Do You Have Flood or Fire Damage Coverage in Your Policy?

Insurance claims attorneys at Leader & Leader, P.A. are highlighting some important things you need to know if your home has recently sustained damage due to a flood or fire.

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, while homeowner’s insurance isn’t required by law, it is something you probably have elected to purchase to protect your property and the contents inside. Each home insurance policy differs based on your selections and requirements, however, most come with the basic coverage that includes four different areas. These areas include the property, Additional Living Expense (ALE), personal liability, and medical payments.

Now, honing in on property and ALE, these are generally the types of coverage you want to understand when it comes to filing a damage claim for a flood or a fire. One important aspect to keep in mind is that while fire damage is a legitimate peril found in most policy terms, water damage is not. In fact, if you want to have your home protected from flooding, which most Floridians do, you are required to purchase a separate policy. But, if your home does sustain any sort of damage from either a flood or a fire, you need to be aware of what exactly you can file a claim for.

What does property coverage actually protect?

·         The structure of your home.

·         The personal belongings inside that may belong to you or your family members.

·         Items that have an increased value.

·         Other structures including tool sheds, detached garages, small boats, guest houses, etc.

·         Dependent children’s belongings who are away at college living on or off campus.

While most policies will cover a damaged wall that was torn down by a fire or a flooded basement that needs to be fully repaired, double check your policy to ensure your particular damage isn’t excluded from your policy.

In the event you need assistance with a flood damage claim as those can be a tricky to get filed, or your insurer has denied your water damage claim, visit www.Leader-law.com where you will learn some of the steps insurance claim dispute attorneys at Leader & Leader, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale believe you can take to get this matter resolved.

Now, another coverage, and one that may be rather valuable, is ALE. If your family is displaced and forced to make other living arrangements while your home is repaired, your insurer is expected to cover it. The expenses that are covered are above what you normally have to pay out each month Therefore, your mortgage, phone bill, etc. are not going to be compensated for as these are monthly bills you accrue on a consistent basis.

If you have recently learned that your fire claim has been denied for the costs associated with having to live elsewhere while your home was repaired, don’t hesitate to contact Fort Lauderdale insurance claims lawyer Michael L. Leader at 954-523-2020.

Obtaining legal advice regarding a denied insurance claim or filing a claim is always recommended to ensure you understand your role and what you can do to make the outcome of your matter a successful one.