Severe storms and hurricanes often impact our lives and belongings in unforeseen ways. As we face the challenge of recovering and rebuilding, we offer some suggestions to consider for protecting your home before and after a storm.

BEFORE

  • Obtain a homeowners insurance policy from a reputable property and casualty insurance company. Be aware that carriers typically stop writing policies several weeks before an impending storm. Note: Policies have a separate Hurricane Deductible, typically a percentage of the risk amount.
  • Homeowner policies specifically exclude “flood losses.” However, they should pay for “wind-driven rain,” which is caused by wind creating an opening in the structure followed by rain—flood water damage is not covered under homeowners’ insurance. Collect all important documents such as insurance policies (auto, health, life, homeowners, etc.), birth certificates, marriage licenses, Social Security cards, etc. Place them in a waterproof bag and take them with you if you must evacuate. Do the same with valuables and keepsakes. Remove items around your home’s exterior that the wind could potentially move.
  • Expect power outages—thus, empty your refrigerator and freezer. Keep a few days’ supply of drinking water and nonperishable food for each person.
  • Take photographs of the exterior, interior, and contents of your home. This is important as it will help you remember what to present in your insurance claim.
  • If you are in a flood zone, consider moving your car(s) to higher ground or placing sandbags inside and outside your garage door to hold back flood waters.

AFTER

  • REMEMBER – Homeowner insurance policies specifically exclude “flood losses.” However, they should pay for “wind-driven rain” which is caused by wind creating an opening in the structure followed by rain—flood water damage is not covered under homeowners’ insurance.
  • If there is visible damage from the storm to your house, belongings, and/or vehicles:

– Take photos immediately.
– Report the claim to your insurance company as soon as possible. Ensure that you have the appropriate policy numbers to facilitate the process and record the claim number and date of loss.

  • Most homeowner policies provide limited additional coverages for:

–  Additional living expenses, including temporary housing, should the home be uninhabitable. Make sure to save all receipts.
–  Emergency repairs to the structure to prevent further damage. Make sure to save all receipts (confirm that your coverage applies to the type of loss you experienced).

  • For significant structural damage:

– Obtain at least two bids from certified and licensed contractors. If an unsolicited contractor drops by your home, be cautious; ask for proof of identity, license, business card, etc.
– Do not pay any contractors, remediation specialists, roofers, etc., unless you are convinced that they are legitimate and they have presented you with a detailed written proposal.
– Before contracting for major repairs, you should advise your insurance adjuster what you plan to do—particularly if there is any doubt about coverage.
– Most homeowner policies will immediately pay for the Actual Cash Value (depreciated value) of the repairs, followed by the withheld depreciation upon completion. They will pay for “like kind and quality to return the structure to the condition it was before the loss.” (If you decide to remodel, etc., they will not cover that expense. Thus, your two estimates should only reflect actual repairs to restore the property to its condition before the storm.)
– The Hurricane or Windstorm Deductible (a percent of the building’s insured value) will be taken from the first payment.

  • List lost contents, providing a brief description, age, original cost (if known), and cost to replace. (Submit original receipts for high-value items. This will help you and your insurance company agree on the value.)
  • After you have submitted your claim to the insurance company, they will provide you with a Proof of Loss statement to review and sign. Should there be supplemental damage that was not presented previously, you
    should be able to present the additional claim, with backing, if you have not exceeded the limits of your policy’s coverage.
  • Should your insurer feel you are claiming too much for a repair or replacement, ask to be provided with the contractor(s) who can do the repairs for less.
  • CAUTION: A Public Adjuster, Contractor, or a Law Firm may approach you suggesting that you retain them or “assign your rights” to them to handle the claim on your behalf. Should you do that, you will terminate your
    right to deal directly with your insurance company during the claim process. You will also most likely be responsible for paying a fee, typically a percentage of the agreed claim payment. This type of arrangement could
    also extend the period required to resolve the claim.
  • If you have a grievance, you may submit complaints about the handling of your claim by your insurance company to the Florida state governing agency:

Consumer Helpline Contact Information
Statewide Toll-Free: 1-877-MY-FL-CFO
(1-877-693-5236)
Out of State Callers: (850) 413-3089
TDD Line: 1-800-640-0886
Email: Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com