As officials continue to track the path of Tropical Storm Dorian in the Caribbean, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis reminds residents to prepare now.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “We are at the peak of the 2019 Hurricane Season and Floridians should pay attention to the path of Tropical Storm Dorian over the next few days. Now is the time to follow easy insurance preparation steps to make sure you can file claims quickly if disaster strikes.”
Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner David Altmaier said, “With the current predicted track of Tropical Storm Dorian showing a potential impact to Florida, my office expects insurers to be accessible and responsive to policyholders before and after the storm. Floridians should prepare now so that they are ready should this storm make landfall.”
3 Disaster Preparedness Tips
- Gather important insurance and financial documents. Take copies of your legal, financial and medical documents with you, including bank statements, insurance policies, mortgage information, wills, birth certificates, passports and medical prescriptions. Keep these copies in a plastic bag for safe keeping.
- Conduct a home inventory. Pull together an itemized list of your belongings, including costs, purchase dates and serial numbers. Attach receipts, especially for “big ticket” items. Snap photos of valuables in your home. Dated photographs or taking a video of your possessions on your phone can help during the claims process after a storm. Your insurance company may require proof of the cost of any item for which you make a claim.
- Know your insurance contacts. Write down the names of your agent and agency, your insurance company, your policy number and telephone numbers to report claims. Remember that the name of your insurance company might differ from that of your agent, agency or underwriter. Save CFO Patronis’ Insurance Helpline number in your phone (1-877-MY-FL-CFO).
Visit CFO Patronis’ PrepareFL.com website for helpful resources to prepare and recover from a storm.
About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
