Tornadoes in Florida can form in a variety of ways, and in all seasons. However, many of Florida’s tornadoes occur in the Spring and Summer months. Summer season tornadoes (June-September) typically occur along strong sea breeze boundary collisions, as well as from tropical cyclones. Spring season tornadoes (February-May) can be more powerful and deadly as they are spawned from severe supercells along a squall line ahead of a cold front. These types of tornadoes are also possible in the fall and winter months (October-January). Florida tornado climatology shows us that strong to violent tornadoes are just as likely to occur after midnight as they are in the afternoon.

After the Tornado…

Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.

As many policyholders begin the process of filing property insurance claims, we’ve found two reasons why tornado losses are especially challenging:

1. They cause both wind and water damage – Tornadoes frequently tear roofs off of buildings and shatter doors and windows, opening the structure up to both wind and water damage. Property destruction from wind can cause both obvious and hidden damages. Identifying the impact of high winds or the direct impact of a tornado on the structural integrity of a building is complicated; this process often leads to significant disputes between property owners and insurance companies on how to properly repair a building. Water damage, resulting from heavy rain entering openings created by the wind can also create challenges.
   
2. Exclusions may apply or extra coverage/endorsements may be needed – When it comes to tornadoes, several exclusions may come into play:

• Some property insurance policies have Mold Exclusions, meaning they will not pay to remove any mold that grows as a result of a tornado.
• The Ordinance or Law Exclusion from an insurance policy can also prevent you from having a full recovery following a tornado.
• Roof replacement is another example. If the damaged roof was older than 20 years at the time of the tornado, the insurance company may take an excessive amount of depreciation.

After a property loss occurs, homeowners will need to work through a complicated insurance claims process in order to get their properties repaired or rebuilt. The biggest challenge with making a tornado insurance claim is understanding your coverage and knowing how to get what you’re owed under your policy. Some home insurance policies are extensive and will cover everything and others are restrictive and will pay for very little. This is why you need an insurance expert to guide you through the process.

For immediate help with your tornado claim in Florida, call 954-482-5246 or email Antonio Hernandez PA at tony@claimsaidconsultants.com.