Hurricane Season is Here: Review Your Insurance Coverage Now
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With the
official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, the Florida Office of
Insurance Regulation (OIR) is reminding Floridians to review their insurance
policies and coverage now.
“I urge all Floridians to review their
insurance policy now and be prepared this hurricane season. It’s also important
to know that most homeowners’ insurance policies do not include flood coverage.
Consumers should reach out now to their agent or insurer to make sure they have
the coverage they need,” said Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier.
“My office has been actively planning for
the 2020 Hurricane Season. As we consider social distancing and other important
safety measures in response to COVID-19, we are encouraging insurers to
identify new ways of doing business, such as deploying virtual claims handling,
to protect consumers. It will always be my expectation that insurers clearly
communicate with policyholders and provide prompt, efficient, and fair claims
adjustment service.”
OIR provides the following consumer tips
to ensure Floridians are prepared this hurricane season:
Create a Home Inventory
- A
home inventory is a list of significant items within the room, broken down
by room, with an estimate of the item’s current value, including photos
and proof of ownership. These types of inventories can make it easier for
consumers to file an accurate, detailed insurance claim in case a home is
damaged. Once the home inventory is completed, consumers should check with
their insurer or agent to determine if they need additional coverage.
- Click
here
for several options to assist consumers in completing a home inventory.
Understand Your Coverage and
Consider Flood Insurance
- Consumers
should talk with their insurer or insurance agent about their coverage
now.
- Flood
damages are not typically covered in a homeowners' insurance policy. Flood
coverage may be purchased separately or as an endorsement to their current
policy.
- OIR
provides a list of insurance carriers writing private flood insurance
coverage here.
Add Insurance Documents to Your
Disaster Kit
- Gather important documents such as insurance policies
and identification cards and keep them in a secure location. Consumers
should store insurance contacts in case they need to quickly reach them
later.
For
additional information throughout the hurricane season, visit OIR’s Hurricane
Season Resources webpage here.
Consumers
can also visit the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), Division of
Consumer Services’ website for
consumer guides and resources or call the DFS toll-free Insurance Consumer
Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).