Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hurricane Ida Insurance Claims
Although its death toll stands at around 91 deaths, this Hurricane Ida tops 2021's most expensive natural disasters. Hurricane Ida also makes the top 10 costliest storms in US history with an unfathomable amount of property damage. A hurricane's impact on a home or business can be highly unsettling and overwhelming. Suppose your property was in the path of Hurricane Ida. In that case, you likely have many questions about hurricane insurance claims and litigation. Our knowledgeable hurricane Ida attorneys answer some of the most common questions we receive.
How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim?
Insurance companies don't have a deadline to settle a claim. However, typically they must respond to your claim in some way within 14 days. During catastrophes like Hurricane Ida, they have 60 days to respond. Suppose you suspect your claim is delayed or your insurance company isn't responding appropriately to keep your claim moving. In that case, contacting a hurricane, Ida claims attorney is in your best interest.
What Happens if My House is Destroyed in a Hurricane?
The destructive forces of both wind and water are known to destroy homes. If your home fell victim to Hurricane Ida, we are here for you. If you have insurance, your insurer will pay the cost of repairs (less any deductible you owe) if your home sustained damage from Hurricane Ida.
Deductibles might be a static amount, such as $2,000, or they can range between one percent to five percent of the insured property value. But it would be best to watch out for special hurricane deductibles in home insurance. Many insurance companies charge higher out-of-pocket costs for you. Some deductibles can be as much as ten percent in states with higher wind risk.
If your home isn't safe to live in, your standard policy should also pay for living expenses elsewhere while your home is repaired. You can find temporary housing arrangements that your insurance policy will cover so you can continue to pay your mortgage.
Do You Have to Pay Your Mortgage if Your House is Destroyed?
You are still contractually obligated to pay your mortgage, even if your home was destroyed in a hurricane. Therefore, the destruction of your home doesn't relieve you of that financial obligation. However, suppose your home is destroyed. In that case, standard homeowner's insurance coverage includes "loss of use" or "additional living expense" protection that provides temporary housing until you recover. It will also provide a claim check to your mortgage company to pay off your mortgage, removing that financial obligation.
If you elected "replacement value" coverage on your homeowner's policy, you would receive additional funds for replacing your home. However, this coverage isn't standard and costs extra. Whether or not you have enough coverage to rebuild your home in addition to paying off your mortgage depends on what type and how much coverage you have. An experienced Hurricane Ida claims attorney can help you understand your insurance policy and what coverages you can access based on your specific situation.
How to Make an Insurance Claim After a Hurricane in Louisiana?
After sustaining property damage in a hurricane, you should call your insurance company immediately and initiate a claim. You don't need to know the full extent of the property damage to file a claim. After you make your claim, you can take pictures and videos to document the scope of the damages to your property. The insurer will schedule a time for a claims adjuster to come out and look at the damage and begin the process of getting your property repaired.
What is the Disaster Designation for Hurricane Ida?
For tax relief for victims of Hurricane Ida, be sure to use FEMA declaration number 4611, and for Hurricane Ida in Louisiana, use 4614 on any return claiming a loss.
Can a Hurricane Ida Attorney Help Me?
The attorneys at Montiel Hodge can help you with all aspects of your Hurricane Ida claim. No matter what stage of the process, we are here to support you and can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes legal representation to keep your claim moving in the right direction. We can answer your questions and provide you with your options so that you can get the compensation you deserve after your property experiences a hurricane. Call our office today to meet with one of our attorneys.
