Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
State officials are urging Florida residents to check their insurance policies as Florida is projected to have an active hurricane season.
Officials have approved insurance companies offering a 0% rate increase, and some that have even decreased their rates. Officials are also keeping a close watch to make sure insurance providers are fulfilling their obligations – they recently fined a company $1,000,000 for mishandling Hurricane Ian’s claims.
Reviewing your insurance policy before a hurricane makes landfall is not just a good idea—it is a necessity. By understanding your coverage, checking for gaps, and updating your policy as needed, you can protect your home and family from the financial devastation that a hurricane can cause. Take the time to review and adjust your insurance policy now if needed, so that you are not panicking after a storm.
Understand Your Coverage
Check out your dwelling coverage: Make sure that the total value of your home has been updated and review any deductibles so that you are comfortable with the numbers. You want to be sure your coverage amount is sufficient to rebuild your home at current construction costs. If you have made significant improvements, such as a new roof or an addition, update your policy to reflect the increased value. Installing storm shutters or a stronger roof may qualify you for discounts, so be sure to inform your insurance provider about these updates.
Review your personal property coverage: This covers your personal belongings. Conduct a home inventory to ensure your belongings are adequately insured. New expensive items like electronics or jewelry should be added to your personal property coverage.
Compare your options for coverage: Shop around and compare different insurance policies and providers to ensure you are getting the best coverage at the best price. You can check out reviews on their customer service, including those on how they process their claims. Make sure you select a provider that has a good financial rating as you want to make sure they can pay out for any damages that occur.
Have Your Documents Updated and Easily Accessible
In the event of a hurricane, having all necessary documentation ready can streamline the claims process:
- Policy Information: Keep a copy of your insurance policy in a safe place.
- Home Inventory: Maintain an updated home inventory complete with photos of expensive items and receipts.
- Contact Information: Have your insurance agent’s contact information on hand so that you can easily get in touch with them in the event of property damage.
Consult with a Professional
If you are unsure about any aspect of your coverage, talk to your insurance provider to clarify terms and coverages. If something seems amiss, our Florida Hurricane and Storm Damage Insurance Claims Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can make sure you are getting treated fairly by your insurance provider. You can call us anytime at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.