As commercial and residential property owners in South Florida assess their damage after Hurricane Irma they should be cognizant that a claim against their own windstorm insurance may not be the only or best option. This is true in part because making a claim against one’s own insurer will inevitably require the payment of a deductible and may result in future higher premiums. Accordingly, consideration should be given as to whether other sources of recovery may exist to cover the damages.
An analysis of the damage including the causes is a necessary starting point. If, for example, a structural component such as roof shingles or membranes failed, the failure might be due to a manufacturing defect or defective installation. In those situations it may be possible to seek recovery from the product manufacturer or those involved in the construction, including the contractor, engineer and architect either based upon a construction defect claim or a warranty claim.
