Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms cause tremendous losses to people and their property each and every year, and hurricanes appear to be increasing in both strength and frequency in the Carolinas and Georgia. You may have lost your home, and just about everything else. That home may have been your biggest investment, and now the insurance company is dragging its feet, or playing word games. You can see where things are headed, and it’s not good.

We are here to help. The Michael Jeffcoat Firm represents individuals who are seeking just compensation or who need help processing insurance claims after a major storm.

If you have experienced loss or damage to your property in a hurricane, tornado, or storm, and you need assistance understanding your insurance coverage and exclusions to that coverage, we would be happy to speak with you. If you have had a homeowner’s insurance claim that has been denied, or if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly by an insurance company, we are here to help. We assist people who have had a legitimate claim denied, due to possible bad faith by the homeowner’s insurance company. We can discuss your situation with you and go over your options with you, and deal with the insurance companies to make sure your claims are handled quickly and appropriately.

There are three types of policies which may cover your losses after a major storm. The first type is a separate “flood policy.” The vast majority of flood policies are administered and underwritten by the federal government, through the National Flood Insurance Program. However, they are usually sold to homeowners through private insurance companies. There are numerous statutes and regulations which can limit your ability to collect flood insurance coverage. Most critically, you need to be aware of the deadlines. For example, unless the deadline for a proof of loss is extended, you have just 90 days from the loss date to file the proof of loss – and it must be completed on a particular form.

The second type of policy which may cover losses after a major storm is the “windstorm policy.” These policies are intended to provide coverage, and have traditionally been marketed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia along the coast. As the name suggests, these policies are limited to covering damage from wind damage and related claims. These policies are increasingly expensive, but they often will provide coverage for the main structure, outlying structures, contents, demolition and debris removal, additional living expenses, so-called “ordinance of law” (very important coverage), trees, and in some cases, inflation protection. It is critically important to understand each of these types of coverage, in order for you to make a full recovery.

The third type of policy which may protect you is the homeowner’s policy. Specific coverages vary from policy to policy, but these policies may also offer windstorm protection in the case of a major storm. Again, it is extremely important to carefully analyze the homeowner’s policy and understand the laws related to coverage, to make a full recovery after a hurricane or other major storm.

Your choice of a South Carolina attorney is very important in insurance claim cases in the wake of a hurricane, a tornado, or a major storm. If you or a loved one has questions about insurance coverage, CONTACT US ONLINE, OR SIMPLY CALL US AT 1-800-827-7898 TO SET UP A FREE CONSULTATION. WE WILL RESPOND RIGHT AWAY.