Property damage caused by hurricanes, windstorms, water intrusion, and other catastrophic events frequently leads to disputes between property owners and insurance companies.

Harold B. Klite Truppman represents homeowners, condominium owners, and businesses in insurance disputes arising from hurricane and property damage claims.

What Should I Do After Hurricane Damage?

Property owners should promptly notify all insurance carriers that may provide coverage for the loss. In some cases, multiple policies may apply, including homeowners, flood, or windstorm policies.

Owners should:

• Document all damage with photographs
• Make temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs
• Avoid discarding damaged property until it has been inspected

Temporary Housing and Living Expenses

Many homeowners’ insurance policies include Additional Living Expense (ALE) or Loss of Use (LOU) coverage. This coverage may reimburse additional costs incurred when a home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, such as temporary housing, relocation expenses, or storage.

Because these benefits are often reimbursed rather than paid in advance, it is important to keep records and receipts of additional expenses.

Hurricane Claim Disputes

Insurance disputes frequently arise over:

• The cause of property damage (wind vs. flood)
• The scope of damage and necessary repairs
• Allocation of damage between multiple policies
• Additional living expense coverage
• Delays in claim handling or payment

These disputes may require negotiation, mediation, appraisal proceedings, or litigation.

To reach our office, contact us by email or call 800-511-7544.