09/23/2024
With the storm approaching the Gulf it is worth resposting this:
Insurance 101 for today: stuff your agent would probably like you to know.
1) hurricane claims do not "count against" you or cause you to be dropped. If you have damage, file immediately.
2) trees: where it falls is that persons responsibility regardless of who "owned" the tree. (Exception is for negligence of the tree owner if they did not do something about a dangerous tree that you informed them was dangerous)
3) trees continued: if it does not hit your house, other structure, or block your driveway, there is (usually) unfortunately no coverage for removal. It's just like cleaning up leaves and limbs ... just really annoyingly expensive big ones. EVEN if it does damage property the coverage for cleaning it up once it's off your house is VERY limited. Insurance is your structure, not your yard. (This is not 100% of the time the case - so ask your agent.)
4) file claims by contacting your carrier directly 99% of the time (not your agent). This is the FASTEST way to get help and start the process.
5) if you have water damage contact a company to dry it out asap. Preferably one like Rytech or ADS Dry that doesn't also do build back (less incentive to do more damage than needed). You’ll need to get the home in your roof/house fixed first generally before they can start drying equipment.
6) if a repair company says something like "sign this assignment of benefits and we will deal with your insurance directly" or "use us and you won't have to pay your deductible" use someone else. This is a sign they may not have your best interest in mind.
7) adjusters: they are people too and it's not their money they are paying out so Document document document. It helps them complete their file and show WHY they paid what they paid so they can pay you appropriately (not get yelled at by their boss) and move on.
8 ) there is generally money to pay to live elsewhere if your house is uninhabitable. That doesn't mean uncomfortable. Just because you're without a/c or you have some damage or are down a bathroom or something.
9) deductibles. Yuck, hurricanes generally mean your deductible is a % of your insured value - most commonly 2%. So a $250,000 house has a $5,000 deductible. You don't pay that up front to the company, generally they just deduct it from the final payment and you'll settle with the contractor with that amount out of pocket at the end.
10) your hurricane deductible covers the calendar year. That means, if you have any damage from this storm, file. That way it can count towards your deductible if we have another storm this season. Most carriers have a “reporting requirement” so you have to report it timely for it to count towards the deductible if there is another storm.
11) when you report a claim, that person will not be able to tell you what to do. Until you hear from your adjuster, best practice is to take whatever action you can SAFELY to prevent additional damage and make temporary repairs.  if you take the view of, “what would I do if I did not have insurance?” that’s generally the correct course of action. Don’t make major repairs - just mitigate additional damage once it’s safe and keep your receipts and photos and such. 
12) patience. Please. Lots of it. The sheer volume of claims is going to take time to work through. Not to mention a TON of adjusters and contractors are in Hawaii right now dealing with that. People will have tarps on their roofs until thanksgiving (and beyond). I know that isn't good news, but with all those various factors it is going to be reality for some people.
(Keep in mind, this is Florida specific info AND is guidance. Read your policy and ask you agent for specifics)
Here is the link to our carrier page with the claims departments should anyone need them: https://www.insurancemh.com/carriers?fbclid=IwY2xjawFeRHRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRe3hheGq5NjY7-FDwh1T5QdcXtGdcVcW4hab-C0Rl9jtGRPzg6FPa9QzQ_aem_J2vaebdZ0g0SUclU6hHn5Q
If anyone has questions, please ask. Happy to help if we can!
