Posted by: Tampa Bay Chamber on Tuesday, October 1, 2024
- Call your insurance agent, he or she can direct you as to who and what to call. They may not be able to advise you as to if your claim will be covered, but they can help you in getting the ball rolling.
- Insurance Deductibles – For Helene, your hurricane deductible will apply for homeowners: It’s a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, if you have a home valued at $300,000, and a 2% deductible your deductible is $6,000
- The hurricane deductible is a calendar year deductible, so if you have damage, it’s worth reporting to the insurance company in the event of a future storm this hurricane season.
- Timely notification to the insurance carrier is critical, there are time limits of first notice of loss, and subsequent claims filed.
- Flood is defined as rising waters this includes storm surge, flood insurance would pay the claim in this instance.
- Regarding damage, every insurance carrier has different rules as to what the homeowner can remove prior to inspection, ask your adjuster what the insurance carrier’s rules are related to this.
- If your home or business was impacted by Hurricane Helene, consider applying for FEMA disaster relief funds, you can find out more information at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 1-800-621-3362.
- The Red Cross Hotline is open to assist 24 hours a day: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCross.org.
- The Florida State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) provides accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting Florida. Call 1-800-342-3557 or visit FloridaDisaster.org.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit SBA.gov for qualifying information.
- Feeding Tampa Bay has mobile food pantries available to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Find locations and more information at FeedingTampaBay.org
- The Hope Line (Hope Florida) is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm: Visit HopeFlorida.com or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.
- If you would like to volunteer or donate to help Floridians in need, you can visit VolunteerFlorida.org to find more information.