As Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Ian begin to assess damage, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) urges homeowners to contact their home, auto, and/or flood insurer as soon as possible to file their claim. Insurers can be contacted through their toll-free claims number, app, website, or by text.
“The first step toward recovery is filing your insurance claim and getting the claims process started. To help with the claims process, make an inventory of what was lost or damaged and keep any receipts for materials you purchase to assist with repairs. Insurers stand ready to help their policyholders recover and rebuild after Hurricane Ian by paying covered claims as quickly as possible,” said Logan McFaddin, APCIA’s vice president of state government relations.
Damage associated with wind and other severe weather is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy. Property owners with flood damage need to contact their flood insurer to file a flood-related claim. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has chosen to purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage.
Many standard homeowners and renters policies provide reimbursement of additional living expenses when the property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage. This provision helps pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals, overnight parking, and laundry service. Check with your insurer or agent for a list of what your policy will cover.
“After the storm, watch out for fraudsters, dishonest contractors, and other third parties who come out of the woodwork to prey on homeowners in desperate need of repairs. Before signing any contracts for repair work, talk to your insurer first to make sure the damage is covered and then find a licensed, reputable contractor to do the work,” added McFaddin.
Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate and APCIA created a Prevent Contractor Fraud and Abuse Guide that details red-flag warning signs and steps to take before hiring a contractor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME IS DAMAGED
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage. If possible, have your policy number ready. If you are evacuated, you do not need to wait until you can return home before starting your claim. You can contact your insurer while evacuated to begin the claims process.
- Photograph or videotape the damage to share with your insurer and keep a copy for your records.
- Make temporary repairs if it is safe to do so. If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
- Save receipts for any materials you purchase to assist with repairs. You may submit them to your insurer for reimbursement.
- Do not throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home. Many insurers are utilizing a variety of virtual solutions to keep the claims process safe and efficient. You may collaborate with an adjuster via a video call instead of in-person.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME IS FLOODED
- Shovel or scrape mud off floors, furniture, and walls before the mud dries. Then hose down the walls with clean water, starting from the ceiling.
- Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, can be washed and dried completely. In most cases, they will not be damaged unless they were operating at the time the water covered them.
- Diluted chlorine bleach can be used to clean household items, appliances, walls, and floors and will help control odors.
- Wood furniture should be dried outdoors, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.
- Food utensils and equipment should be washed thoroughly and sterilized before using. Any food that is open and exposed to flood waters should be discarded.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS FLOODED
- Be cautious about starting a vehicle that has been exposed to flood waters, and if your vehicle is missing report it to the police.
- If the water got above the floorboards, or the seats are wet, do not try to start the car. The electrical system is the most sensitive to water damage and trying to start the car could cause more damage.
- Open the hood and check the air filter. If it is wet, do not try to start the car.
- Report the loss to your auto insurer and protect the car from further damage by covering any broken windows. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has chosen to purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage.
Additional APCIA resources:
APCIA & Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate’s Prevent Contractor Fraud & Abuse Guide
Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.
