Bridgette Bello in Florida faced an insurance nightmare after hurricanes Helene and Milton hit, despite having purchased flood insurance and hurricane-specific coverage. The insurance industry is treating the storms as separate events, making it difficult for those with insurance to recover. Reforms in Florida have limited legal recourse for residents challenging claims decisions, leaving many facing financial losses. Only 25% of affected residents had flood insurance, leading to significant challenges in recovering from the storms.
Insurance industry experts warn that those without flood insurance may face claim denials, especially for water damage from Milton. Even with insurance, complications arise in determining the cause of damage and coverage limitations. Victims dealing with catastrophic water damage may not be able to afford rebuilding, leading many to walk away from their homes. Financial assistance is minimal, with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program providing limited coverage.
Residents like Patti Drew, who lacked regular homeowners insurance, are relying on crowdfunding for relief. The NFIP only covers up to 50% of property value, leaving homeowners to cover the rest of the rebuilding costs. The situation has prompted calls for more comprehensive reforms in how the insurance industry addresses hurricane damage in Florida. The current legal landscape limits homeowners’ ability to challenge claim denials, leading to potential widespread financial devastation among those impacted by Helene and Milton.
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