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) provide 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 repairs and file the loss with the IRS on your income tax return. 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 must see the damages to evaluate your loss. Take pictures of the damage and keep all of your receipts for materials used in emergency repairs. You should not dispose of any damaged property until the adjuster has completed his inspection.
Talk with your agent to confirm that your current policy adequately protects your property. 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’s 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 are issued temporary licenses. Ask to see your insurance adjuster’s license or other documentation that proves they represent your insurance company if they have not yet received their temporary adjuster license. Company adjusters will not charge you a fee or ask you to sign a contract to adjust your claim.
A public adjuster is licensed by the Department of Financial Services and represents the insured's interests in resolving claims with an insurance company. Unlike the independent or company adjuster, who represents the interest of the insurance company in the resolution of claims, public adjusters become your contractual representative. Public adjusters charge a fee (usually a percentage of the claim) to process the claim on your behalf. A public adjuster must be licensed by the Department of Financial Services, and does not work for or represent your insurance company. Ask to see their Public Adjuster photo license.. Please keep in mind a contract signed by you and a Public Adjuster is legally binding. If you change your mind later, you may not be able to get out of the contract. During a state of emergency declared by the Governor, you can cancel the contract within 5 business days after the execution date with a public adjuster. Otherwise, you have a right to cancel within 3 business days.
It depends on the severity and the extent of the damage caused by the disaster. 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.
There wouldn’t be coverage for the other boats or the marina unless you were negligent. For any liability policy to respond, you would have to be legally liable for the damage.
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 it may be difficult to determine the presence of or the extent of 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.
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 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). 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.