When a hurricane barrels through your neighborhood, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Between clearing debris, checking for roof leaks, and trying to get your family back to normal, filing a home insurance claim might not be the first thing on your mind.
But here’s the truth: avoiding common hurricane insurance claim mistakes can make all the difference in how quickly – and successfully – you recover. At Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, we’ve helped thousands of Florida homeowners navigate this process with fast, fair, and friendly service. We know what works, and what slows things down.
Below are the top five mistakes homeowners make after a storm – and how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to Report Damage
It’s tempting to clean up first and call us later. But when it comes to hurricane damage, time matters. One of the biggest hurricane insurance claim mistakes homeowners make is delaying the initial report.
Even if you’re unsure of the full extent of the damage – or whether it’s covered – report your claim right away. Ideally, within 24-48 hours of noticing it. This is because:
- Hidden water damage can worsen with every passing hour.
- Roofing issues may need emergency tarping before the next rainfall.
- Claims submitted late may raise questions about when the damage occurred.
At Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, once you report a claim, an adjuster will reach out to schedule an inspection – typically within 24 hours. The sooner we can assess the damage, the sooner your recovery begins.
2. Failing to Document the Damage Thoroughly
When a hurricane hits, your home might suffer from wind-driven rain, fallen trees, shattered windows, or roof damage. Photographs and videos are your best allies when it comes to proving what happened.
One of the more avoidable hurricane insurance claim mistakes is relying on memory or minimal documentation. Before you start cleaning up:
- Take wide shots of every affected area.
- Zoom in on damage to walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and appliances.
- Capture any visible water lines, roof openings, or soaked materials.
- Most cellphones time-stamp photos, so save the originals.
Also, keep receipts for any temporary fixes you make, such as buying plywood, tarps, or dehumidifiers. This paperwork can help us reimburse you faster.
3. Making Permanent Repairs Too Soon
We understand you want your home back to normal. But don’t rush into full repairs before the claim is settled. One of the most frustrating hurricane insurance claim mistakes is when homeowners replace drywall or install a new roof before an adjuster has had the chance to inspect.
Here’s what you can do: Schedule emergency mitigation services through Florida Peninsula Insurance Company by calling our claims center at (866) 549-9672. We’ll connect you with approved vendors for roof tarping, board-up, water removal, and/or tree removal. These services help prevent further damage while protecting your home – without jeopardizing your claim. If you’re unsure whether a repair is urgent or permanent, call us first. We’ll guide you through it.
4. Not Knowing What Your Policy Covers
Hurricane season isn’t the time to find out your policy excludes something you assumed was covered. Another one of the most common hurricane insurance claim mistakes is not reviewing your policy until after a storm has passed.
Before hurricane season peaks:
- Know your hurricane deductible and what triggers it.
- Understand the difference between windstorm and flood damage.
- Ask your agent to walk you through any limitations or exclusions.
Keep in mind: flood damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. If water enters your home from the ground up – even from a hurricane’s storm surge – it’s considered flood-related and requires a separate policy.
For example, let’s say a hurricane hits your neighborhood. Wind tears part of your roof, and rainwater pours in, soaking your ceilings and walls. That type of water damage is typically covered, because the storm caused an opening, which let the rain in.
Now imagine something different, where the rain doesn’t come through the roof. Instead, water from the street rises and enters your home through the doors and foundation. Maybe the roadway flooded, a nearby canal overflowed, or storm surge pushed water inland. In these cases, it’s considered flood damage – and it’s not covered by your homeowners policy unless you’ve purchased separate flood insurance.
5. Not Following Up on Your Claim
Once a claim is filed, some homeowners assume it’s out of their hands. But staying involved is key. One of the more overlooked hurricane insurance claim mistakes is not following up or responding to adjuster requests promptly.
Here’s how to stay engaged:
- Answer calls or emails from your adjuster as soon as possible.
- Provide any documentation requested.
- If you’re unsure of your claim’s status, don’t hesitate to check in.
At Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, we average just 30 days from claim to completion – but your responsiveness can make it even faster. We also recommend keeping a simple log of your communication with us: dates, names, and what was discussed. This can be helpful for reference later on.
Bonus Tip: Start With Us, Stay With Us
When a hurricane damages your home, it’s natural to want help fast. Some homeowners turn to independent contractors or repair services first – but this can lead to duplicate efforts, miscommunication, or even contractor fraud. Instead, start with us.
Our Emergency Mitigation Service Team is available during business hours to help you locate approved providers and schedule services like water removal or roof tarping. For after-hours needs, contact our trusted vendors directly – details are always available on our website. We’re here to walk with you through every step.
Your Best Defense Against Hurricane Insurance Claim Mistakes
No one wants to make a stressful situation worse – but during hurricane season, a few avoidable mistakes can delay your recovery or reduce your payout. By knowing what to do (and what not to do), you’re already ahead of the storm. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
- If your home is damaged, report the claim as soon as possible
- Need emergency mitigation services? Call our claims center at (866) 549-9672 for help finding approved vendors
- Unsure what’s covered? Contact your agent today for a quick policy review.
Whether you’ve been through this before or this is your first major storm or claims experience, Florida Peninsula Insurance Company is here to help you rebuild with confidence. We’ve seen it all – and we’re committed to fast, fair, and friendly claims service when it matters most.
And if you’re not yet insured by us, get a quote online and get ready to experience the Florida Peninsula difference.
