As we watch Hurricane Danny approach the Gulf, it is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since Hurricane Charlie and three other storms caused massive damage and property insurance claims throughout Central Florida. Although the passage of time makes it easy to think that such storm damage is unlikely to happen again, we
Storm Damage
Lightning Strikes – Florida’s Most Underrated Disaster
Although it doesn’t get the same attention as Florida’s other natural disasters, lightning damage led to more than 10,000 insurance claims in Florida over the past year. Florida ranks first in the nation for both injuries caused by lightning strikes and insurance claims caused by lightning related damage. The estimated total property damage caused by…
Storm Damaged Roof? Watch Out for Scams!
The severe weather that recently swept through the area left many property owners with damage to their roofs from the storms and high winds. When massive storm damage appears, the environment is ripe for an illegal activity that often plagues Florida – roofing scams.
The usual manner by which these roofing scams play out is…
Tornado and Flood Damage in Florida – What to Do After the Storm
Over the last few days, Central Florida has been pounded by torrential rain, tornadoes and high winds. These damaging windstorms and tornados were especially violent in Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. These thunder storms caused flooding in Shore Acres, wind damage in Siesta Key, and claimed the lives of two people in Duette. …
Hail Damage Claims – Truth vs. Insurance Company Fiction
Almost every time we speak to a new client regarding their hail damage insurance claim, our clients tell us that the insurance company representative told them some variation of one or more of the below statements. Unfortunately, insurance company adjusters have a habit of trying to convince property owners that they have “no business” filing…
Wind Mitigation Credits – Save Money on Homeowner’s Insurance
It may come as a surprise to many homeowners, but you may be able to substantially reduce your homeowner’s property insurance premiums by just looking through the provisions of your policy. Specifically, most homeowner’s insurance policies set forth numerous premium “credits” for which you can qualify based upon the age and condition of your home. …
Hurricane Preparations Part I – Develop a Plan for Your Family
An essential part of hurricane preparation is having a plan for your family long before a storm arrives. Once the storm arrives, it is too late to start thinking about contingencies and making plans for your family’s safety. Your basic plan can be re-used each year, but make sure to review your plan each year…
Hurricane Myths vs. Reality
Recently, the Sun Sentinel newspaper wote an article regarding some of the urban legends, myths and not-quite-accurate beliefs some people have about hurricanes. Although on initial blush such information may seem like just interesting fodder for conversations at the water cooler, the reality is that the information contained in this article could save a lot…
National Hurricane Center Changing Definition for Hurricane Warnings
Last fall, Hurricane Sandy caused devastating damage to the eastern seaboard – yet the National Hurricane Center did not issue any sort of hurricane warning to the people north of North Carolina. It is not that the National Hurricane Center was negligent in any way, it is just that by the time Sandy reached the…