November 27, 2012 — Hurricane Sandy was a late-season October hurricane that devastated the East Coast. Thousands of families and businesses are still recovering from the damage.
More than 200,000 insurance claims are expected to be filed, and insurance companies will be liable for an estimated $22 billion in insured losses. Unfortunately, if previous hurricanes are any indication, many of these claims will be wrongfully denied, delayed, or under-compensated.
Hurricane Sandy was a unique storm. Despite its 900 mile-wide girth, 100-mph winds, and 12-foot storm surges, Sandy was downgraded to a “Post-Tropical Cyclone” just before making landfall in New Jersey because it did not have “sustained hurricane-force winds.”
Most of the damage was caused by flooding, which is not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies or business interruption policies. It is likely that many claims will be denied because insurance companies will claim that hurricane insurance does not cover flood damage.
Your insurance company may reconsider their offer once they learn you have legal representation.You could potentially receive thousands of dollars more than your insurance company has offered to pay. However, there are several steps you must take to protect your insurance claim.