In Florida, Tampa specifically, you typically have a year from the date of the storm to file a hurricane damage claim and three years to file a supplemental claim. However, it's advisable to file as soon as possible to expedite the claims process and prevent potential complications.

Thorough documentation is crucial. Take clear photos and videos of the damage to your property, both inside and out. Create a detailed inventory of damaged or lost belongings, including receipts or purchase records if possible. Keep all repair estimates and receipts for future reference.

Many homeowners' insurance policies include coverage for additional living expenses, which can cover the cost of temporary housing while your home is being repaired. However, the specific coverage will depend on your policy. Our team will work to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available.

If your home has suffered flood damage, you may need to file a separate claim with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Our team can assist you with both types of claims.

To minimize further damage to your property, consider the following:

• Board up broken windows and doors.

• Cover damaged roofs with tarps.

• Remove fallen debris from your property.

• Prevent mold growth by drying out water-damaged areas.

If you own a rental property that was damaged by a hurricane, you may be eligible for coverage for lost rental income and property damage. We can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

To protect your home from future hurricane damage, consider the following:

• Elevate your home.

• Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows.

• Trim trees and shrubs around your home.

• Create a hurricane preparedness plan.

By understanding these common questions and taking proactive steps, you can protect your home and minimize the impact of a hurricane.

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. Their role is to advocate on your behalf and ensure that all hurricane-related damages are properly documented and valued. In contrast, the insurance company’s adjuster represents the insurer’s interests and may aim to minimize the payout. Hiring a public adjuster can help you level the playing field and potentially recover a larger, more accurate settlement for your losses. Especially after a widespread hurricane event, where insurers may be overwhelmed, having an experienced advocate in your corner can make a significant difference.

Yes. In Florida, you have up to three years to file a supplemental claim related to a hurricane. If new damage becomes apparent after your initial claim has been settled, like hidden structural issues, mold, or roof leaks, you can request a reopening of your claim to seek additional compensation. Proper documentation and expert inspection are critical to proving that the newly discovered damage is hurricane-related. Our team at Harrell Adjusting Services can help guide you through this process and advocate for your right to a fair settlement.

Several types of damage often go overlooked or under-reported, especially during the chaos following a major storm. These include:

• Water intrusion inside walls or behind siding
  

• Roof uplift damage not visible from ground level
  

• Cracks in foundations or structural supports
  

• Mold growth in hidden or enclosed areas
  

• Damage to outdoor structures like fencing, sheds, or screened enclosures

There are several actions that could potentially jeopardize your hurricane damage claim:

• Delaying notification: Waiting too long to report the damage could cause complications with your insurer.
  

• Throwing away damaged items before documenting them: Always photograph and list all damaged belongings first.
  

• Starting major repairs without approval: Your insurer typically needs to approve major repairs in advance.
  

• Relying solely on the insurer’s inspection: Their assessment may not be thorough or reflect the full extent of the damage.

Insurance companies use several methods to estimate damage value, including:

• On-site inspections by adjusters
  

• Contractor or restoration company estimates
  

• Depreciation schedules for older items
  

• Pricing software tools based on current labor and material costs

Yes. Even if the eye of the hurricane doesn’t directly pass over Tampa, your property can still sustain significant damage from wind, rain, or storm surge associated with the outer bands of the storm. Insurance companies typically consider any damage caused by a named storm to be eligible under a hurricane damage claim, provided you meet your policy requirements. If you're unsure whether your damage qualifies, our team can review your policy and assess your situation with no upfront cost.

If your claim hasn’t been denied yet, start with a licensed public adjuster, they can handle negotiations and maximize your settlement without the high legal fees.

Many Florida homeowners are unsure whether to hire a lawyer or a public adjuster when facing property damage. Here’s the key distinction:

• A public adjuster, like Harrell Adjusting Services, is licensed to inspect, document, file, and negotiate your claim directly with the insurance company. We maximize your payout before legal action is needed.
  

• A lawyer is typically brought in after a claim has been denied or when there's a legal dispute. Attorneys can file lawsuits but often come with higher fees and longer timelines.

For most Winter Haven homeowners, hiring a public adjuster is the faster, more cost-effective first step, especially for storm, wind, roof, mold, or water claims. We only get paid when you get paid, and we often resolve claims without ever needing an attorney.

If the claim becomes adversarial or litigation is necessary, we can refer you to a qualified property damage attorney and provide them with a fully prepared file that strengthens your case.

Wind damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance, flood damage requires separate flood insurance, and storm damage is a broader term that may include multiple types depending on the policy.

Understanding the difference between wind, flood, and storm damage is critical when filing a property damage claim in Florida:

• Wind Damage: Caused by high winds, hurricanes, or tornadoes, includes roof damage, broken windows, and siding loss. Usually covered by standard homeowners insurance.
  

• Flood Damage: Caused by rising water from outside the home, such as storm surge, overflowing lakes, or heavy rain that seeps in. Not covered by homeowners insurance; requires a separate flood policy through FEMA or a private insurer.
  

• Storm Damage: A broad term that may involve a combination of wind, rain, hail, or lightning. Coverage depends on how your insurance defines "storm" and what caused the loss.
  

Insurance companies often try to classify damage in the least covered category to reduce payouts. At Harrell Adjusting Services, we specialize in identifying and categorizing damage accurately to ensure you're not underpaid or denied due to policy language. This is especially important in hurricane-prone areas like Winter Haven, where overlapping damages are common.

Yes, most Florida homeowners insurance policies will reimburse you for reasonable temporary repairs, as long as the costs are documented and the repairs prevent further damage.

After storm damage, water intrusion, or roof leaks, Florida homeowners often need to take immediate action to prevent their property from getting worse. Most insurance policies require you to make reasonable temporary repairs, and they typically reimburse those costs as part of your overall claim.

Covered temporary repair examples include:

• Tarping a damaged roof to prevent rainwater intrusion
  

• Boarding up broken windows
  

• Drying out water-damaged areas with fans or dehumidifiers
  

• Removing debris or hazardous materials to secure the property
  

To ensure you’re reimbursed:

• Take photos before and after the temporary repairs
  

• Keep all receipts and invoices
  

• Only perform repairs that stop further damage, not full restoration
  

We guide Tampa and Central Florida homeowners on what emergency actions to take, what to avoid, and how to document everything so it’s fully covered by your insurance. If the insurance company pushes back or denies reimbursement, our licensed public adjusters are ready to step in and fight for your full recovery.