First Hurricane Michael devastated your part of Florida, but then the insurance company, whose policy is supposed to protect you when natural disasters destroy your property, has denied your claim, sending a one-two punch your way.

Every month we pay insurance to cover us for when the unthinkable occurs, when hurricanes and other natural disasters reek havoc and damage your property. It’s already emotionally taxing to have to go through a natural disaster, but to have your insurance company deny or rip you off on top of it is cruel, but common. Insurance companies will fight hard to avoid paying out what they should.

Category four hurricanes like Michael may have caused your home severe damage such as a ripped off roof, water damage, downed electrical wiring, wall collapses, dangerous pathways or more.

Even if your insurance company denied your claim or offered a very low amount (nothing close to what you needed!), there’s hope. These are the steps to take to fight a hurricane insurance claim dispute and get the compensation you deserve.

1. Find your policy and read through what it covers. Figured out what coverage you possess. Do you have wind coverage, homeowners coverage, flood coverage, hurricane coverage or something else? This typically differs by state.
2. Prevent any further damage from occurring from water or falling objects. This is important because the insurance company is looking for reasons to deny your claim and if they think that any of the damage was due to your negligence, they will avoid paying.
3. Take photographs of your property. Take comprehensive photos from far back as well as up close and make sure it covers all angles. Make notes about the damage and keep them together. Email them to yourself so that you can date them as early as possible.
4. Submit your claim as soon as you can. Submit all the photographs and documentation as well.

If your claim was denied or you were offered a low offer, speak to an attorney. Here’s why an attorney may help:

1. The insurance company may have mislead you or flat out lied.
2. They may dispute any or all of your claim.
3. They may state that you do not possess the correct coverage.
4. They may state that the policy doesn’t cover you at all or in part.
5. They may offer you a very low amount.
6. They may tell you that you have to settle for a lower amount.
7. They may tell you that you do not need to speak to an attorney.
8. They may try to delay the process.
9. They may tell you that you need to submit supplemental information or claims before they’ll settle.

This is your home and not having the money to rebuild your life can add to the already stressful situation. Speaking to an attorney can take a heavy weight off your shoulders while they deal with fighting the insurance dispute.

Attorneys often have extensive experience with dealing with insurance companies and may know how to negotiate matters quickly for more appropriate settlements.