Tap on urgent resources
Approach to Federal Emergency Management Agency, Disaster Assistance Improvement Program and American Red Cross, as well as state and local governments, for emergency assistance. You can also find help in your community.
“Disaster brings people together,” McClanahan said. “People are really good at helping people.
“If you have the ability to help, do it,” she added. “Maybe it’s you who needs help one day.”
Contact mortgage lenders and other lenders if you may be having trouble making loan payments.
Prepare for insurance claims
If you will file an insurance claimTake a damage inventory before you start cleaning up.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but hold off on permanent repairs until you are approved for a refund. Write down the names of the people you talked to about your complaint, including the date of the conversation and a summary of what was said. And keep all receipts.
Understand your flood benefits
Flooding, including tidal flooding, is not covered by most standard policies. Flood insurance requires a separate policy, either from the federal agency National flood insurance program or a private insurance company. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage goes into effect.
Flood insurance for cars is an option in the comprehensive section of the policy.
Know your deductible
An aerial view of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, during a Coast Guard flight after Hurricane Ian, on October 2, 2022
Miami Herald | Tribune News Service | beautiful pictures
Many Florida property owners will face a “with storm deduction,“different from the standard insurance deductible. It is usually a percentage of the property’s value.
“If you have a $300,000 home, you probably have a $15,000 hurricane deductible before you go,” says Bob Rusbuldt, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Insurance begins to pay.
After Hurricane Ian, Rusbuldt predicts, it will be hard for consumers to find property insurance.
Many will now face even higher premiums and deductibles and may have to find a new insurer if their company goes out of business. Many Florida property owners already have insurance through CitizenThe last insurance company run by the state of Florida.
