Wind, water, and the cause of loss
Standard homeowners policies and many commercial policies treat wind damage differently from flooding, and flood is commonly excluded unless you carry separate flood coverage, often through the National Flood Insurance Program. Rain that enters through a roof opened by the storm may be handled differently from water rising up from the ground. Policies may also carry separate deductibles for windstorms or named storms. When several causes combine, policy language about concurrent causes can matter, so the insurer's explanation of what caused which damage deserves close scrutiny.
Documenting while you protect the property
Most policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as tarping a roof or removing standing water, and the cost of those steps is often part of the claim. Photograph and video everything before and during cleanup, keep damaged materials or samples where you can, and save receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing. Make an inventory of damaged belongings with approximate age and value. Report the claim promptly and keep records of every conversation and every adjuster visit. Flood policies in particular have strict proof of loss requirements, and missing them can jeopardize payment.
When the estimate seems too low
Disagreements often concern whether damage came from the storm or from age and wear, and how much repairs will actually cost. You can ask for the adjuster's estimate and the policy language relied on, and get your own contractor's estimate to compare. Many property policies include an appraisal process for disputes over the amount of loss, and some property owners hire a licensed public adjuster. If the insurer denies part of the claim, keep in mind that the policy may set its own deadline to sue, and that deadline keeps running while you negotiate. Once we have seen the policy, the denial or estimate, and your documentation, we can discuss which response fits the gap between what you were offered and what the repairs require.
