In the aftermath of hurricanes like Helene or Milton, many homeowners face significant damage to their properties. Here are steps Florida homeowners can take to manage their insurance claims independently, focusing on effective preparation for mediation without immediately involving an attorney or public adjuster:

1. Document the Damage Thoroughly

• Take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all areas affected by the storm.
• Make an inventory of damaged items, including details like brand, model, purchase date, and estimated value.
• Save any receipts for emergency repairs (like tarping a roof or water extraction) and keep track of any living expenses if you’ve had to temporarily relocate.

2. Review Your Insurance Policy

• Carefully read through your insurance policy, paying particular attention to sections on coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles specific to hurricanes.
• Identify what is and isn’t covered to help set realistic expectations and to ensure that you’re asking for all coverage benefits that apply.

3. File Your Claim Promptly

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file your claim, as there are often deadlines to report hurricane-related claims.
• Provide the insurer with the documentation you’ve gathered, and give a detailed description of the damages.

4. Communicate Regularly with Your Insurance Adjuster

• Establish a regular line of communication with the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim, and be prompt in responding to their requests.
• Ask the adjuster for a copy of their assessment and review it to ensure it matches your own findings.

5. Prepare for Mediation

• Florida offers an insurance mediation program through the Department of Financial Services (DFS). This program provides a neutral third party to help you and the insurer come to an agreement without needing to escalate the claim.
• To apply for mediation, submit a request to DFS, either online or by phone. Mediation is free or low-cost in many cases, and it’s designed to give you and the insurer an opportunity to resolve the claim in a non-adversarial setting.
• If your insurance carrier does not participate in DFS mediation, you may consider hiring a private mediator. This option allows you to arrange for a neutral party to assist in negotiating a fair settlement, though it may come at a cost. Many private mediators specialize in insurance disputes and can help facilitate productive discussions.  We at the Law Office of Nicole Weaver, PLLC and Legal Weaver Mediation, have the experience of settling over 300 first party insurance claims prior to litigation, and we are happy to help you.  You can start easily by filling out a Mediation Request Form, and we will gladly help you to schedule with our No Frustration Mediation Process.
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6. Strengthen Your Mediation Position

• Before mediation, make sure you have all relevant documents organized, including:
  • The original claim you filed and the insurance adjuster’s report.
  • Estimates from contractors for repairs, which can support your valuation of the damage.
  • Evidence of correspondence with the insurer showing your efforts to cooperate and resolve the issue.
• During mediation, stay calm, be clear about your expectations, and be open to compromise if it brings you closer to a fair settlement.

7. Follow Up After Mediation

• If an agreement is reached during mediation, confirm in writing the terms agreed upon and the timeline for payment.
• Should mediation not resolve your claim satisfactorily, then it might be time to consider other options, such as consulting with a public adjuster or an attorney to evaluate further actions.

Using mediation first often leads to faster resolutions and can help avoid the costs and delays associated with litigation. Taking these proactive steps can maximize your chances of resolving your claim smoothly and securing the funds needed for repairs.

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or check out our website to see if mediation is right for you.