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INSURANCE THAT COVERS HURRICANES AND HOW TO PREPARE A CLAIM
If you own a home and have homeowners insurance you most likely have insurance that covers a hurricane. This
insurance includes wind damage and rain entering because of wind damage. This insurance covers your home,
personal property and outbuildings. Flood insurance covers rising waters caused by a hurricane and must be
purchased separately. Damage to automobiles is covered under the comprehensive section of your automobile
insurance. If you are a renter, you must have your own renters policy to cover personal property; the owner of
the property has coverage for the building only. New insurance policies are not written if there is a named storm
within a defined number of miles from your location or a certain number of days after the storm is named. These
restrictions are used by almost all insurance companies in the affected area. The best advice is to not change
insurance during hurricane season, whether homeowners or automobile insurance.
The dreaded deductible is different for hurricane damage in most states. If you have chosen a deductible of $500
or $1000 for your regular homeowners insurance, it will not apply to hurricanes. The state of Florida allows
insurance companies to charge a percentage of the damage as the deductible. This percentage ranges between
2% to 5%. For example, if a fire damages your home and your deductible is $500, your insurance will cover
losses after the first $500 of allowed damages. Hurricane deductibles of the minimum 2% would be a $1,000
deductible on $50,000 of allowed hurricane damages. If you have chosen the 5% hurricane deductible, the
amount of out of pocket costs would be $2,500 for the same $50,000 loss. Remember that hurricane
deductibles are different from normal homeowners deductibles.
If your home is damaged you must give prompt notice to the insurance company. This can be done by phone, by
writing or in person. You must also give proof of ownership and proof of damage. A documented record of
your losses and their value will be requested after the insurance adjuster has seen the damage and received
written estimates of repair costs. Please make sure your repairs are done by a licensed and reputable contractor.
Keep a written list of every contact with your insurance company and include in this list the date and time of
contact, who you spoke with and the subject of the conversation.
Before you repair any damage to your home or property, take pictures of all damage. Keep copies for the
insurance company and yourself. These photo’s can also be valuable if there is a dispute with a contractor.
Make a written list of all damages. Don’t forget to add any loss that cannot be photographed, such as items
totally lost, blown away or destroyed. Protect the damaged areas until they can be repaired. Get at least two
estimates from contractors, stating the type of repair needed and the cost of the repair. Contact the insurance
company or insurance adjuster before approving any repair. Keep receipts of all costs as they relate to the
damage, including handymen or neighbors you may pay to help clean up, as well as costs for lodging if your
home is not livable. Make copies of everything for your own records.
Finally, if you do not agree with the amount offered by your insurance company, let them know. Contact the
adjuster if you question the values placed on repairs. If all else fails, contact the Insurance Commissioner of your
state to file a complaint. Most insurance companies are much easier to work with if you have contact with your
own local agent. Your own agent can act as a go between for you and can explain the terms of your policy and
coverages. Document everything to avoid delays and headaches. Keep a list to make sure everything is done
and done on time. Following these few simple steps will help make a stressful time much easier.
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