Bridgette Bello, a Florida resident, thought she had taken proper precautions by purchasing flood and hurricane insurance in addition to her regular homeowners coverage. However, after being hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, she is facing delays and denials in her insurance claims. Many other residents in Florida are also struggling with the aftermath of the storms, particularly those who did not document damage from Helene and could face claim denials if affected by both storms.
Reforms in Florida have limited legal recourse for residents challenging insurance claim decisions, leaving many with significant financial losses as most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Additionally, insurance companies are categorizing the storms as two separate events, creating complications for policyholders with overlapping damage.
FEMA has provided financial assistance to some affected households, but many victims are still facing financial calamity. The National Flood Insurance Program only covers losses up to 50% of a property’s value, leaving many homeowners responsible for costly rebuilding expenses. Those with flood insurance are also not exempt from facing significant financial challenges due to the limitations of their policies.
The situation in Florida has prompted calls for more comprehensive reforms in how the insurance industry handles hurricane damage. Some state officials are advocating for change to ensure that all Floridians are adequately protected in the event of future storms. Residents like Bello are left grappling with the aftermath of the hurricanes, with little financial support and uncertainty about the future of their properties.
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