​With hurricane season quickly approaching, the best way to prepare for a hurricane is to plan ahead so that you are ready when the storm is coming. Property owners all too often find themselves unprepared and anxious when these devastating storms are heading their way. Fortunately, there are some precautionary measures you can take in advance to better protect your property and financial well-being.
 
With a little preparation, you will be in a better position to navigate the unpredictable 2022 hurricane season. Here are 6 steps you can take ensure that you are hurricane ready and make sure you do not miss our free hurricane checklist below.
 
#1 Verify Your Insurance Coverage
Take the time to review your property’s insurance policy to verify that you are fully covered for any damage. Property insurance typically covers temporary repairs after a hurricane, in addition to extra living expenses that may be required as a result of relocating to a temporary dwelling.
 
It is important to note that property insurance does not cover flood-related damage and you should have a separate flood policy.  Additionally, make sure your insurance policy covers damage caused by hurricane and wind.
 
#2 Have a Pre-Loss Property Inspection
You should get a pre-loss property inspection before a storm in the event you need to file an insurance claim. By doing so, you are equipping yourself with sufficient evidence to prove the new damage is not pre-existing damage. This can certainly help increase your chances of receiving full coverage for your damages.
 
Before a storm, not everyone has the time, resources, or equipment to comprehensively document the interior and exterior of their home and/or commercial property.
 
Reliant Insurance Adjusters has a Pre-Loss Inspection Program for both residential and commercial properties in Broward and Palm Beach County and includes a complete and thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your property. This documents the condition of your property before you have an insurance claim. Our inspections include photos and/or video report of the exterior and interior of your property together with aerial images and video footage of your roof with our state-of-the art drone equipment.
 
It can often be difficult, if not impossible, to prove to an insurance company the full extent of your damages once disaster strikes. This is an extremely important and useful report to have prior to hurricane season.
 
#3 Take an inventory of your property
It may seem like an unnecessary step but compiling a list of all your belongings within your home or business will help show the condition of your property before they are damaged.  Keep the inventory with your important documents. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure to take it with you. It is also wise to keep an electronic copy saved where you can access it anytime via your phone, tablet, or computer.
 
#4 Prepare and Protect Your Property
Prepare and protect your residential and/or commercial properties in preparation for hurricane season. Since you don’t know when or if a hurricane will impact your property, it is recommended that you prepare as if it will happen. Here are a few suggested steps you can take:

• To help reduce water damage and divert water away from your property, clear your gutters, downspouts, and drains.
• Minimize the chance of having broken windows with permanent storm shutters for the best protection. If you do not have impact windows or shutters, cover and protect your windows with plywood. 
• Secure the exterior by trimming large trees and storing outdoor items. Outdoor furniture, trash cans, potted plants, and bicycles can easily be carried away by high winds. Bring them indoors or anchor them before a storm. 
• Reinforce external doors with extra hinges or a deadbolt. If possible, consider replacing old sliding glass doors and windows with impact glass installations and replacing old garage doors with new impact doors.

 
#5 Have an Emergency Stock of Necessary Supplies
Having an emergency stock of supplies ready to go well in advance of a hurricane is essential. During a storm, stores and suppliers tend to run out of bottled water, medical kits, and other essential goods rather quickly. To provide for your family, it is a good idea to have these items already on hand and stored in plastic bins. Keep at least a seven-day supply.
 
We created our own Hurricane Supply Checklist that will help you with everything you will need in case of an emergency.  Click below to download your free copy.
 
#6 Plan Your Evacuation Ahead of Time
One of the most important elements of hurricane preparation is planning your evacuation process. If you think evacuations are only for those who live on or near the coast, keep in mind that hurricane storm surges can often push water tens of miles inland.  If you do have to evacuate, it is important to unplug all electronics and appliances.  
 
Helpful information for planning your evacuation route can be found on your local county or city website. You will undoubtedly get instructions from local news reports as well as social media. However, it is still important to create your evacuation plan and familiarize yourself with nearby shelters and boarding options for your pets well before a storm. Review your plans with everyone in your home and make sure each person knows what to do in case of this type of emergency.
 
In the event of a hurricane, Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team is experienced with handling all types of insurance claims, interpreting insurance policies, and protecting our clients’ interests throughout the entire claims process. 
We also have the resources to conduct pre-loss inspections which can help you with any insurance claim. Contact us today for your Pre-Loss Inspection or for more information on how we can help you.

If you need a public adjuster in Boca Raton, you have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we offer a variety of services designed to help you should you have an insurance claim. One of these is roof inspections recorded with a drone.

Learn why drone videos are valuable, what you should look for when hiring a drone pilot, and the situations where we may recommend a different kind of inspection. 

Why Are Drone Videos Valuable? 
You want to have as much information as possible when filing your claim. The more ambiguity, the easier it is for an insurance company to potentially deny a claim. Drone videos can provide essential information in support of your claim.
 
A pre-loss property inspection can also help narrow down when the damage occurred. It also provides clear evidence of your property prior to a loss. 

This is important because insurance policies are not typically designed to cover maintenance related issues or long-term damage. Interior property inspections and drone footage can help you show the condition of your roof and the exterior and interior of your property before it is damaged. This type of report will assist in getting coverage for your claim. 

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Drone Video Roof Inspection Expert? 
The next step is to find someone to assist you and two qualities you should look for: 

• Insurance Expertise – You want to work with someone who understands the insurance claim process and what insurance companies will be looking for. Someone who understands what to record in order to help you make it through the complicated process. 
• Drone Expertise – While people flying drones recreationally do not need a license, commercial flyers do. Along with making sure the pilot is licensed, it is also a good idea to make sure they have experience flying. This lets you rest easy knowing they can operate the drone and capture any necessary imagery. 

Along with being a Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Property Insurance Appraiser & Umpire (CPAU), Scott Scovin is also an FAA licensed Drone Pilot. He is prepared to provide you with all the documentation and help you need. 

Are There Any Situations Where We Cannot Use Drones? 
Yes, there are certain situations where we cannot use drones. Airports and military bases have restrictions against civilian drones. If you own property close to either, call us and we will help you determine whether drones can be flown over your property. 

If there is any reason why we may not be able to use a drone, we will discuss your best options for getting your property inspected. Our goal is to make sure you have all the documentation you need for your insurance claim. 

Looking for a Public Adjuster in Boca Raton? 
You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping property owners receive the compensation they need in the aftermath of an unexpected event. We have been interpreting policies and handling insurance claims for years, which means you can rest easy knowing we are on your side. 

Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with an expert who can help you file your insurance claim? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Hurricane season begins June 1, which means it is time for homeowners to start preparing. As the best public adjusters in the 33434 zip code, we want to make sure you have the knowledge you need.

Today, we will discuss what you should know as a Florida homeowner during hurricane season.  This includes both how to prepare before the hurricane comes, as well as how to get compensation after the storm.

Preparing for a Hurricane 
One of the best ways to protect your home is by preparing it for hurricane season. This can help reduce the need to file an insurance claim. 

We have spoken before about the three hurricane checklists you want to be aware of: 

• Hurricane Supply Checklist 
• Hurricane Safety Checklist 

• Pre-Loss Inspection Checklist 

With regards to property damage, the Red Cross recommends that any loose objects like plants, lawn chairs, grills, are either brought inside or anchored. You also want to make sure that when planting trees, they are far enough away from your home to ensure that if they do fall over, they will not cause damage.
 
Along with doing your best to prevent property damage, you also need to prepare for your own safety. This means determining whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place, as well as making sure you have food, water and medicine. 

Pre-Loss Property Inspections 
It is important to document the condition of your property before you have a loss.  A pre-loss property inspection does just that. So, if you sustain damage to your property and you need to file an insurance claim, a report like this is the best way to prove new damage.  

Am I Covered for Hurricane Damage? 
Insurance policies vary and coverage changes from year to year so you want to make sure you understand what is covered and excluded in your policy prior to the need to file an insurance claim.  Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer Hurricane and Wind coverage with a 2% deductible.  The deductible is based upon a percentage of your Dwelling or Building policy limit.  
 
How Long Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim? 
In the state of Florida, you need to file an insurance claim for damage within two years after the date of loss. That said, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. Along with ensuring that you receive coverage and payment for your claim in the timeliest manner possible, this also minimizes any uncertainty that could arise regarding your claim. 

If a long period of time lapses between when you sustain property damage and when you file a claim, you must still protect your property from further damage. If you do not, some of the damage may be attributed to events not covered by your insurance policy. 

This is also one of the reasons why a Pre-loss Property Inspection is so helpful as it narrows the timeframe during which the damage could have been caused, lending further proof to the fact that the damage was caused during the hurricane. 

Making repairs to your property, unless taking emergency measures to protect your property from further damage, is not recommended.  The burden of proof is on you to show and prove damage to the carrier. Filing an insurance claim after you have repaired your property will not help your hurricane claim. 

Looking for the Best Public Adjusters in 33434? 
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the knowledge, understanding and experience necessary to obtain the highest claim settlement.  We are well respected in the industry and are prepared to handle any residential and commercial claim. 

Whether you have questions about a claim, or you have been denied or underpaid on your claim, please do not hesitate to contact us. Settling claims today is complicated and we are ready to assist and guide through the process. 

When discussing a property insurance policy, it is always important to outline that different policies have different terms. This is why we take our duties as a public adjuster in Broward County so seriously: we want to make sure we understand exactly what your policy covers. 

Generalities are useful for helping you understand the likelihood that your policy covers a specific form of compensation when you have a covered loss for damage to your property. In this instance, it is safe to say that property insurance policies do not cover the cost of property maintenance. 
​
To explain why, we should discuss what these types of policies are designed to cover, as well as what to look for if you want home maintenance costs included. 

What Do Homeowners Insurance Policies Typically Cover? 

Most insurance policies are designed to cover unforeseen incidents also known as sudden and accidental damage. The exact nature of your policy may vary, but insurance companies often offer plans that include: 
​

• Fire 
• Hurricane/Wind 

• Water Damage 
• Mold 

Therefore, it is important to understand your options carefully when purchasing an insurance policy. While it is tempting to choose the cheaper coverage available, this may not give you adequate protection for your property. I always say shop coverage not price! 

What If Your Insurance Company Believes Damage to Your Home Was Caused Due to Lack of Maintenance? 

It is important to note, that although your policy only covers damage from sudden and accidental loss, it is still important to maintain your property with the proper upkeep. This will certainly avoid any issues with your insurance company should you have to file a claim. 

For instance, if a minor leak goes undetected and continues over a period of time, this will result in more extensive damage than if it was stopped immediately. Because the damage to your property would then be long term, your insurance company may deny coverage and claim that the water damage is not the result of a sudden and accidental loss. 

This situation can get especially complicated if it is ambiguous whether the damage was caused by an unforeseen event or a lack of maintenance (e.g. Did your property experience water damage due to a hurricane or because of an unrelated leak that was not fixed? 

This is one of the reasons why it is useful to speak with a public insurance adjuster. They can review your policy and help you determine if your damage is covered in your policy and exactly what your insurance company should provide with coverage. 

It is important to have a pre-loss inspection, which allows you to document the condition of your property before you have a loss. Sometimes, insurance companies mislabel damage as either pre-existing or long term damage. With a detailed pre-loss inspection report, we document your property from the exterior to the interior so this will not happen to you.

What If You Want a Policy That Covers Maintenance?

Insurance policies are designed to help you in the event of a covered loss/damage to your property. They are not designed to maintain the property, therefore, if you are a homeowner, you may wish to purchase a home maintenance/warranty contract which usually covers maintenance of the air conditioning, appliances and plumbing.

You should always have your roof and windows checked on an annual basis to make sure there are no active leaks and the caulking around your windows and doors are sealed properly. Additionally, it is important to make sure that sprinkler heads are faced away from the building to ensure that no water seeps into the property.

It is important to make sure you understand what your warranty covers. While some companies just offer coverage to repair these items, others will cover replacement.

If you choose to go this route, it is important to determine whether the cost of the warranty is worth the repairs you think you will need.

Looking for a Public Adjuster in Broward County?

You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, our goal is to help you better understand the coverage that your insurance policy provides.

Whether you want us to help you with an insurance claim, a pre-loss inspection, or you just have questions you would like to ask first, please do not hesitate to contact us today. It is our primary goal that our clients’ needs come first.

If you live in Florida, you have experienced sudden and catastrophic wind events, such as hurricanes and severe thunderstorms.  These storms can cause damage to your property’s exterior, leaving you in a position of possibly having to replace your roof, as well as repair damage to the interior.  The questions is - Can you rely on your insurance company to cover all the damage?
 
The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no because it depends on your policy.
 
Insurance companies are beginning to implement roof depreciation schedules into their policies.
 
Roof repairs or replacement, if the damage to your roof is caused by a covered loss, are typically covered in the dwelling coverage section of your policy. However, I cannot stress enough to make sure you understand and know what your policy covers, limits, or excludes.  Recently, friends of mine obtained an insurance policy and unbeknownst to them, it included a roof depreciation schedule.

What Does This Mean?

A full roof replacement, without the help of insurance, can be a steep price tag for many property owners. It is a necessary component to your property’s envelope.  If a roof depreciation schedule exists within your policy, the insurance company will deduct a percentage of coverage based on the age of your roof, then deduct your deductible.  This can certainly result in high out of pocket expenses you did not expect to have.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

Homeowner’s insurance policies will vary when it comes to covering full roof replacement resulting from a storm.
 
Most policies cover damages from sudden and accidental losses such as wind, hail, or lightning, but may have a higher deductible. Where other policies may exclude these types of storm damages altogether.
 
Be prepared and review your insurance policy so that you know and understand your property coverage. For example, whether you are covered, or not, for the ensuing water damage to your property from a roof leak or if you are covered for full roof replacement from a hurricane, windstorm, hail or lightening.

Roof Damage Insurance Claim Denied, Now What?

Was the damage to your roof insurance claim denied? The verbiage in your homeowner’s insurance policy is important for any claim you make. However, a roof repair or full roof replacement is not something you should wait to handle, whether your claim was denied or not.
 
If you need a roof replacement and the damage is caused by a covered loss, and your insurance provider is denying your claim, you may still have options.
 
That is when hiring a public adjuster, like Reliant Insurance Adjusters, can help you get the highest possible claim settlement and also potentially avoid an outright claim denial. Contact us today for a free policy review and learn how we can help get your insurance claim paid should you have one.