How COVID-19 Is Affecting Hurricane Insurance Claims

Hurricane season is upon us, and COVID-19 is changing the world of hurricane insurance claims. 

Nevertheless, this year promises to be particularly brutal. This makes it all the more necessary that people have access to sound insurance payouts.

What can you expect from this year in terms of hurricane damage claims? Read on to find out.

The Dangers COVID-19 Poses to Gathering Hurricane Insurance Claim Information

In the pre-pandemic world, whenever someone made a claim, an agent from the insurance company would be dispatched to inspect the damage.

Now, this is more complicated. As COVID-19 continues to spread, insurance companies are becoming wary of sending people into homes, especially if they have to go into multiple homes a day.

Also, some insurance clients might be uneasy, thinking the agent might expose them to the virus.

Market Impacts

In Florida, COVID-19 came along when the hurricane insurance claim market was already in peril.

Over the past six years, the market has lost more than $340 million. This was due, in part, to the end of an 11-year hurricane drought in 2016.

Other causes included soaring lawsuits resulting from water damage claims. In some areas of Florida, the legal fighting became so fierce that insurance companies had to pull out of the region.

Either that or they had to raise premiums, making it more difficult for people to gain coverage.

When COVID-19 arrived, the financial strain placed on the economy hurt reinsurers. This puts the insurance companies at an even greater risk of losing money.

Insurance Companies' Responses

Fortunately, insurance companies specialize in responding to emergencies. Because of COVID-19, the industry added some adjustments.

These adaptations include remote work for insurance employees. This protects their health and ensures any employee you come into contact with is virus-free.

In addition, some Florida insurance companies are also adjusting the way they assess the damage.

Now, instead of entering homes or walking around the damaged property, some agents are conducting drive-up inspections. This allows for increased social distancing.

How to Make Sure You Get a Payout

Unfortunately, hurricanes don't stop for COVID-19, and neither does other property damage, so it's essential that you receive your insurance payment. 

In the midst of all of this uncertainty, you might be wondering how you can ensure that you will be paid for any property damage that occurs this hurricane season.

And with the 100% increase in litigations between 2013 and 2019, you might be concerned that your next claim may be the next one to go to court.

So how can you make sure you get paid for your losses? 

If you're wondering this, you can rest assured knowing that we at Knoerr Law Group will stand by you. Our experienced group of attorneys has specialized in insurance claim cases in the Florida region, making us experts at handling hurricane season.

We are ready to assist you and make sure your claim is properly handled.

Want to schedule a consultation today? Please click here to connect with one of our specialists!