Understanding Hurricanes and Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

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.