🌀🌀 5 Things To Do Now Before the Hurricane Arrives🌀🌀

1. Write Down your Policy Number and Claims Phone Numbers -- ON PAPER

Just in case -- You may unexpectedly lose power or internet access after the storm. Be prepared. Please write down your policy number(s), and insurance company name and phone number on paper and store it safely -- preferably in a water-tight area.

2. Take Photos or Videos of Your Home and Belongings Before the Storm

• Before the Storm Take photos and videos of your home and valuables now. Include serial numbers and any brand labels for high-value items. This documentation helps you remember what you had in case you need to file a claim later.
• After the Storm Once the storm has passed, document any damage by taking clear photos and videos of affected areas and items. Both the building and damaged items. This will help support any insurance claim, providing evidence of the damage and helping ensure your claim is settled fairly and quickly.

3. Sign up for Online Policy Access for your insurance policy

If your insurance company offers online policy access, sign up. Many insurance companies will offer online claims reporting and tracking using their online policy access or mobile apps. Cellular Networks often come up faster than power is restored and insurance company apps can help you keep on top of your claim.

4. Add Our Phone Number to your Cell Phone Contacts – this way we are not flagged as SPAM

Please add our office phone number to your cell phone – My Insurance Agent - Augustyniak Insurance Group 904-268-3106. We may need to reach you in the coming weeks regarding your claim.

5. Make sure our office has your most up-to-date cell phone and email address

Please update your contact information with us. You can use our online form here. Update My Contact Info Now

🌀🌀Steps to Take if You Sustain Hurricane Damage🌀🌀

Report your claim to your insurance company as soon as possible

• Our website includes a link to the list of claims reporting phone numbers for your insurance company.
• Should you be affected by the storm, we encourage you to report your claim directly to your insurance company. They will have claims representatives available 24/7.
• Write down your policy numbers and insurance company phone numbers before the storm. You may not have internet or cell phone access after the storm.

What to expect after you file a claim

• The Insurer (your insurance company) will assign an adjuster to contact you at the number you gave on your claim report, so be sure to let our agency and your insurance company know where you can be reached. Be sure to update your contact information with our office as well.
• Insurers usually send adjusters to the more severely damaged properties first.
• If your home or business is uninhabitable or you move somewhere else temporarily, be sure to let us know where you can be reached.
• If you suffered only minor damage, please be patient. There will be tens of thousands of claims filed.
• When contacted by the adjuster, get his/her name, address, phone number, and claim number. This is important information for you to have. Also, ask the adjuster:
  • what the next step you should take it and when he/she will be back in touch with you.
  • Ask the adjuster any questions you may have about your claim.
  • You may be assigned two adjusters -- one that will be visiting your home to evaluate the damages. And a second one that will be an inside "desk" adjuster responsible for issuing your the payment. Be sure to ask how your claim will be handled and if multiple adjusters may be involved
  • Also, the adjuster evaluating your home may work for a third party/be contracted as an "independent adjuster-- due to the volume of claims incoming, your insurance companies may need to hire additional independent contractors to assist them in getting claims settled quickly and fairly. This can be common when their are natural disasters like hurricanes.
  • Don’t be afraid to be persistent so that you understand the procedure

Take Photos & Videos

• Take photos and/or videos after the storm of the damage, including recording your damaged personal belongings. This will support your claim going forward.
• If you are able, take photos and videos of your home/building/contents now prior to the storm. This will help you remember items, in the event you need to make a claim.

Make Temporary Repairs

If your home or business is damaged, please make emergency repairs to prevent further damage as soon as you are able to do so safely.

• Temporary repairs include tarping your roof, removing a tree from on top of your home/building, drying your home, and boarding up broken windows.
• Save all your receipts and photos, the insurance company will ask for them at a later date.
• Keep damaged items so your insurance company can see them. Do not discard damaged items before showing them to the insurance company.

Do NOT Make Permanent Repairs

Do not make permanent repairs to your home until your adjuster has inspected your damages. If you are in doubt on what is considered permanent repair, please call our office.

Be Cautious of Repair Scams. They are rampant after natural disasters.

• Resist the temptation to sign up with the first repair crew that shows up at your door. These are typically not reputable companies. Do not sign paperwork or contract that includes an assignment of benefit. This assigns the rights and benefits of your policy to the contractor, and you may lose all control of your claim. This could cause you not to control the money paid by your insurance company. Reputable repair companies will not require you to sign a contract that includes an assignment of benefits.
• We recommend that you always call your agent, or your insurance company first to report damage and determine the best way to proceed.
• Always confirm that your contractor is licensed and insured in the State of Florida.

How to Locate a Reputable Contractor

If your house sustains damage and you need emergency board-ups or roof protection, we recommend calling your insurance company first. Insurance companies often have contractors lists and program where they refer out approved emergency contractors. If your insurance company does not offer this, our agency recommends the following resources:

• Water damage/ flooding Dryout, Rytech 800-980-0112
• Paul Davis Restoration 888-473-7669
• ServPro 1800- SERVPRO
• Service Master – uses local Franchises

Start preparing a Personal Property Inventory

Do not discard damaged items until your adjuster has seen them, particularly high-value items.

If your personal belongings are damaged, your adjuster will ask you for a personal property inventory. This is a listing of what is damaged and their value(s)

• We suggest you accomplish this on a room-by-room basis. List the item and detailed description.
• List the “Replacement Cost” of each item and its actual cash value. Replacement cost is what it would cost today to replace an item with another one just like it. Actual Cash Value is what the item is really worth after deducting for depreciation and wear.
• Attach any documentation you can (receipts, photos, canceled checks, credit card statements, warranty booklets, etc.).
• Your adjuster may have specific forms they will provide you

Consider contacting FEMA Disaster Assistance

There may be resources in addition to your insurance policies. Many counties in Florida have been declared eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance. You can contact FEMA for assistance

• Via their website at https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• Via phone at 1-800-621-FEMA 7 am to 11 pm 7 days a week

Discuss claims issues with Augustyniak Insurance Group

The insurance industry is anticipating hundreds of thousands of claims across all of Florida. Please be patient. The insurance companies will prioritize those with the most severe damage. With this volume, our agency may not know if you encounter problems with your claim. Please reach out to us. While we don't expect you to encounter an issue, if you do, call and discuss it with us. You can also send Augustyniak Insurance an online message.

🌀🌀Hurricane Claims Frequently Asked Questions 🌀🌀

Will my car insurance policy cover Hurricane damage to my car?

Yes, your car insurance policy will cover hurricane damage to your car if you have comprehensive coverage (also known as "comp"). This coverage includes both hurricane or wind damage and flooding (such as storm surges) to your vehicle. However, you will need to pay the comprehensive deductible before your insurance covers the rest of the damage.

Keep in mind that your homeowner's policy does not cover damage to vehicles, RVs, or similar items; only your auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage will provide protection for these types of hurricane-related damages.

Report car damage to your car insurance company.

If your car has flooded, do not attempt to start the car.

Will my homeowner's policy cover flood damage?

No, standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what your homeowner's policy typically covers and how to handle flood-related claims:

1. Wind and Rain Damage: Your homeowner's policy covers damage caused by wind and hurricanes. For example, if a hurricane destroys your roof and rain enters your home, the resulting damage is covered under the wind portion of your policy (unless you’ve specifically excluded wind coverage for savings).
2. Flood Damage: Rising groundwater from storm surges, overflowing bodies of water, or heavy rainfall is classified as flood damage. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners or business insurance policies, even if caused by a hurricane. To be protected against flood damage, you need to have a separate flood insurance policy or add flood coverage endorsement (extra cost and shown on your declarations page) to your homeowner's insurance if your provider offers this option.
3. Reporting Claims: If you experience both flood damage and wind damage, you need to report two separate claims: one to your homeowner's insurance company for the wind-related damage and another to your flood insurance provider for the flood damage.
4. Damage Assessment: Insurance companies use the waterline left inside the home by floodwaters to determine which policy covers the damage. Generally, any damage below this watermark is classified as flood damage and would be covered by the flood insurance policy.

How does a Hurricane deductible work on a Home Policy?

When a hurricane, like Milton, affects Florida, a specific hurricane deductible applies to any damage your home or business sustains. Here’s how it works:

1. When It Applies: The hurricane deductible comes into effect when a hurricane watch or warning is issued anywhere in Florida. The deductible remains in place until 72 hours after the last watch or warning is lifted in the state.
2. Your Responsibility: You are responsible for paying the hurricane deductible out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. After you meet this deductible, the insurance company pays for the remaining costs to repair damages that exceed the deductible amount.
3. Percentage-Based Deductible: Unlike a standard deductible, hurricane deductibles are usually a percentage of your home's insured value, typically ranging from 2% to 5%. Some homeowners, however, may have opted to pay extra for a lower or flat hurricane deductible. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you would be responsible for paying $6,000 ($300,000 x 2%) before the insurance begins to cover the rest of the damage costs.

We had damage with Hurricane Helene. How will the deductible work with Milton?

In Florida, hurricane insurance policies often include a hurricane deductible that works on a calendar year basis. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:

1. Calendar Year Deductible: A hurricane deductible applies to losses caused by hurricanes during the same calendar year. If multiple hurricanes (like Milton and Helene) impact you in a single year, you only have to meet the hurricane deductible once.
2. Resets Annually: This deductible resets every January 1st. If you experience hurricane damage after the new year, you would need to meet the deductible again for that calendar year.
3. Cumulative Deductible: If you have claims from more than one hurricane in a single year, the deductible you pay for each storm is cumulative and counts toward your annual hurricane deductible. Once your total payments meet the deductible amount, future hurricane-related claims in that calendar year are covered without an additional deductible.
4. Be sure to talk with your adjuster if you had damage from multiple storms.

For example, if you had a $6,000 hurricane deductible, and you had $3,000 of hurricane damage with Helene, you would meet the remaining deductible ($6,000 - $3,000) = $3,000 remaining hurricane deductible.

Example 2: if you had a $6,000 hurricane deductible, and you had $6,000 of hurricane damage with Helene, and you had damage to due Milton as well -- the damage from Milton would be without an additional deductible.

This structure provides some financial protection to homeowners, especially during active hurricane seasons, by limiting the out-of-pocket expenses for multiple storm events in the same year.

Will my homeowner's policy cover trees?

Most homeowners and business insurance policies do provide coverage for the removal of trees or branches that have fallen on top of your covered buildings or home. However, they typically do not cover the removal of trees or debris that have fallen in your yard or blown into it without causing any damage to your property.

Coverage can vary depending on the insurance company and your specific policy. It’s always a good idea to discuss the details with your insurance adjuster.

My home is not livable. What do I do?

First, let us say we know this will be very difficult while you are displaced. Here’s what you should do in this situation:

1. Reach Out for Guidance: Please contact our office for assistance. We understand how challenging it can be when you’re displaced, and we’re here to help guide you through the next steps.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company: When reporting the claim to your insurance company, be sure to inform them that your home is not livable. It’s crucial to communicate this again during the initial call with your adjuster.
3. Loss of Use Coverage: Your homeowner's policy may include "Loss of Use" coverage, which is designed to reimburse you for extra expenses, including temporary housing. The reimbursement amount is typically based on the fair rental value of your home and the length of time you’re displaced. It can also cover additional expenses like increased mileage, generator costs, extra electrical or phone expenses, and food costs beyond your usual spending.
4. Incurring Costs: Keep in mind that insurance companies are not obligated to pay the policy limit upfront. You will need to incur the expenses first and then provide proof of loss in the form of receipts or invoices to be reimbursed.
5. For Flood Damage: If you have a National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP), note that it does not cover additional living expenses. In this case, we recommend contacting disaster assistance for resources at www.disasterassistance.gov.
6. Insurance City: If you’re in a severely impacted area, insurance companies may set up an "Insurance City." This is a single location where multiple insurance companies send adjusters and mobile claims units to assist policyholders. If you visit one, you can speak directly with adjusters and potentially expedite the claims process. Many times, insurance companies will provide payments for those with coverage that are displaced. Those location(s) have not yet been determined. Watch news and social media for additional information.

Please reach out if you need more specific guidance or support. Our office can be reached at 904-268-3106. You can also send Augustyniak Insurance an online message.

🌀🌀List of Insurance Companies Claims Phone numbers🌀🌀

The fastest way to report a claim may be the online claims center for your insurance company or from their mobile app.

Here is a list of many of the online claims reporting sites or there is also a list of company claims phone numbers below: