Flood Damage Insurance Claims Lawyer

Flood Damage Law Firm Battling Bad Faith Insurance Companies

The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., advises home and business owners about the best ways to resolve insurance coverage disputes over flood and water damage. Contact us in Altamonte Springs, FL, to learn about your legal options in the greater Orlando and Central Florida regions.

Flood Damage Dispute Attorneys

Florida homeowners are not usually covered for flood losses, but most water damage does not result from “flooding” within the strict meaning of insurance policy language. The major risks of water damage after a period of heavy rain mainly involve reservoir overflow unrelated to stream levels, leaking roofs or foundations, seal failure around windows, and oversaturation of adjacent soils.

Our Central Florida attorneys are familiar with the standard policy language, riders, and exclusions in homeowners and business-owners insurance, and we know how to investigate and overcome an insurer’s resistance to settling water damage claims.

In some cases, insurers will even sell policies that are inconsistent with the requirements of Florida law.

What Is Considered A Flood In Florida?

Florida Statute § 627.715 defines a flood as an inundation of any of these four conditions that causes a partial or complete coverage of two or more acres of dry land that is normally dry:

  • Mudflow;
  • The collapse of land adjacent to a body of water;
  • Overflowing inland or tidal waters; and
  • Rapid and unusual collection or runoff of any source of surface water, including storm surge from a hurricane or tropical storm.

How To Know If Your Homeowners Insurance Provides Flood Coverage

Unbeknownst to many homeowners, flooding isn’t covered by most homeowners insurance policies. Coverage can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is offered by the federal government but is handled by private insurance companies. The best way to know is by reviewing your current policy, and if it’s unclear, contact the flood damage claim attorneys with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. Our attorneys are well-versed in how insurance companies word policies which leave many homeowners confused as to what coverage they really have.

Is Your Homeowners Insurance Company Acting In Your Best Interest?

Any payout offer from an insurance company should be scrutinized. Most insurance companies offer a settlement amount far less than the amount needed to repair flood damage. A flood attorney can review any offer and let you know what legal options are available for a low offer. If you choose to take on the insurance company, contact the experienced insurance dispute lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. Our lawyers always fight for our clients’ best interests.

Common Reasons Flood Claims Are Denied

Sadly, insurance companies frequently deny legitimate flood damage claims from homeowners. Sometimes it’s because a homeowner made a mistake on the claim and other times the insurance company wants to limit the amount of money it pays out during a flood event. If this happens to you, contact the insurance dispute attorneys in Orlando with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. to discuss your claim.

Pre-Existing Damage

Pre-existing damage is frequently used by insurance companies to deny claims. If any damage was preventable or not repaired before flooding took place, the claim will likely be denied.

Earth Movement

Even if the flooding event caused the earth movement which damaged the property, many insurance companies will deny the claim. This is because many companies have language excluding earth movement from flood coverage. Along with contacting a flood damage lawyer, homeowners should contact a professional engineer with experience in investigating flood damage.

Flooding Occurred Inside The 30-Day Waiting Period

Flood insurance policies generally have a 30-day waiting period after purchasing the policy. This means if flooding happens before the waiting period is up, the policy won’t pay out for any damages.

Missed The Proof Of Loss Filing Deadline

Once property damage occurs, there is a 60-day filing deadline for flood insurance claims. The insurance companies rarely extend or waive the deadline which can add to the stress, especially if you’ve been displaced from the property because of flood damage.

What To Do If A Flood Claim Is Denied

If you believe a flood event should be covered by your flood insurance, you have the option to appeal a denied claim. An Orlando insurance dispute attorney can help you fill out the appeals form and make sure all paperwork is submitted within the 60-day deadline.

Water Damage Claim Disputes

The difference between a flood that is properly excluded from coverage and water or storm damage that supports a right to payment can be highly technical, but our law firm knows how to present the facts that favor coverage. For additional information about our experience with the resolution of flood insurance disputes, contact one of our Orlando insurance lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.