Jeff Atwater is Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and one of Florida’s four Cabinet officials. He leads the Florida Department of Financial Services and also serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal. He wrote the following article which was published by the Tallahassee Democrat on September 7, 2016.
Here’s What You Need To Keep In Mind As You File Insurance Claims
Florida’s 10-year no-hurricane streak came to an end late Thursday night as Hurricane Hermine slammed into Florida’s coast and continued on a path that ultimately impacted most of our great state. In the days since, Tallahassee has started to pick up the pieces and return to regular routines.
I know it hasn’t been easy and we have all been working hard, but we are seeing significant signs of progress. In the last week, I have witnessed neighbors helping neighbors, and I have watched as people have stepped up to the plate to help their fellow Floridians. Nothing is more encouraging than to see the best come out of people during the worst of times.
Now that power has been restored across most of our capital city and the surrounding region, many of you must now shift focus and begin filing insurance claims to cover damage to your home or business. I encourage you to contact your insurance company, if you haven’t already, to file your claim. I have seen many insurance companies on the ground in impacted cities surveying damage and adjusting claims. Insurance can be confusing, which is why we have resources available to help.
Insurance can vary widely and every policy is different, but it’s my goal to provide you with the facts and information you need to complete your claim. Tropical Storm Hermine became Hurricane Hermine at 5 p.m. EST on Sept. 1. From the time a hurricane has been declared by the National Weather Service until 72 hours after the final hurricane watch has been lifted, damages incurred during that time are subject to a special hurricane deductible. Instead of your normal fixed-price deductible, a hurricane deductible is calculated as a percentage of the insured value of the home. Look for Coverage A on your policy documents; this could be more than your normal deductible.
As every home holds a different value, every deductible will be different, but your policy document should clearly your specific deductible amount.
As you document your losses, note that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover debris and tree removal if the downed tree damaged your residence or any adjacent structures, regardless of who owns the tree. Some policies also cover these services if the downed tree blocks the main entrance, but your insurance company will typically not cover a tree that falls to the ground but does not cause property damage.
Many policies also cover food spoilage, an unfortunate consequence of prolonged power outages. Certain limits do apply, but talk with your insurance agent about this if you are already filing a claim.
Flood damage is not covered under traditional homeowners’ policies. Flood coverage for your property and possessions must be purchased separately, and flood damage to your vehicle is covered under your automobile policy.
In summary, there is much to be considered even though you still have a lot on your mind. If you have questions about how to file a claim, if you need help finding contact information for your insurance company, or if you are not sure if your losses will be covered under your insurance policy, give my Consumer Insurance Helpline a call. You’ll get direct access to insurance experts who can help with all of these questions and more. We serve all Floridians in every county.
The number is 1 (877) 693-5236, and the line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We hope to hear from you if you have insurance-related questions, concerns, or needs. You can also call this number to report any suspicious or suspected fraudulent activity, and we will refer the information to our insurance fraud investigators for follow up.
Hurricane Hermine was strong, but the state of Florida and its people are stronger. Full recovery efforts will take time, but we will get there. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask — ask your neighbors, ask your community leaders, give us a call, too. We’re here for you.
You may office call the office of Max Factor Law. We will be happy to assist you with your claim. My telephone number is (850)577-1699. My email address is Max@MaxFactorLaw.com.