especially if your policy includes clauses about “preventable damage.” By making repairs before a storm hits, you strengthen your property and your insurance claim.
Bonus Tip: Keep All Documentation
Whether you’re capturing your property on camera or making minor repairs, document everything. Keep receipts, contractor invoices, and time-stamped photos to show your proactive steps. This not only helps with reimbursement but also shows your insurer that you’ve done your part to protect your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to take pictures and videos before a hurricane?
Photos and videos serve as proof of your home’s condition prior to any damage occurring. If your insurance company tries to deny your claim by saying the damage existed beforehand, your documentation can prove them wrong. This creates powerful evidence for your valid claim to be honored.
2. Do I need to photograph the inside of my home too?
Yes. Documenting the inside of your home—including every room, appliance, and high-value items helps support your damage claim.
3. Can the insurance company deny my claim if they think I didn’t maintain my property?
Yes. Many policies include language that excludes damage caused by a failure to maintain the home. Taking preventive steps can help avoid this issue.
4. How can I make sure the insurance company takes my evidence seriously?
Ensure your photos and videos are time-stamped or dated, and store them in a secure, backed-up location. Also, keep a log of your maintenance actions and any communications with contractors or inspectors. Additionally, make sure to abide by all deadlines.
Working with a property damage attorney helps your insurance company know you mean business and increases your chances of receiving a high payout.
Need help after a hurricane hits?
JT Law Firm is here to help Florida homeowners navigate the property insurance claims process.
Call us today for a free claim review.
Call (855) 585-2997 or send us a message!
