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01
Put safety first
No photograph is worth getting hurt. Stay out of unsafe structures, and protect your property before you document it.
Merlin Law Group · The Policyholder's Advocate®
Hurricane Damage? Know Where to Start with Your Insurance Claim
Representing policyholders in property insurance claims is the only thing we do. Our hurricane claim guides show you what to document, what to pull from your policy, and what to ask about repairs and temporary housing. Each one is written for Florida law and available at no charge.
Since 1985
Policyholder advocacy
Property Insurance
Firm focus
Residential + Commercial
Property claims
Multiple Gulf Coast Offices
Gulf Coast experience
Before You File
What to Do Before You File Your Hurricane Claim
Your insurance company starts building its file on your claim right away. You should too. These first steps protect your family, your property and your claim.
02
Report the loss promptly
Call your insurance company now, even if you don't know how bad the damage is yet. Your policy and your state's law set deadlines for reporting.
03
Record damage when it is safe
Take photos and video of every room, the roof, fences and outbuildings. Write down what you see and when.
04
Protect against further damage and keep receipts
Tarp the roof, board the windows and dry out what you can. Your policy may require it, so keep every receipt.
05
Start a claim file
Keep your policy, declarations page, receipts and repair records in one place. After every call, write down who you talked to and what they said.
06
Read before you sign
After a storm, contracts come fast. Before you sign with a contractor, adjuster or attorney, know exactly what you're agreeing to. Check their license with your state.
Interactive Worksheet
Documenting Your Loss
Build the record
Documenting Your Loss Should Be Easier to Start
A well-organized claim file can help you understand what has been reported, what is still missing, what expenses have accumulated and where your insurer’s conclusions differ from your own documentation.
Resource Library
Hurricane Insurance Claim Resources
Practical tools to help you document your loss, track additional living expenses, organize claim records, and better understand the issues that may arise during a Hurricane insurance claim.
Hurricane Claim Recovery Guide
Start your claim with the right documents, deadlines and questions.
What to do first after hurricane damage, how hurricane deductibles works, and the deadlines for reporting your claim.
View Resource →
Priority Checklist
Know what to do first when hurricane damage disrupts your home.
Your hurricane damage checklist: what to do first, what to gather and what to keep track of.
View Resource →
ALE Guide
Track temporary housing and extra costs while your home is repaired.
Can't stay in your home? See how additional living expenses and loss of use coverage may help, and which receipts to keep.
View Resource →
Wind vs. Water Guide
Understand how wind, rain and flood issues affect your insurance claim.
Why insurance companies treat wind damage and water damage differently, and why flood is usually a separate policy.
View Resource →Resource Library
Hurricane Insurance Claim Resources
Practical tools to help you document your loss, track additional living expenses, organize claim records, and better understand the issues that may arise during a Hurricane insurance claim.
Hurricane Claim Recovery Guide
Start your claim with the right documents, deadlines and questions.
What to do first after hurricane damage, how Florida's hurricane deductible works, and the deadlines for reporting your claim.
View Resource →
Priority Checklist
Know what to do first when hurricane damage disrupts your home.
Your hurricane damage checklist: what to do first, what to gather and what to keep track of.
View Resource →
ALE Guide
Track temporary housing and extra costs while your home is repaired.
Can't stay in your home? See how additional living expenses and loss of use coverage may help, and which receipts to keep.
View Resource →
Wind vs. Water Guide
Understand how wind, rain and flood issues affect your insurance claim.
Why insurance companies treat wind damage and water damage differently, and why flood is usually a separate policy.
View Resource →Considerations
Questions to take to your insurer or adjuster
What information do you need for the initial report?
What is my hurricane or named-storm deductible, and how is it calculated?
How should I submit photographs, receipts and repair records?
Which reporting requirements or deadlines apply to my policy?
How will the inspection be arranged, and can I be present?
Will my policy pay for emergency repairs and temporary housing?
Will my mortgage company be named on payments?
Who is my point of contact, and how do I track updates?
Use these to start the conversation. Your policy and your state's law decide what's covered.
Questions?Hurricane Claim Questions We Hear Most
Start With the Questions That Matter Now
These questions are designed to help policyholders identify common claim issues. They are general information, not legal advice about a specific claim.
Can I use these guides before I have a claim number?
Yes. We wrote them for homeowners who haven't filed yet.
Should I wait until I know the full extent of the damage before reporting?
No. Report it now. Your policy and your state's rules control how and when you can add damage you find later.
What is a hurricane deductible?
Many policies have a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible. It's often a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% deductible is $6,000. Check your declarations page.
Does my homeowners policy cover flood?
Usually not. Flood damage, including storm surge, is usually covered by a separate flood policy. We don't handle flood claims. FloodSmart.gov can help with flood insurance questions.
Is FEMA assistance the same as insurance?
No. FEMA may help with needs your insurance doesn't cover. Report your loss to your insurance company, and apply at DisasterAssistance.gov if you qualify. You can do both.
Why is my mortgage company on my insurance check?
Lenders are usually named on payments for damage to the house. Call your loan servicer and ask how it releases the money for repairs.
What records should I keep for emergency repairs?
Work authorizations, invoices, receipts, photographs before and after, and notes of who did the work.
Where do I find my deductible and policy limits?
On your declarations page, usually the first pages of your policy.
What if I already filed and now have a concern?
If your claim has been denied, delayed or underpaid, see the section below.
Chip Merlin, Esq.
Founder and President
Why Merlin Law Group
Property Insurance Is What We Focus On
Merlin Law Group represents residential and commercial policyholders in property insurance matters. The firm has advocated for policyholders since 1985 and maintains a dedicated trial team and an extensive network of industry professionals.