The answers to coverage questions are primarily based on ISO forms generally used in Florida by most companies. However, we must keep in mind that all companies’ forms are NOT necessarily the same. Some companies may provide broader coverage and some may be more restrictive. IN ALL CASES, THE CONSUMER MUST REFER TO HIS OR HER OWN POLICY FOR SPECIFIC COVERAGE INFORMATION.
In catastrophic situations, some companies may be more lenient in their handling of claims and may make concessions, such as advancing additional living expense (i.e. ALE) payments, to expedite the claim process. Other companies may handle such claims in accordance with their normal procedures.
If you have additional questions that need to be added to this list or if you find any errors, please send them to the Division of Insurance Consumer Services, Bureau of Education, Advocacy and Research.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides emergency housing assistance to those whose homes are damaged or destroyed. To apply, call tollfree 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY: 1-800-462-7585).
The American Red Cross and other volunteer agencies provide food, water and clothing. Listen to your radio or watch local media for the location of the nearest volunteer agency or distribution point.
Keep all receipts for damage repair and file the loss with the IRS on your income tax form. You may also be eligible for a low interest loan or other aid from FEMA or the Small Business Administration. (see Disaster Resources).
You should make temporary repairs needed to prevent further damage only. The adjuster will need to see the damages to evaluate your loss. Take before and after pictures and keep all of your receipts for materials used in emergency repairs. It is also recommended to not throw away damaged items until they have been inspected.
Talk with your agent to confirm that your current policy does adequately protect your belongings. If the policy does not provide coverage while you are temporarily living in a rented apartment, condo, or home while repairs are being made to your home or it’s being rebuilt, you may need a tenant homeowners policy to cover your personal belongings and liability.
Adjusters must be licensed by the Department of Financial Services (DFS). Insurance companies can hire temporary emergency adjusters, many of whom come from other states. These adjusters will be issued temporary licenses. Ask to see your insurance adjuster’s license or some other form of proof that they represent your insurance company if they have not yet received their temporary adjuster license. They won’t ask you to sign a contract for services or charge you a fee to adjust your claim.
If an adjuster asks you to sign a contract for a fee or a percentage of your claim payment to adjust your claim, you’ve probably been approached by a public adjuster. A public adjuster must be licensed by DFS, and does not work for or represent your insurance company. Ask to see their Public Adjuster photo license. Public adjusters will represent you by adjusting your claim and presenting it to your insurance company. In most cases, the contract you sign is legally binding.
(One for the homeowners policy, one for the flood policy, and one for the windstorm policy) In many cases, one adjuster can handle all three policy claims. However, not all companies follow this practice.
It depends on the severity and the extent of the damage caused by the storm. Adjusters come into the disaster areas as soon as they are permitted to do so by emergency officials. If you have reported your loss to the company, they may be able to give you an estimate of the day the adjuster should contact you.
The best way is to call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395, and check the license of the contractor. Also ask for references and be sure to check them. Most of the time an insurance company does not recommend a contractor, so be wary of those that claim the insurance company sent them. Ask to see something in writing.
Generally, right after the loss there will be a water mark/line on the interior parts, such as the floor mats, seats and console/dash, which will indicate the level of water intrusion. Once the vehicle has either dried out or has been cleaned there is no way to detect if and to what extent there was water intrusion.
If the damage is from salt water, and it rises to the point of reaching the inside floor boards, the insurance company will more than likely deem the vehicle to be a total loss. If the damage is from fresh water, the extent of the water intrusion will determine whether or not the insurance company deems the vehicle repairable or a total loss.
There are two types of titles for vehicles involved in flood losses where the vehicle is deemed a total loss. In both instances, the current title will be sent to the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for reissuance. If the vehicle is deemed to be a total loss and not repairable DHSMV will issue a title with a certificate of destruction, meaning, the vehicle can be used for parts only. Please note the title won’t state the reason for the certificate of destruction is flood damage. If the vehicle is a total loss but is repairable the DHSMV will issue a salvage title with a rebuildable flood designation.