Flood Claims Likely Biggest Headache For Florida Hurricane Victims
When it comes to hurricane claims, the last thing that any Floridian wants to hear is that their claim has been denied. And yet that is the case for many in our state, especially when it comes to flood claims. In fact, according to statements made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in this recent Miami Herald coverage, regardless of what flood zone maps might be telling you regarding whether or not you need to purchase flood insurance, everyone in Florida needs flood insurance. Irma Delivered Historic Flooding When Hurricane Irma hit Florida in September, it rolled across the Lower Keys and pushed a storm surge across the islands, continuing to swamp the coastline as it moved along Southwest Florida. Many homes filled up with mud five feet deep, and water swamped the business district, washing out over the seawalls and out of the Miami River. In Jacksonville in particular, the high tide caused the St. Johns River to swell and lead to the worst flooding in a century. Not Enough People with Flood Insurance The national flood insurance program is now reportedly $20 billion in debt, largely to due to Irma and Harvey. While, by law, only homes located in high-risk zones with federally-backed mortgages are required to have insurance, this number has dropped by 15 percent over the last five years, according to an analysis found by the Associated Press. This leaves fewer than half of the homes in hazard zones protected from flood damage. Experts have noted that flood maps can mislead homeowners on actual risks, much like hurricane tracking maps. Floods do not follow the contours of a flood map, and Hurricane Harvey is proof that “moderate” flood zones can generate many claims during storms. Thus far, flood claims associated with Hurricane Irma have totaled approximately $850 million, with most coming out of Jacksonville and the Florida Keys. Private insurers have paid off an additional 1,700 in flood claims out of a total of 900,000 general hurricane claims, valued at approximately $8 billion. According to those within FEMA, there are policies that private insurers won’t cover, leaving many people needing coverage. There has also been some discussion over whether it makes sense to rebuild expensive property on vulnerable coasts. Florida Hurricane Claim Denial Attorneys If your property suffered damage during a hurricane or storm, you should work with an experienced hurricane insurance attorney to file an insurance claim. Too many homeowners remain unpaid and living in hotels to date, and as these programs pay out claims for Irma and Harvey, they will inevitably have less for everyone else. Contact us at HD Law Partners today if you have not heard back on your claim, had it denied, or still need to file it. We are here to help. Resource: miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article203631769.html Tags: Florida Hurricane Claim Attorney, Florida Hurricane Claim Attorneys, Hurricane Irma Posted in Homeowners Insurance, Hurricane Claims, Insurance Defense | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us