PROPERTY DAMAGE
ATTORNEYS
Fire Damage
Our Property Damage Attorneys Can Help You Deal With Your Insurance Claim
Learn About Options When You Have Fire Damage
Smoke and Ash damage from fire can lead to expensive repairs in your home or even a total loss. Property insurance coverage protects you from having to pay for these damages out of pocket. Fire damage claims are complex. Hire North Florida's best fire damage claim attorney to get help with your claim.
After your home has been damaged, the last thing on your mind may be filing a claim with your homeowner insurance company. This works for your benefit and ensures you have time to find your family a safe space in the event your home is damaged to the point it becomes uninhabitable.
After you've had time to get to safety and assess the damage you can start the process of filing a claim. In Florida, you have up to 2 years from the date of the incident to file an initial property damage claim. ​
Knowing Important
Fire Damage Claim Deadlines
Florida property damage insurance claim law outlines the timeframes in which you can file a claim:
Initial/Reopened claim: within 2 years of the date of loss*.
Supplemental claim: within 3 years of the date of loss*.
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If you're not sure where you stand with your open fire damage claim and need a helpful attorney who understands the lingo used by insurance adjusters, give our Florida Property Damage Attorneys a call to get free review of your insurance claim for your fire damage.
Understanding Your Obligations As The Homeowner
Homeowners Obligations: Filing your Florida property damage insurance claim begins with contacting your homeowner insurance provider and notifying them of an adverse event, in this case damage to your home from fire. They should advise you on what (if anything) is needed next.
There are a number of standard obligations to the insurance company that Florida homeowners may have to abide by after a property damage insurance claim has been filed:
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Give prompt notice of the loss.
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Protect the property from further damage, and make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property.
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Keep an accurate record of repairs and expenses regarding the loss.
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Prepare an inventory of damaged personal property with bills and receipts.
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Notify the police and credit card companies in case of a loss by theft.
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Show the damaged property.
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Provide records and documents.
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Submit to an examination under oath.
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Send sworn proof of loss within 60 days of request.
Understanding Your Insurance Company's Obligations To Claim
Insurance Company Obligations: Your Florida homeowners insurance provider is under much less obligation to you.
Per Florida law, your insurance company is only obligated to:
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Respond to communications from you within 14 days of receipt (Florida Statutes Chapter 627, Section 70131).
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Pay or deny your claim within 90 days of receiving notice of your claim, unless there are factors beyond their control.
When Should I Hire A Property Damage Attorney?
If you've been a homeowner in Florida for any length of time, chances are you already have, or will need to file a homeowners insurance claim at some point. One important question when it comes to filing a homeowners insurance claim is "When do I hire a lawyer for an insurance claim?"
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If your home has been damaged and you need to file a homeowners insurance claim in Florida, we suggest contacting an insurance claim attorney, before you ever contact your homeowners insurance provider. A seasoned insurance claim attorney can help you through the homeowners insurance claims process and ensure you provide the right information to your insurance provider. Not providing enough, or providing too much information, can sometimes hurt your insurance claim.
A knowledgeable Florida Property Damage Or Insurance claim attorney understands the insurance industry's jargon, and their bottom line. Hiring an insurance claim attorney to file your homeowner insurance claim ensures your claim is submitted with your best interest and outcome in mind.
Hire An Insurance Claims Attorney After You File Your Claim
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If you've already filed a homeowners insurance claim in Florida and you're contemplating hiring an insurance claim attorney, better late than never is the proper adage to apply. If you feel your claim was either denied unfairly, paid less than it should have, or is hung up in the process, a Florida insurance claim attorney can advocate on your behalf with your insurance provider.
Florida Property Damage Attorneys has over 25-years experience as Insurance Claims Attorneys in Florida. We have assisted countless Florida homeowners in processing, and sometimes litigating, their insurance claims. We will review your homeowners insurance claim for free to determine the best next steps for your case. Call us today to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation at 850-788-7272.