When you become a homeowner one of the first things you should consider is obtaining the necessary homeowners insurance to keep your property protected in the event of a catastrophic accident or natural disaster. When these events occur, you may need to file a Florida homeowners insurance claim with the help of a Miami homeowners insurance attorney. 

How a Florida Homeowners Insurance Claim Works 

Every homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for different aspects of your property. Homeowners insurance is designed to provide reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your home or personal property when it is damaged or destroyed. Not all policies cover all types of losses, so it’s important to check with your Miami homeowners insurance attorney before filing a Florida homeowners insurance claim. 

There are many types of homeowners insurance available depending on what type of residence you live in:  

• homeowners (single-family residence);
• condominium;
• renters; and
• mobile home. 

Homeowners insurance is divided into two types of coverage: property and liability. Property coverage relates to damage done to tangible property such as the structure itself and the land. Liability coverage relates to non-automobile-related injuries to other people while on your property. Any accident or damaging event that occurs on or to your property may be covered by a Florida homeowners insurance claim. 

Florida law does not require homeowners insurance coverage, but some cities and counties will require liability coverage if you own certain breeds of pets or have amenities such as a pool. Remember that a Florida homeowners insurance claim for damage from a flood or hurricane may not be covered under your insurance policy. Before hurricane season begins, carefully review your policy to see if this coverage is included. 

Most policies will need additional flood insurance coverage and hurricane or windstorm coverage added to the basic policy to obtain proper coverage. If you believe you have the required coverage, but your insurer attempts to deny your claim, a Miami homeowners insurance attorney can review your policy with you to determine if your rights are being violated. 

Assessing a Florida Homeowners Insurance Claim 

When you file a Florida homeowners insurance claim for damage covered by your policy you will need to go through the process of documenting, assessing, and appraising the damage. This can be a time-consuming and frustrating process that is made easier with a Miami homeowners insurance attorney. 

One such assessment of your Florida homeowners insurance claim is the replacement cost versus the actual cash value of property damaged or destroyed in the claim. The insurance company will consider the cost of replacing the property versus the actual value of the property, which is the cost of repair minus depreciation value. For example, a 17-year-old roof with a 20-year life expectancy would have a deduction for the 17 years’ worth of aging. 

In the event of a complete loss of a home the insurance company will consider the market value of the home versus the replacement value. The market value is the price your home would reasonably sell for at the time the Florida homeowners insurance claim is filed. Replacement value is the amount it would cost to rebuild the home under current construction costs. 

Determining coverage rates on this aspect of your homeowners insurance policy can be confusing and complicated, so a Miami homeowners insurance attorney should be consulted to discuss your own needs. 

Getting the Help of a Miami Homeowners Insurance Attorney 

The Miami homeowners insurance attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to have your property protected. Our Miami homeowners insurance attorney team has experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. 

An experienced attorney can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners insurance. To review your policy coverage and begin filing a Florida homeowners insurance claim, contact us today – 305-742-0878.