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Hurricane season is almost here. That means it’s time to review your insurance policy, hurricane-proof your home, and take all of the other steps you normally would when summer is near.
But this year is anything but ordinary, so there’s more to do – and consider.
For one, above-normal hurricane activity is likely in 2020. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center forecasts 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to six major (category 3-5) hurricanes. For context, an average season produces 12 storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Two named storms have already formed before the official start of the season.
For another, the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) continues to cause immense hardship around the world. To date, more than 100,000 Americans have lost their lives – a number that’s likely to increase substantially.
This means two things:
- Being prepared is a unique and particularly critical task
- You could have a fight on your hands with the insurance company
Below we break down both points.
Preparing For Hurricane Season Amid COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “planning may be different this year because of the need to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” They recommend the following:
- Allot more time than usual to prepare your emergency supplies (food, water, and medicine). Home delivery is recommended.
- If possible, limit in-person visits to the pharmacy by signing up for mail order delivery or calling in prescriptions ahead of time.
- Keep an eye on local guidance about evacuation plans.
- Prepare a “go kit” with items you can’t do without. This should include hand sanitizer (or an alternative such as liquid soap).
- When checking on family, friends, and neighbors, follow social distancing recommendations.
- Follow CDC guidelines for health and safety if you need to visit a public disaster shelter.
Preparing Your Hurricane Claim
If you suffer property damage this hurricane season, expect the insurance company to be more difficult than normal. Between business interruption, nursing home neglect, workers’ compensation, and other coronavirus-related claims, some providers are struggling to pay their policyholders’ claims.
That means, now more than ever before, insurance companies will do all they can to avoid paying yours. They might:
- Deny that you have the right coverage
- Argue that certain damages are not covered under your policy
- Delay the processing or payment of your claim
- Require that you sign a written release of any supplemental claims
- Advise you against seeking legal representation
- Make lowball payment offers
- Try to convince you that an inadequate payment is the best outcome you can get
Insurance companies may have their back against the wall, but you still deserve every penny you are owed. To recover the full amount, you need a legal team in your corner. For decades, Morgan & Morgan attorneys have been fighting back against dishonest and deceitful insurance companies. Our team may be able to help you, too.
Contact Morgan & Morgan
In this difficult time and always, our family is here for yours. If you’ve been affected by a hurricane, the coronavirus outbreak, or have another legal matter to discuss, contact us.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning it costs nothing to hire us and we get paid only if you win.
Schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation today.