Here are a few helpful tips for before, during and after a major storm. Please consult the Florida Division of Emergency Management or your local authority in the event an emergency.
- To prepare in advance, you should keep detailed records about your home, its upkeep and its contents.
- In Florida, flooding can be just as hazardous and damaging as wind. Flood insurance is separate from your typical homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure you consult the flood zones maps for your area.
- You can prepare your property for a storm with impact windows and doors, hurricane shutters, removing loose objects outside, using sandbags to reinforce doorways and windows, unplugging unnecessary electronic devices and using surge protectors and more. Please see our Resources page for more information.
- If you’ve suffered a loss, you need to document the loss thoroughly. Take pictures and videos. Write down as much as you can remember about the condition of the structure and any damaged contents. Ideally, you will have a home inventory that you have already kept.
- Then, you need reliable professionals to estimate the value of your loss. A public adjuster or licensed and bonded contractor are two examples of professionals who often complete these assessments. Our firm can help assist you in finding and verifying trusted professionals.
- You need to notify your insurer promptly of the loss. You do have a duty to cooperate with your insurer because of the contractual relationship that you have together. However, you need to prepared before you speak with an adjuster because they can make or break your claim or case.