HURRICANE TIPS
Before the
Storm
Make sure you're covered – Insurance companies do not accept
new applications or requests for increased coverage once a
hurricane nears Florida.
Know what your policy covers – Flood and wind damage are
often covered in separate policies. Decide if you need this
protection and contact your agent for more information.
Make sure your coverage is adequate – You may have made
recent home improvements or purchases. Consider increasing your
coverage if your policy doesn't cover the current value of your
home and contents.
Keep policy documents safe – In addition to information on
your agent, you should write down the name of your insurance
company, policy number, and a telephone number to report a
claim.
Fortify your home - Inspect your roof, making sure you have
roof anchors installed on your home. Replace your windows and
doors that don't pass the impact test, or cover them with
shutters. A fortified home with the right doors, windows and
shutters will save you money on your insurance premiums (link to
discounts).
After the Storm
Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent
and company.
If you must make emergency repairs, document them.
Maintain copies of your household inventory and other
documentation. This will assist the adjuster in assessing the
value of the destroyed property.
Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your
home. Let your agent or company know your temporary forwarding
address and home number.
Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and
reputable service people.
Hurricane Financial Safety
When you hear warnings that a hurricane is near, you should
also take precautions to protect your financial interests. These
tips can help you secure your financial safety.
Remember to withdraw money before a pending natural
disaster. Carrying or keeping large amounts of cash in your
home, however, might put you at risk of being robbed. Also, you
could lose interest payments if you take too much out of an
interest-bearing account.
Normally, financial institutions will be closed at least two
days after a direct hit, and ATMs could be out of commission
even longer.
During all cash withdrawals, be aware of your surroundings
and any suspicious persons.
Get receipts for cash purchases before and after a storm.
Have a credit card on hand with at least $1,000 available.
Use credit cards to finance minimal repairs when necessary.
Document all these transactions.
If you pay bills by phone or online, pay them before a
hurricane hits, even if they are not yet due. Otherwise, a
hurricane could interrupt phone service causing you to miss
payments and get late charges.
If you pay by mail, send payments at least two days before a
hurricane , because the post office will not pick up mail within
24 hours of a strike.
Keep copies of all payments mailed within 3 days of a
hurricane making landfall.
After a storm, contact those you've sent payments to and
confirm they have received them.
Store important financial papers in a safe and accessible
place.
Before you use any "fast-cash" lender, be sure you
understand what the fees will cost for the service.
Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm, who wants
cash only.
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