Helene and Milton: Navigating Concurrent Causation in Insurance Claims
To those impacted by Hurricane Helene and now potentially facing Hurricane Milton, our heart goes out to you during this challenging time. As public adjusters, we want to share some insights and advice that might help you navigate your insurance claims and prepare for what’s ahead.
When multiple hurricanes occur close together, as with Helene and Milton, it’s common for both storms to contribute to the overall damage. This situation, known as concurrent causation, can complicate the insurance claims process. For example, Helene might have caused significant wind damage, while Milton could bring flooding or additional wind damage. If your insurance policy covers wind but excludes flood damage, determining which hurricane caused which part of the damage is crucial—and can be a point of contention with your insurer.
Many insurance policies contain what’s known as anti-concurrent causation (ACC) clauses. These clauses allow insurers to deny coverage if an excluded peril, like flooding, contributed to the loss, even if a covered peril, like wind, was also involved. This can mean that if Milton’s flooding contributes to damage already caused by Helene’s winds, your entire claim could be at risk, depending on your policy’s specific language.
Here’s some advice to help you navigate this situation:
Document Everything Thoroughly: Take photos and videos of all damages as soon as possible. Keep records of repairs you’ve had to make after Helene, as well as any additional damages caused by Milton. This documentation can be critical in showing how each storm contributed to the overall loss.
Review Your Insurance Policy: Pay special attention to the details around covered and excluded perils, as well as any ACC clauses. Understanding these clauses can help you anticipate potential issues with your claim and provide a clearer picture of what to expect.
Report the Loss Promptly: Notify your insurance company of any new damage as soon as it occurs. If Milton causes additional damage, report it separately from Helene’s damages if possible. This helps clarify the timeline and nature of each storm’s impact on your property.
Consider Seeking Expert Help: Dealing with concurrent causation and ACC clauses can be complex and stressful, especially when multiple hurricanes are involved. As public adjusters, our role is to advocate on your behalf, helping you understand your policy, gather necessary documentation, and negotiate with your insurance company to secure a fair outcome.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Navigating insurance claims after back-to-back hurricanes is challenging, but with careful documentation, a thorough understanding of your policy, and possibly the assistance of a professional, you can work towards the best possible outcome. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.