St. Petersburg Hurricane Damage

Do You Have a Hurricane Ian Property Damage Claim in St. Petersburg?

Our Property Damage Lawyers Are Here to Help

St. Petersburg is a unique little city since it is a peninsula in a peninsula. It juts out into Tampa Bay, meaning it’s surrounded by water on three sides. It’s also densely packed with nearly 260,000 Floridians, making it the fifth most populous city in Florida. Florida might be the sunshine state, but St. Petersburg is aptly nicknamed the Sunshine City. It still holds the Guinness World Record for most consecutive days of sunshine and enjoys an average of 361 days of sunshine every year.

Unfortunately, the norm of sunshine doesn’t make St. Petersburg immune to hurricanes. Many residents still have nightmares about the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma just five years earlier. They were relieved when Hurricane Ian passed south of the metro area, leaving most homes and businesses in the city fairly undamaged.

However, many trees were knocked over, some of them onto homes. Thousands of homes and businesses also suffered minor roof damage, especially lost shingles. St. Petersburg homeowners are likely familiar with the risks that even minor roof damage can pose. You might not notice it right away, but eventually it will lead to leaks, and more expensive home damage claims in the future.

Do You Need Help With a Hurricane Ian Damage Claim in St. Petersburg?

Paying your insurance premiums for years or even decades doesn’t necessarily mean the insurance company is going to treat you fairly in the aftermath of a disaster. Insurance adjusters are humans and mistakes will be made, especially with thousands of Floridians filing home damage claims simultaneously. If your claim is being denied, undervalued, wrongfully delayed or you just feel like you’re getting the runaround, our property damage lawyers are here to help.

What Should I Do if My Home in St. Petersburg is Uninhabitable? 

Hurricanes can inflict a devastating blow on our community and force people to leave their homes and flee to safety or find a more suitable livable situation. High winds, lightning, flooding and storm surges can result in heavy damages to residential areas and displace many St. Petersburg residents after a hurricane.

If you had to evacuate, you should wait until you receive notice that your area is safe before returning to your property. The first order of business once you do return home is to determine whether your residence is habitable or not.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines a habitable home as “one that is safe, sanitary, functional and presents no disaster-caused hazards to the occupants.” Just because your home is damaged doesn’t mean its uninhabitable, but certain risks like mold, standing water or compromised structures can make staying in your home dangerous.

Get a FREE Case Evaluation

We’re available 24/7 and will respond promptly to any inquiry.

Fill out my online form.

A Home is Considered Uninhabitable if:

There is a power outage and you don’t have an operating emergency generator

There are structural damages to the roof, walls, etc.

There is water damage or flooding

Water leaks or mold are present

The septic and sewer systems are not functioning properly

If you believe your home is uninhabitable, reach out to your insurance company and request information on next steps. Your home insurance policy will explain the damages covered. You may be able to secure additional living expenses (ALE) through your insurance company to cover hotel stays, restaurant bills, rent for temporary housing, etc.

In order to receive ALE, you will need to prove your home is uninhabitable. An adjuster will likely come assess the damages and determine the value of your losses. You should also take pictures and video of damage to bolster your claim.

AVAILABLE 24/7 | SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

If you run into complications or disputes with your insurance company, contact a hurricane and tropical storm damage attorney in Florida.

What Are Some Contractor Scams St. Petersburg Homeowner Should Watch Out for After Hurricane Ian?

If you’re a Florida homeowner, you’ve likely heard the nightmare stories of contractor scams. One of the most common is the “fly-by-night” roofer. This particular type of roofer moves into disaster hit areas, like St. Petersburg after Hurricane Ian, to perform substandard roof replacements at massively inflated rates. By the time their shoddy work is discovered, they’ve moved on to a new city and are nowhere to be found. These fly-by-night roofers are far from the only unscrupulous contractors who might try to prey on St. Petersburg homeowners after Hurricane Ian.

Contractor Scam Warning Signs

No License – Double check your contractor’s licensing through Florida’s licensing board website. Visit www.myfloridalicense.com to make sure any contractor you’re considering for your Hurricane Ian repairs is properly licensed to work in Florida on your home repairs.

Unusually Low Bids – If a contractor gives you an estimate that seems too good to be true, there’s a chance that it is. Contractors may try to save money by performing rushed work using low-quality materials. Cutting corners can lead to dangerous consequences or repairs that don’t last.

Read Contracts and Be Wary of Large Deposit Requirements – It’s likely a bad sign if any contractor is requiring an extremely large down payment (more than 10 percent) before they start work. Also make sure your contract contains a buyer’s right to cancel. Some contractors may also put liens against properties to guarantee pay for subcontractors or suppliers. Be cognizant of these pitfalls and always demand liens be released before you pay the contractor in full.

No Contract – A bad contract is just as bad as no contract. Always make sure you have a contract stipulating exactly the work that will be performed if you’re hiring a contractor.

No Physical Location in Florida – Be wary of contractors who just have a P.O. Box or no mailing address at all. Professional contractors experienced with repairing hurricane damage should be established businesses in Florida.

Uninsured Contractors – An uninsured contractor is bad news. Every reputable contractor operating in St. Petersburg should have general liability insurance to ensure you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket if they or one of their employees damages your home or causes an injury on your property. You may even want to ask contractors for their liability and workers’ comp policy numbers and call insurers to verify the policies if you have doubts.

“Special” Pricing – A shady contractor may attempt to entice you into signing a contract without getting other estimates by offering some kind of attractive discount or “special.” If you feel like you’re being subjected to high-pressure sales tactics, you may want to hit the brakes and get other bids.

When Is the Right Time to Call a Lawyer for My Hurricane Damage Claim?

If you’re a St. Petersburg homeowner who has been affected by Hurricane Ian or another hurricane and you’ve filed an insurance claim on your home, you’re probably expecting to be compensated for your loss. As straightforward as filing a hurricane damage claim may seem, working with an insurance company isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s not uncommon for insurance carriers to undervalue or deny hurricane damage claims, even when it’s obvious your area suffered severe damage.

Signs It May Be Time to Contact a Property Damage Lawyer

  • The insurance company outright denies your claim for damages
  • The insurance company claims your policy doesn’t cover the damage
  • You’re offered a partial payment and the insurance company says it’s the full payment for your claim
  • The payment you’ve been offered is significantly less that what you need to fix your home
  • The insurance adjuster handling your Hurricane Ian claim is discouraging you from contact a lawyer because it’s “pointless” and won’t help you
  • The insurance company is taking an unusually long time (over 60 days) to process your claim, leaving you stuck with damages you can’t afford to fix
  • You have tried to negotiate a higher amount but to no avail

AVAILABLE 24/7 | SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

You Owe Us NO Fees or Costs Unless We Win Your Case
Call or Contact us Today for a FREE Case Evaluation

Hurricane Damage Resources

September 9, 2022
Animal risks after hurricanes

Animal Risks After a Hurricane in Florida

The Atlantic hurricane season, which affects Florida from approximately June 1 to November 30 can wreak havoc on many coastal and inland communities. There are many dangers associated with hurricanes, such as strong winds, storm surge flooding and tornadoes, that can claim lives and destroy property. Post-hurricane media attention tends to focus on the […]
July 27, 2022
tree on house after hurricane

Five Common Types of Property Damage After a Hurricane

Every year, Floridians are faced with the frightening reality of hurricane season starting June 1 and lasting through November 30 (and sometimes even later). Weather disasters can take a toll on communities and disrupt the livelihood of residents, businesses and public facilities.
September 29, 2021
how hurricanes affect the oil companies in the gulf coast

How Hurricanes Affect Oil, Gas and Energy Production in the Gulf of Mexico

When a hurricane makes landfall in Florida the media generally focuses, and rightly so, on the human toll. People lose homes, businesses and in some cases even loved ones and neighbors. The human tragedies that follow in the wake of devastating Florida hurricanes aren’t the only repercussions of these vicious storms. There are also […]
June 9, 2021
difference between a hurricane and tornado

What’s the Difference Between Hurricanes and Tornados?

Hurricanes form over the water and can be hundreds of miles wide while tornados usually form over the land and are rarely more than a quarter mile wide. A tornado might only last a few minutes, while hurricanes can persist for weeks. A hurricane can strengthen and weaken multiple times throughout its life cycle. […]
March 16, 2021
car flood damage

Can You Fix a Car After It Has Suffered Flood Damage?

A car can be fixed after suffering flood damage, but the damage may be tough for the average vehicle owner to repair without the assistance of trained mechanics. There’s also a chance serious flooding will result in a car being totaled by your insurance company; in which case you will probably just need to […]
March 15, 2021
Building codes to help during hurricane season

Building Codes and Techniques That Reduce Hurricane Damage

Florida building codes have underwent some major changes over the past twenty years. For example, if any home or business is built within a mile of the “coastal mean high-water line” (MHWL) and is subjected to 110 mph wind speeds during hurricanes, it must comply with a specific set of building codes. There are […]
November 10, 2020

Which Roofing Materials Have the Best Reputation for Standing up to Wind Damage?

There are several answers here depending on how you interpret the question. Roof materials themselves are one thing, but installation type also plays a role. There’s also variation between manufacturers of roofing materials. Some roofers will swear by GAF asphalt shingles, while others will say Owens Corning or some other brand is better. Opinions […]
November 10, 2020

Finding Hidden Roof Damage After a Storm in Florida

When most people see the iconic pictures of hurricane damage in news stories, it’s pretty obvious something cataclysmic happened. There are lots of broken things strewn all over or there is water covering cars and rising into homes and businesses. The majority of hurricane storm damage isn’t like that. Those places are usually at […]
October 19, 2020

What Are Public Adjusters and When May I Need One

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION
October 19, 2020

When Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for Mold Remediation?

Florida homes damaged by flooding after a hurricane or tropical storm often face the double whammy of not having any of the water damage covered and then not getting any assistance with mold remediation. This is true for any water damage that’s caused by a peril the insurance company decides isn’t covered. Consider these […]
October 19, 2020

Choosing the Right Florida Contractor to Repair Hurricane Damage

It’s always preferable to avoid getting hurricane damage lawyers involved with home or business claims to repair hurricane damage.  Ideally, you schedule a consultation with a contractor, get an estimate on repairs, the insurance company reviews your claim filing, agrees the amount you’re requesting is fair and pays your claim. Life is frequently not […]
October 19, 2020

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Claims

I haven’t received a response to my claim. When should I start getting nervous? The insurance company has several deadlines when it comes to hurricane claims. The insurance company must acknowledge and respond to communications from you within 14 days. They must start investigating your claim within 10 days of receiving your proof of […]
August 7, 2020

What’s Your Insurance Company’s Claim Management Reputation?

When people are shopping for insurance coverage – whether it’s health insurance, auto coverage or homeowners insurance – they often gravitate towards the cheapest solution. Homeowners in Florida should look past that one differentiator and consider each insurance company’s reputation when it comes to claims processing. If you talk to three different homeowners who […]
July 30, 2020

Hurricane Myths and Facts

Myth: Category 1 Hurricanes Aren’t that Dangerous Facts: Even tropical storms, with winds under 74 miles per hour, can cause significant damage. Tropical Storm Josephine, which made landfall in Florida’s Taylor County in 1996, spawned over a dozen tornadoes, produced 9.3 feet of storm surge, damaging more than 3,700 homes and knocked out power […]
May 11, 2020

Hidden Hurricane Damage

You get back to your home or business after a mandatory evacuation for a hurricane and everything looks good – but is it? Things are not always as they appear on the surface, and many home and property owners find this out the hard way after a hurricane. Roof Damage Is the Most Common […]
March 27, 2020

Can You Build a Hurricane-Proof Home?

It depends on who you ask. There are some home developers and builders who claim their homes stand up far better to hurricanes than the average Florida home. They usually stop short of claiming their homes are “hurricane proof,” likely for liability reasons, but they do advertise them as “Hurricane Resistant.” Deltec Homes and […]
March 27, 2020

What’s the Difference Between a Hurricane, Typhoon and Tropical Cyclone?

March 25, 2020

Why Is Florida the Hurricane Capital of the United States?

If you asked most people where the highest frequency of lightning strikes occur in the United States, they may guess mountains or tall buildings. Central Florida usually isn’t the thing that first comes to mind. You may be surprised to learn that the corridor located between Orlando and Tampa has several natural features that […]

Hurricane Ian Damage FAQs

Are you a St. Petersburg homeowner who has property damaged caused by Hurricane Ian? Like many other families in the area, you may have suffered severe property damage due to the historic levels of rain and wind that inundated our community.

While your insurance company may eventually cover your damages, they’re not exactly quick to pay out money. Insurance claims adjusters will be attempting to deal with many thousands of claims across the state of Florida in the coming weeks, and it may take several months before your claim is handled.

What if your property damage is so severe that your home is currently uninhabitable, and you need to have it fixed as soon as possible so you can return home? If your home requires emergency repairs you cannot afford, there are several potential ways to cover the cost without having to take out a hefty personal loan.

Keep in mind that insurance companies should reimburse homeowners for out-of-pocket costs once their claims are paid. Always keep your home repair receipts and don’t hesitate to contact Kanner & Pintaluga if the insurance company challenges your claim.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit allows you to secure a loan by borrowing money against the current equity in your home. HELOC loans are typically reserved for home improvements and emergency expenses, such as those associated with damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Once you receive a satisfactory settlement from your insurance company, you can use these funds to pay off your HELOC loan.

Contractor Financing

Look for contractors who offer flexible payment plans. Some contractors will offer 12-month no-interest financing, which may give the insurance company enough time to provide your full claim payment before you’re charged interest.

Many contractors are also willing to work with your insurance company or a public adjuster so you can avoid spending money out of pocket for emergency repairs.

You may also be able to find a contractor that is willing to take a small down payment and divide the cost of repairs into monthly payments. This way, you take care of the essential repairs without having to break the bank or take out loans.

Government Financial Assistance for Home Repairs in St. Petersburg

As a Hurricane Ian survivor, you are encouraged to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance.

St. Petersburg residents who apply for FEMA disaster assistance may be eligible for financial help with temporary housing, home repairs and other Hurricane Ian-related expenses.

After a destructive hurricane sweeps through Florida, insurance companies begin processing thousands of claims. They will be looking for ways to mitigate losses from the storm by finding reasons to deny a hurricane damage claim.

While business and property owners in St. Petersburg are right to expect their insurer to pay their claim, that isn’t always what happens. Insurance companies sometimes intentionally or unintentionally underpay, delay or deny legitimate hurricane damage claims — leaving Floridians wondering how they will ever be able to afford the repairs.

Common Reasons for Claim Denial:

  • The property had “pre-existing damages” prior to the hurricane
  • The type of damage is not covered in the policy
  • The property was not adequately secured against the hurricane

Anytime you deal with an insurance adjuster, be aware of these potential red flags:

  • Lowballing or offering an unfair settlement
  • Unreasonable delays while processing your claim
  • Making false assumptions or statements about your policy
  • Denying that your policy covers storm damage

Objectivity isn’t exactly the strong suit of insurance companies. They have a vested interest in minimizing your claim payment. Hurricane Ian is going to be massively expensive for home and business insurance companies in Florida, and they’ll be looking for every potential opportunity to save money.

Claim denials, delays and underpayments aren’t always underhanded tactics used by insurance companies to save money. After a massive natural disaster like Hurricane Ian, insurance companies will be forced to bring in temporary, poorly trained claims adjusters. People who are poorly trained or overworked will make mistakes, which could lead to your claim being unfairly valued or delayed.

A public insurance adjuster is hired by the policyholder for an objective, third-party analysis of their home’s hurricane damage. The public adjuster will use their extensive experience to accurately assess your property’s condition and calculate the appropriate claim payment for your damages.

The property damage attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga frequently work with public adjusters to better position our clients in their negotiations with insurance companies in property damage claim disputes. We would be happy to consult with your current public adjuster or connect you with a public adjuster who can help properly analyze your home’s damage.

  • Independently evaluates your property damage or loss with cutting-edge software
  • Performs a thorough investigation to develop detailed evidence to bolster your claim
  • Provides copious notes, reports and even file supplemental claims on behalf of their policyholder clients
  • Works as a go-between in negotiations between contractors, insurance companies and policyholders

Make sure your public adjuster is properly licensed and has the requisite training to handle Hurricane Ian property damage claims. Don’t hesitate to ask prospective public adjuster questions like:

  • Have you handled hurricane damage claims before?
  • Do you have much experience handling my type of damage (like roof and water damage)?
  • How long have you been working as a public adjuster?
  • Have you dealt with my insurance company in the past?

take precautions to secure their watercraft. If Florida has issued a hurricane warning and there is still enough time to safely relocate your boat, do your best to move quickly and get your boat to higher ground. In the event of storm surge, do not attempt to move your boat, as this could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Tips for preparing your boat for a hurricane:

  • Take an inventory and document your boat’s contents (pictures and videos are always a good idea).
  • Store all important documents (i.e., insurance policy, boat registration, marina rental agreement, etc.) in a waterproof lockbox and keep additional copies at home.
  • Check to see if your marina has a “marina berth” designed for securing boats during a hurricane. If they don’t, you will likely need to move the boat elsewhere.
  • Inspect your trailer to ensure it is in good shape for moving and transporting your boat.
  • Remove everything from the boat that could potentially come off during a storm.
  • Store your boat in a garage if possible. Securing the boat to strong trees should work if this isn’t an option for you.

Always be familiar with your marine insurance. If you are unsure if your insurance company covers storm or weather-related damages, request a copy of your policy. Many standard marine insurance policies don’t cover storm damages unless you add it, so it’s a good idea to confirm what is included in your coverage.

If you lose your boat in a hurricane or it is extremely damaged, you can file a storm damage claim with your insurance company.

The National Flood Insurance Program sells flood insurance policies to homeowners who own properties in high-risk, moderate-risk and even low-risk areas. Homeowners insurance companies require home and business property owners who have loans through federally insured mortgage companies to carry appropriate flood insurance.

The requirement doesn’t apply to property owners who have paid off their mortgages. Just because you’re not required to carry a NFIP policy doesn’t mean you should forego the coverage, especially if you live in Florida.

As Hurricane Ian has shown, storm surge can push water deep into cities, and rainfall can flood rivers, streams and lakes across the peninsula. Every property owner should be cognizant of the risks posed by flood damage and carry adequate flood insurance.

Just because you’re in a low-risk area on the flood map doesn’t mean your home is immune to flooding. Approximately a quarter of flood claims occur in low-risk and moderate-risk areas.

No – it’s rare for home insurance companies to cover natural flood damage. If a pipe bursts in your home or you have flood damage from some kind of plumbing leak or non-natural source of water, your home insurance will likely cover it.

Your insurance may also cover incidental water damage that occurred due to wind damage. For example, if Hurricane Ian damaged your roof and rain got into your home and caused water damage, your normal home insurance should technically cover the damage. However, those types of claims can get especially contentious, which is why it may be in your best interest to contact a property damage lawyer or public adjuster.

Now that Hurricane Ian has done its damage in St. Petersburg, you may be getting ready to file a property damage claim with your insurance company. If your home has suffered flood damage from storm surge and heavy rainfall, you may be under the assumption your home insurance policy will automatically cover your flood damage-related expenses.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.  It’s possible you may have water damage coverage only, which unbeknownst to many Florida homeowners, is different from flood damage.

Water damage usually stems from internal issues in your home. Examples of water damage include:

  • Pipe bursts
  • Bathtub leaks
  • Toilet overflowing
  • Washing machine and dishwasher leaks

Although most natural water damage isn’t covered, water damage that happened because of a listed peril should be covered. If debris breaks through a window, letting rain inside your home, that water damage may be covered by your policy because it’s not “flood” damage.

As the name implies, flood damage is typically caused by external and uncontrollable forces causing natural sources of water to rise into your home. Common examples of flood damage in Florida include:

  • Hurricanes
  • Tropical storms
  • Storm surge
  • Rivers, lakes and swamps overflowing

If you have a water line inside your home or garage because water was sitting in it due to storm surge or an overflowing lake or river, it will likely be categorized as flood damage.

As surprising and counterintuitive as it may be, flood damage isn’t covered by your home insurance policy. Homeowners instead must rely upon a separate flood insurance policy. Hurricane Ian left no doubt about St. Petersburg’s vulnerability to severe flooding. To have peace of mind moving forward, it may be a good idea to maintain a flood damage policy – even if your area is listed as moderate- or low-risk on flood maps.

You’ll need to file a property damage claim with your insurance carrier. There are more than 50 private insurance companies that offer NFIP flood policies. You can find a list of flood insurance providers in Florida on FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program website. If you think you have a policy but aren’t sure about the company through which you’ve acquired it, you can contact the National Flood Insurance Program directly.

If your claim is undervalued or denied altogether, be sure to contact a Florida water damage attorney, such as the experienced lawyers at Kanner & Pintaluga.

What Our Clients Are Saying

It was my pleasure to work with John Edwards and his assistant Grace. I had such a great experience, they were able to resolve my case in a few months. They made the process smooth, easy, and simple. I am very pleased with the results and I highly recommend the Law Offices of Kanner & Pintaluga.

WILLIAM SMITH

Hurricane Damage Reviews
5
2019-08-22T15:37:15+00:00

WILLIAM SMITH

It was my pleasure to work with John Edwards and his assistant Grace. I had such a great experience, they were able to resolve my case in a few months. They made the process smooth, easy, and simple. I am very pleased with the results and I highly recommend the Law Offices of Kanner & Pintaluga.
We had major roof damage after Hurricane Irma, like most people in Southern Florida. Every insurance company and person we spoke to were awful to deal with. We kept getting delay after delay and it seemed like we were never going to get the assistance we needed. A friend recommended Lauren Schaefer, with Kanner and Pintaluga, and we couldn't be happier with the help we are receiving from her and the KP team. We are still going through the process but everyone has been so great. The lines of communication are always open and we never feel left in the dark about anything.

DESIREE SCHMITZ

Hurricane Damage Reviews
5
2019-08-22T15:39:25+00:00

DESIREE SCHMITZ

We had major roof damage after Hurricane Irma, like most people in Southern Florida. Every insurance company and person we spoke to were awful to deal with. We kept getting delay after delay and it seemed like we were never going to get the assistance we needed. A friend recommended Lauren Schaefer, with Kanner and Pintaluga, and we couldn't be happier with the help we are receiving from her and the KP team. We are still going through the process but everyone has been so great. The lines of communication are always open and we never feel left in the dark about anything.
Adriana Nito is the Legal Assistant with my claim and she is wonderful. She has kept me up to date on all things happening . She always returns my calls if she is on another line . And she has coordinated all inspections and all needed with my claim. Thank Adriana.

ARNALDO SOSA

Hurricane Damage Reviews
5
2019-08-22T17:54:49+00:00

ARNALDO SOSA

Adriana Nito is the Legal Assistant with my claim and she is wonderful. She has kept me up to date on all things happening . She always returns my calls if she is on another line . And she has coordinated all inspections and all needed with my claim. Thank Adriana.
5
3
Hurricane Damage Reviews

AVAILABLE 24/7 | SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

If you believe your Hurricane Ian claim is being treated unfairly, the team of property damage lawyers at Kanner & Pintaluga is here to help.