ORLANDO, Fla. — Before a hurricane causes damage, homeowners can take steps to make a potential insurance claim easier to document and defend.
Hurricane Isaias is approaching the northern Gulf Coast with damaging winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surge in the forecast. Although Central Florida is not facing a direct hit, the storm is another reminder for residents across the state to review their coverage and document their property.
Hugh Lumpkin, a senior partner in Reed Smith’s Insurance Recovery Group in Miami, provided Channel 9 with several steps homeowners can take before and after a storm.
Photograph your property before the storm
Homeowners should take photos or video showing the current condition of their property, including:
- Every room inside the home
- The roof and exterior
- Vehicles and boats
- Electronics, furniture and appliances
- Jewelry, artwork and other valuable collections
- Custom finishes or recent improvements
The images should be stored somewhere that will remain accessible if a phone, computer or home is damaged. Options include secure cloud storage, an external drive or a waterproof container.
“If you have collection coverage, photos of those items are particularly important,” Lumpkin said.
Important records should also be protected, including insurance policies, identification documents, wills, vehicle titles and financial records.
Homeowners should save their insurer’s telephone number, email address and claims website along with their policy number.
Understand the difference between wind and flood coverage
A standard homeowners policy generally does not cover flooding. Separate flood coverage may be needed for damage caused by rising water or storm surge.
Wind coverage also varies by policy. Disputes can arise when a storm produces both wind and flood damage because insurers may disagree about which caused a particular loss.
Homeowners should review their policies and contact their insurance agent with questions about exclusions, deductibles and coverage limits.
Coverage purchased immediately before a storm may not take effect in time. National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, although limited exceptions apply. Private insurers may also restrict new policies or coverage changes as a storm approaches.
Report damage promptly
Once it is safe to return, policyholders should contact both their insurance agent and the insurer’s claims department.
Write down:
- The date and time the damage was reported
- The name of each representative contacted
- The claim number
- Instructions provided by the insurer
- Dates and details of follow-up conversations
Homeowners should photograph and record the damage before beginning cleanup or repairs.
Do not discard damaged property until the insurer has documented it or gives permission, unless keeping the material would create a health or safety risk.
Prevent additional damage when it is safe
Most insurance policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent damage from becoming worse.
That could include temporarily covering a damaged roof, removing standing water or drying wet belongings. Homeowners should not attempt dangerous repairs or enter a structure that authorities have declared unsafe.
Keep every receipt connected to emergency repairs, temporary lodging, cleanup and replacement supplies. Photograph the property before and after temporary work is completed.
Be cautious when hiring contractors
Lumpkin recommends verifying a contractor’s license and insurance before allowing substantial work to begin.
Florida homeowners can search for a contractor through the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s online license database.
Get written estimates and read every agreement carefully. Homeowners should understand what they are authorizing before signing a contract, including any document transferring insurance benefits or giving another party control over a claim.
What to do if a claim is denied or seems too low
Policyholders should first ask the insurer for a written explanation of its decision and compare that explanation with the language in their policy.
Florida’s Department of Financial Services offers a mediation program for certain residential property insurance disputes. Mediation allows a policyholder and insurer to meet with a neutral mediator in an attempt to resolve disagreements involving denied claims, the cause of damage or the amount offered for repairs.
Depending on the dispute, a homeowner may also consider consulting a licensed public adjuster or an attorney experienced in property insurance. Appraisal may be available when the disagreement concerns the value of a covered loss, but that process depends on the policy.
Insurance coverage and claim requirements vary. Homeowners should review their individual policies and follow all deadlines and instructions provided by their insurers.
Florida hurricane insurance resources are available through the Department of Financial Services at MyFloridaCFO.com.
Channel 9 will continue to track Hurricane Isaias and provide updates on Eyewitness News and WFTV.com.
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