INSURANCE
Most property owners have homeowners’
coverage insuring them from catastrophic loss. Did you know that a typical
homeowners’ policy does not protect you from loss in flooding or rising
water? Our county qualifies and
participates in the National Flood
Insurance Program. We qualify by
making building requirements stringent and in accordance with the Florida Building Code and local
flood damage prevention ordinances. If you don’t have flood insurance, check
with your insurance agent for a price quote on your home and your furnishings.
Don’t wait until the hurricane warning has been issued.
There
is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance becomes effective, unless you
are purchasing a new home with a mortgage.
Additional
information can be obtained from your
BEFORE
THE STORM
aMake sure that you have
adequate coverage
Property values have increased markedly over the past few years. Also, you may have made some improvements that increased the value of your home. Make sure that you review your insurance policy carefully and know your coverage limits. Consider increasing your coverage, if it is not adequate.
aCheck Your Policy for Flood
and Windstorm Coverage
Remember
that a standard homeowners’ policy does not cover
flood damage caused by rising water. If you live in a flood prone, or
designated flood area, you should talk to your agent about obtaining flood
insurance. Standard Homeowners Insurance policies usually cover windstorm
damage caused directly from wind, wind driven water or hail. Check to be sure a
windstorm exclusion has not been written into your policy. If you have any
questions about whether your policy covers windstorm damage, contact your
insurance agent.
aContact Your Agent to
Discuss Possible Policy Changes
Your insurance agent can provide information about rates and coverage and can assist you in making any necessary policy changes.
a
Know What Your Current
Policy Does and Does Not Cover
Standard
homeowner policies usually limit coverage on items such as valuable jewelry,
art, antiques, and money. You may need additional coverage for these items.
If
your home is 50% or more destroyed, it may cost more than your homeowner’s
policy will pay to build it back to CURRENT building and life safety codes,
unless you have a “rider” added to it, which covers this contingency.
Most
homeowners’ policies do not cover backup of septic tanks, wells or sewers into
your home unless you have added a “rider” to your policy covering this type of
loss.
aUpdate Your List of Personal
Belongings
Make an itemized list of your belongings, their cost, dates of purchase, and serial numbers, if appropriate. Your insurance company will probably require proof of the cost of any item for which a claim is made. Photographs and/or videotapes are also good ideas that you may wish to consider.
aSafeguard Your Records
Keep a copy of your insurance policies and inventory records in a safe deposit box or with a relative or friend. If your property is damaged, it will be to your advantage to have access to this information. You may choose to take a copy with you if you evacuate.
AFTER
THE STORM
Ø Beware of “Fly-by-night”
Repair Businesses
Hire reputable and preferably local service people. They should have occupational licenses issued by either the City or the County.
Ø Report Damage to Your
Insurance Agent Immediately
Your agent should provide you with claim forms and arrange
for an insurance adjuster to visit your property and assess the 
damage.
Ø Make and Document Emergency
Repairs
Your
policy probably requires that you make emergency repairs to prevent further damage
to your home or contents. Keep all receipts and take photographs of the damage
before and after emergency repairs to submit with your claim.
Ø Take Precautions if the
Damages Require You to Leave Your Home
Secure your property. Remove valuable items. Lock windows and doors. Contact your insurance agent and leave a phone number where you can be reached. These same precautions should be taken if you are required to evacuate before a storm. If you can not live in your home after the storm, your insurance company will be able to pay you for “Additional Living Expense” if you qualify. Make sure that you keep all of your receipts as you will need them to get reimbursed from the Insurance Company.
Ø Looting
Looting has occurred in many communities after a hurricane. Criminals may take advantage of the opportunity to enter evacuated homes and businesses. Local law enforcement agencies and, if necessary, the National Guard will do everything possible to minimize looting. Place jewels and valuables in a sealed freezer bag in your safe deposit box or take them with you when you evacuate.