Common Types Of Property Damage Claims
A property damage claim entails damages to your belongings instead of yourself. Though, it’s worth noting that a property damage claim could still involve physical injuries, like in some car accidents. The cornerstone of the argument is usually restitution for concrete losses to personal effects. When it comes to the types of property damage claims, there are two main areas: real property and autos. Oftentimes, an insurance company is involved in these cases. Therefore, being able to negotiate with them effectively is the key element in whether or not you’ll have a successful claim outcome.
Property damage involving real property means that your home or land has been damaged. For example, when the neighborhood kids throw a rock through your window, you’ve sustained damage to real property. When a hailstorm damages your roof, when someone drives over your lawn…you’ve also sustained damage to real property. Real property damage can also be caused by acts of vandalism, such as graffiti and other pranks. These types of incidents can be the basis for both formal and informal property damage claims, regardless of the damager’s intent.
Wind and Hail Damage
The most expensive property damage is typically caused by wind, with the average claim costing $11,200. These claims are a result of hurricanes, hail storms, tornadoes, and other severe weather conditions that can lead to things like ripped roofs or debris hitting your walls. Some common types of wind damage include:
- Broken Outdoor Furniture
- Broken Windows
- Damaged Air Conditioning Units
- Damaged Roofs
- Damaged walls from flying debris
- Damaged solar panels
- Fallen or uprooted trees
- Missing or broken shutters
- Severely damaged exterior paintwork, stucco, or cladding
- Structural Damage
- Water intrusion
Water Damage
Water damage is not something to take lightly. It causes severe and expensive damages that can last a long time. Things like broken pipes, plumbing failures, hurricanes, and floods require corrective action immediately. And while the full extent of the water damage may be visible, it’s always best to have someone professional give an accurate appraisal – this way you (and your insurance company) don’t miss anything important in the repair process. In 2018, nearly a quarter of all property damage claims were due to water-related issues such as:
- Damaged appliances
- Damaged furniture
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, and floors
- Mildew
- Structural damage
- Termite and bug infestation
- Weakened foundations
Fire Damage
Though only approximately one-third of all property damage claims are because of fires, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether from a kitchen stove or lightning, flames spread quickly and easily consume any material in their path. Additionally, fire emits smoke throughout the property which often contains harmful chemicals. Consequently, it’s essential that your insurance policy covers fire damage as these incidents are some of the most common types of property damage claims.
Beware that insurance companies will try to blame homeowners for fires, from accusations of arson to policy violations. That’s why you should always contact a Miami property damage attorney to ensure you receive a fair payment. On average, this type of property damage claim is worth $79,785 in damages. Examples include:
- Appliances and electrical items damaged
- Damaged electrical systems
- Damaged plumbing systems
- Destroyed furniture
- Discoloration of walls and belongings
- Foundation damage
- Odor from smoke
- Roof damage
- Structural damage
Sinkhole Damage
If you live in Florida, then it is imperative to have sinkholes included in your homeowner’s insurance policy. More sinkholes are reported in Florida than in any other U.S. state annually.
Though they can be hard to detect, a sinkhole could compromise the stability of your home if left unchecked. If you see even a small depression or hole, it could foreshadow a larger problem developing below ground level.
In Florida, if your home suffers from a catastrophic ground cover collapse, the law requires homeowners insurance companies to pay for damages. However, if your home sustains sinkhole damage, comprehensive coverage is optional. And because many insurance companies try to avoid paying out claims for sinkhole damage, it’s best to contact a property damage attorney in Florida who will fight for you and help get the compensation you deserve.
Hurricane Damage
When hurricane season comes to Florida, the number of property damage claims dramatically increases. In fact, they become one of the most common types of property damage claims. Even though these storms are particularly powerful and often cause destruction, thankfully homeowner insurance covers wind damage caused by hurricanes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that flooding isn’t included in this type of policy. As a result, many people advise taking out an additional flood policy to cover any potentiality.
Theft Damage
No one deserves to deal with the fear, loss, and cost of a burglary or theft. If your home has been broken into or items have been stolen, you should be compensated for this damage—and you likely are if you’re insured. If your home is broken into and damaged, it’s likely that your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of repairs. However, some insurance companies are reticent to pay out the full amount, blaming homeowners for lack of security or undervaluing their belongings. It helps to have a Florida property damage lawyer on hand in these cases; they know how to deal with big insurers and get you the money you rightfully deserve.
Tree Damage
Florida property owners know all too well the damage that can be caused by trees during storms and hurricanes. Strong winds can tear them from the ground, sending them crashing into windows and walls while destroying anything in their path. But did you know tree damage can also occur naturally? From encroaching roots to falling branches, it happens every day.
Though tree damage claims might appear easy to resolve, they are usually complicated. For example, roots and branches often cross property lines, which then causes confusion and claim rejections from insurers. If your assets have been damaged by a fallen tree, you should consult with a Florida property damage attorney who will help you get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company.
Contact Our Miami Property Damage Claims Attorney Today
If your property experiences damage, you can make a claim to receive monetary compensation for the losses, repairs, and rebuilding by following one of these types of procedures. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always willing to give money without putting up a fight. Insurance companies are often difficult to work with after you’ve suffered damages. They may try to pin the blame on you, undervalue your losses, deny claims, and use delaying tactics just to force you into accepting a lowball offer. But we believe that you deserve better treatment than that. Here at our Florida Legal, we help fight insurance companies so that you can get the money that you’re rightfully owed. We’ll prove the costs of your damages and stand strong against any tricks or pressures from insurers.
