September 27, 2022, Palm Beach Post – Former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller issued these tips on Tuesday. Take pictures or videos with your phone camera of the outside and the inside of your home so that you can document current conditions and an inventory of your possessions. Store the images on the cloud or in another safekeeping way, so that in case your laptop or phone ends up damaged, you’ll be able to access the file from anywhere at any time. (Original story location: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weather/2022/09/27/hurricane-ian-property-insurance-tips-palm-beach-county/10439267002/ )
West Palm Beach, Fla. – Ok, yes, Palm Beach County is not in Hurricane Ian’s cone, but the hurricane is a good reminder to dig up — and back-up and protect — all your insurance documents.
Former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller issued these tips on Tuesday.
- Take pictures or videos with your phone camera of the outside and the inside of your home so that you can document current conditions and an inventory of your possessions. Store the images on the cloud or in another safekeeping way, so that in case your laptop or phone ends up damaged, you’ll be able to access the file from anywhere at any time.
- Note the website and toll-free claims number of your homeowners and automobile insurance companies. (The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation maintains this master list of contact information.)
- Call your insurance company immediately to report damage.
- Take pictures or short videos of any damage outside and inside your home to help speed up the claims process.
- If your insurer offers a “fast track” or “fast claim” service, including phone apps, access those. Miller says a lot of the claim process can be accomplished by uploading or emailing those pictures, if phone service was not interrupted or after service is restored.
- Avoid solicitors or contractors offering to get on your roof for a free inspection who often times will have you unknowingly sign the rights to your insurance policy over to them, through Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contracts.
Keep the Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Claims Assistance Hotline, toll-free at 1-877-693-5236, on hand.
Does your insurance plan cover flood damage?
One other point: Check to see if your insurance plan covers flood damage from rising waters. If not, ask about adding such coverage. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has a list of private insurers who offer company flood writers, Miller said..
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