FSLA Highlights Insurance Tips and Supports in Recovery
Hurricane Ian’s impact forever changed the Florida communities in its path, and its damage is still being evaluated as rescue efforts continue. The resilience of Florida will be supported by the state’s insurance community, including surplus lines insurance covering more than 7,500 flood policies for people and businesses in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties (according to 2021 data). The Florida Surplus Lines Association is helping to highlight available resources for families and businesses in the recovery process.
“Surplus lines agents and partners throughout the state are deeply saddened by the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Ian,” said FSLA President-Elect Dave DeMott, CPCU, AMIM, ARM, AU, of GridIron Insurance Underwriters. “We stand with the people and businesses of Southwest Florida and are ready to help aid and assist with the rebuilding of communities. As a first step, we urge policy holders to document damage and connect with their agents — if you cannot find your policy, contact your insurer or the Department of Financial Services (DFS) helpline.”
For assistance when filing post-storm claims, Floridians can call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) or visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com. FSLA has rounded up tips and resources for businesses regarding ways to safely operate after a storm at https://www.myfsla.com/hurricanes.
“The state has also coordinated several in-person centers where Floridians can file claims, receive immediate checks and learn more about the options and resources available in the rebuilding process,” added DeMott.
Insurance carriers will be on hand to assist residents with the insurance claims process at designated DFS Insurance Villages. Currently, that includes the Port Charlotte Initial Payment Center in the Port Charlotte Town Center (Parking Lot), 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Fla., 33948, open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
In a release, DFS urged policyholders to bring as much documentation as they can, including identification, insurance cards / information and pictures or documentation of the property being claimed as a loss.
Helpful resources for businesses can also be found at the state’s Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, Fla., 33919, open daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Here, Floridians can explore the state agencies, partners and organizations available to help individuals and businesses recover. Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are expected to be announced in the coming days at www.floridadisaster.org.
Agencies available onsite to assist at the Disaster Recovery Center:
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Florida Division of Emergency Management
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
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Office of Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis
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Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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Florida Department of Children and Families
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Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
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Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
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Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
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Enterprise Florida, Inc.
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Legal Services of North Florida
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CareerSource Southwest Florida
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CareerSource South Florida
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CareerSource Pasco Hernando
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Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)
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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
FSLA echos state leaders urging Floridians to avoid fraud by knowing the signs and reporting it if they see it: Call the Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit FraudFreeFlorida.com.
To learn more about the role of surplus lines as a safety value within the insurance marketplace, visit https://www.myfsla.com/surpluslines101.
About FSLA
The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) is an association representing excess and surplus lines agency member firms and associate members in Florida. Over the past 60 years, FSLA has promoted the regulatory and legislative interests of FSLA members and the Florida surplus lines industry, with a focus on supporting opportunities and insuring risks throughout Florida. The Florida Surplus Lines Association serves as a voice and a resource for its members and is consistently recognized for being one of the most active in the nation, ranking among the top three surplus lines associations in the country. Learn more at www.myFSLA.com.
