When we think about property damage, many people only consider their automobiles. However, for those who own a home, vehicles aren’t their only priority. There are property damage provisions included in your homeowner’s insurance policy that cover leaks, breaks, and weathering. Does your insurance cover natural disasters? Can you get compensation through a third party? Our attorneys can help with your concerns.
When hurricanes and tornadoes blow through town, they can leave devastation in their wake. If you need assistance filing and collecting a claim or have concerns about pursuing compensation with your current coverage, a Stockbridge personal injury lawyer can help.
How Do I Get Compensation For Property Damage if I Don’t Have Insurance?
We understand that it can be difficult or impossible to prepare for everything. If you don’t have adequate coverage, how are you supposed to pay for your damaged or destroyed property? After all, most people don’t have tens of thousands of dollars in the bank to cover this kind of damage.
If you’re feeling lost about your options, a member of our team can talk with you. We are available to assess possible paths for compensation, so you aren’t at a loss with your home or vehicle after an accident or disaster.
For a free legal consultation with a property damage lawyer serving Stockbridge, call 404-214-2001
Homeowner’s Insurance Can Make Collecting Compensation Easier
The future is a mystery. Homeowners can protect themselves against some future events with insurance. Homeowners’ insurance covers the home, furnishings, and property. There are four areas that a policy normally covers:
- Interior damage
- Exterior damage
- Damage to personal property
- An injury that occurs on the property
Insurance takes care of repair or replacement when something covered under the policy breaks or is damaged. The homeowner will typically be required to pay a deductible depending on the policy’s provisions.
When selecting insurance, homeowners can choose the maximum amount that can be claimed against the policy per incident. Most policies begin at $100,000, but a homeowner can opt for more coverage. Each policy will stipulate the amount designated for repairs, replacement of personal belongings, and offsite living arrangements if the structure is uninhabitable.
Stockbridge Property Damage Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Additional Coverage Options for Natural Disasters and Severe Property Damage
Mother Nature can be fickle. Depending on where you live, you may not have coverage for some “acts of God,” such as flooding and earthquakes. Insurance companies offer separate policies for these events in some areas. For instance, areas prone to flooding typically offer flood insurance as an option on your homeowners’ or vehicle policy. Most policies will include coverage for severe thunderstorms and, in some areas, for hurricanes and tornadoes.
If your area experiences earthquakes and floods, you may need to carry additional insurance against these conditions to have any damages repaired. Your insurance carrier will have information that can help determine your coverage.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
There are several hurricane threats in the southern states and coastal regions per year. High winds and excessive rainfall can cause a lot of damage in a short time. The winds can tear shingles and siding off of homes and businesses, leaving them subject to leakage and water damage.
Although most insurance policies offer coverage against these natural acts, arriving at a claim settlement with an insurance company can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure what your coverage entails. Our Stockbridge property damage lawyer can assist with your claim after a hurricane, tropical storm, or other severe weather events.
Earthquakes (Yes, They Happen in Georgia)
Earthquakes are likely not included in your standard policy agreement. Suppose you are in an area prone to them and have opted for the additional coverage. In that case, it may still be difficult to collect after a severe earthquake. A property damage attorney could be beneficial in acquiring your settlement to repair your building or replace your belongings.
Tornadoes
According to the National Weather Service, tornado season in Georgia hits its peak in April. However, they are frequent between March and May. Georgia has had only 11 EF-4 tornadoes since the 1950s, but that does not mean you are “safe” from the extreme damage a tornado can cause. Thirty-seven percent of all tornadoes in Georgia are EF-2 or greater, which can leave a path of destruction in their wake.
Between 1985 and 2014, Georgia had a yearly average of 26 tornadoes raging across the state. If a tornado damages your area, your homeowners’ policy or additional coverage may pay for repairing your building or replacing lost outdoor furniture and other damaged items. If you have difficulty filing a claim or receiving compensation, our property damage attorneys can help.
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How Insurance Can Cover Vehicle Property Damage
For vehicles, property damage liability (PDL) coverage will pay for repairs and damage you caused while the car was in motion. This can include repairing a fence, another vehicle, trees, signs, or other property.
You may also opt for comprehensive and collision coverage. These are paid separately, over and above the minimum requirements on most policies. The coverage you opt for determines the maximum amount paid out for property damage.
For most vehicle policies, natural disasters are not included in liability or basic coverage options. Comprehensive insurance is often the only way to protect your vehicle from weather-related damage.
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Georgia’s Contributory Negligence Law May Affect Your Claim
In cases where you depend on the other party’s insurance coverage to pay for your damages, Georgia law may prevent you from collecting the total value of your losses.
Georgia’s contributory negligence law prohibits you from collecting any damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault. Your lawyer can help you build a compelling case with the insurer to assure them that you are minimally at fault for your damages.
If you cannot collect enough compensation to cover repairs from the at-fault party’s insurance, you may be able to use your additional coverage to make up the difference. Our Stockbridge property damage lawyer might be beneficial if you have trouble collecting your damages.
Finding the Help You Need
Suppose you have experienced a severe weather event that caused damage to your home or vehicle. In that case, your insurance coverage can be instrumental in getting the necessary repairs. Contact Kaine Law for a free case evaluation if your insurance company is sluggish with your claim or has denied it. If you need help assessing your next steps in any way, our Stockbridge property damage team is standing by to assist.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
