October 10, 2018, AM Update – Good afternoon. As Hurricane Michael was nearing landfall this morning on Florida’s panhandle, I was being interviewed by Tom Flanigan on WFSU-FM, National Public Radio for Florida. You can listen here to the radio interview.
I shared with listeners the importance of staying safe prior to and during the storm, how to handle any damage and prepare an insurance claim, and the best methods for filing claims. This includes taking pictures and video of the damage and collecting crucial information to share with the insurance company to help speed up the claims process, utilizing “fast-track” phone apps and other expedient methods. For those policyholders needing assistance with claims, I shared the Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Claims Assistance Hotline at 1-877-693-5236.
We also discussed the need for flood insurance and how most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. I pointed out that Florida has been a leader in the nation with model laws that have encouraged the creation of a thriving private flood insurance market as an alternative and complement to the National Flood Insurance Program. I urged listeners to contact their insurance company about the availability of innovative “add-on” flood coverage to their existing homeowners insurance policy. As a courtesy to fellow residents and policyholders, I advised those with minor claims damage to so notify the insurance company when filing, so that greater priority can be given to more serious claims.
Lisa
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