Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters Encourages Homeowners and Businesses to Review Insurance Policies Prior to the Start of Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is only one month away and the first named storm of the season, Arlene, has already formed and dissipated. Now is not only the time to stock up on batteries and water, but also a crucial time for home and business owners to review their property insurance policies. The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) advises Floridians to thoroughly review their policies to see what is and is not covered in the event of property damage, specifically damage caused by windstorms. The insured also need to be aware of the steps to take in case a hurricane strikes.
“Preparing for a storm in advance is one of the most important things a Floridian can do. This includes protecting your property from damage, but it is also crucial to know the steps to take in case damage does occur,” said Don Phillips, President of FAPIA. “You need to have all the necessary information and resources in place when dealing with your insurance company, especially since many companies have made significant changes to their policies in recent years.” Phillips advises home and business owners to turn to a public insurance adjuster if they incur property damage this hurricane season. Public insurance adjusters are insurance professionals licensed by the State of Florida to represent and protect insured consumers.
“Public adjusters play a vital role in making sure that Florida consumers receive full and fair compensation on their insurance claims,” said Phillips, citing a report by the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability that shows how customers of the state’s largest insurer received 747 percent higher compensation for claims filed when represented by a public adjuster.
Based on the lessons of previous hurricane seasons, FAPIA has compiled this list of Six Steps to Prepare for Hurricane Damage:
“Preparing for a storm in advance is one of the most important things a Floridian can do. This includes protecting your property from damage, but it is also crucial to know the steps to take in case damage does occur,” said Don Phillips, President of FAPIA. “You need to have all the necessary information and resources in place when dealing with your insurance company, especially since many companies have made significant changes to their policies in recent years.” Phillips advises home and business owners to turn to a public insurance adjuster if they incur property damage this hurricane season. Public insurance adjusters are insurance professionals licensed by the State of Florida to represent and protect insured consumers.
“Public adjusters play a vital role in making sure that Florida consumers receive full and fair compensation on their insurance claims,” said Phillips, citing a report by the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability that shows how customers of the state’s largest insurer received 747 percent higher compensation for claims filed when represented by a public adjuster.
Based on the lessons of previous hurricane seasons, FAPIA has compiled this list of Six Steps to Prepare for Hurricane Damage:
- Make a visual record of your home and possessions. Use your mobile device, camera or video recorder to document the condition of your home and belongings. This will help establish your claim in the event of a loss.
- Have copies of your insurance policies, along with family medical information and copies of important documents such as deeds and wills in a safe deposit box or safe. Maintaining a digital library of important documents is advisable. Photograph or scan your documents and with your mobile device and save them to the cloud for easy retrieval in the event of loss.
- Carefully review your insurance coverage in advance of hurricane season. Does it cover flood or wind damage? Does it take into account current market value to rebuild your home or business? Are you covered for everything you think you are? Consult with your agent or your local and trusted public insurance adjuster for a free insurance policy review to make sure you can count on your insurance policy.
- Be sure to review the “Duties After Loss” section of your policy. Failure to follow the provisions listed in this section could result in non-payment on your legitimate claim.
- Check the “Exclusions” portion of your insurance policy. Recently, some insurance companies have added new exclusions to coverage, which could affect your protection against property damage caused by a hurricane or other property loss.
- Don’t allow anyone, including your insurer or agent, to persuade you from seeking help with your claim if you feel you need it. Print out contact information for several public adjusters in your area that you can quickly contact in case damage occurs. For a list of licensed public insurance adjusters, visit the FAPIA website at www.fapia.net.
About FAPIA
FAPIA was founded in 1992 to protect residential and business policyholders in the wake of devastating Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. Today FAPIA consists of nearly 400 members who are committed to ensuring homeowners who suffer an insured loss receive full and fair compensation from their insurance carriers.
FAPIA was founded in 1992 to protect residential and business policyholders in the wake of devastating Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. Today FAPIA consists of nearly 400 members who are committed to ensuring homeowners who suffer an insured loss receive full and fair compensation from their insurance carriers.
FAPIA members are located throughout the state and commit to a strict code of ethics as well as continuing education requirements to ensure policyholders receive the best representation. FAPIA consists of licensed
insurance professionals who use their expertise to advocate for the consumer. The association is working to grow and enhance the industry by improving laws and regulations that govern public adjusters and their services to policyholders. For more information, visit www.fapia.net.