Planning is the first step to being ready for a disaster.

Take time now to review your insurance policy and other applicable insurance resources. Research to learn more about the insurance professionals involved in the claims process, your hurricane deductible and your rights.

Review Your Insurance Policies

• Review your homeowners’, renters’, automobile and other insurance policies to ensure that you understand your coverage, including if food spoilage is covered. If you have questions about your coverage, contact your insurance agent.

• The Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services’ Consumer Guides Library includes insurance toolkits on each type of insurance:

Understand Your Hurricane Deductible

• Be sure you know how much you will be responsible for if you incur damage from a hurricane. This is called your hurricane deductible. Most policies have a hurricane deductible of 2 to 5 percent of a home's insured value; some are a set amount such as $2,000. Contact your insurance agent to discuss your hurricane deductible and determine if you are eligible for a lower deductible.

• An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a legal contract that allows you as the policyholder to transfer your insurance rights to a third-party, such as a contractor. The third-party then has rights to the insurance claim and can stand in your shoes as the policyholder.

The third-party can:

• be paid directly for services

• endorse checks on your behalf

• communicate directly with the insurance company without your consent or involvement

• file a lawsuit against your insurance company
  

• Review the AOB Consumer Protection Tips for more information.

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• Read the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities once you file an insurance claim.

• Learn about the benefits of flood insurance.

• Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flood and you may need a separate policy. Review the flood claims process in the event you must file a claim.

Flood Insurance: Anywhere It Rains, It Can Flood

Learn the importance of having flood insurance coverage in Florida, even if your home is not located in a flood zone. 

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Flood Insurance: Myths & Facts

Flood Insurance myths and the facts that disprove them to ensure you have properly protected one of your greatest assets.   

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Flood Insurance: Know What To Do After A Flood

Guidance and direction regarding flooding, the flood insurance claims process, and resources to obtain additional flood information.

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