Hurricane Idalia Insurance Claims: 5 Things To Know

FLORIDA — Hurricane Idalia battered parts of Florida this week as a Category 3 storm, uprooting trees, downing power lines and likely damaging numerous homes.

While damage estimates from Hurricane Idalia have yet to be determined, severe weather events like hurricanes are among a homeowner's worst nightmares. What comes after the storm can be a lengthy and overwhelming process.

Knowing who to call, when to call, and what to do can make a stressful or heartbreaking situation a little easier.

Here's what to do to file an insurance claim if your home was damaged during Hurricane Idalia:

1. Contact Your Insurer

The first step is to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Your policy requires you to file a claim promptly, starting with contacting the insurer. According to Consumer Reports, contacting your insurance agent can also help you immediately get financial help.

For example, Floridians displaced by Hurricane Ian in 2022 received additional money immediately without the usual paperwork to help with costs of living elsewhere, according to Consumer Reports. That coverage is called additional living expenses insurance. ALE can help you cover temporary housing, restaurant meals, laundry, extra commuting expenses, and pet boarding.

Also, keep records of all communications with your insurance companies, a Forbes report suggests. Write down dates, names and conversation details with all parties involved in the claim process.

2. Document Damage

Documenting damage to your home is the next step. If you can't access your property, Consumer Reports suggests contacting your insurance company to see if it's possible to use drones to conduct initial damage assessments.

If you are at home, take photos and video of all damage to the property. You'll also want to, according to Forbes:

• Describe the type of damage.
• List the estimated value.
• Note the approximate purchase date.

If you made a home inventory before the storm, keep this handy to expedite the claims process.

3. Find Out What's Covered

In an interview with WUSF Public Media, Mark Friedlander of The Insurance Information Institute advised Floridians to look at all their policies to understand what's covered.

"Various insurance policies come into play for hurricane damage," Friedlander said. "There's a property insurance policy that covers your windstorm losses. There's a flood insurance policy... that covers flood damage. And then there's your auto insurance policy... (that) covers all storm-related losses. So you want to make sure you understand what each of your policies covers."

To find out what your plan covers, contact your insurance agent. You can also probably find it on your insurer's website.

According to Consumer Reports, a standard homeowners' insurance policy covers damage to the home's structure as well as personal property. Usually, the homeowner will have to pay a deductible. The amount you're paid by your insurance company depends on the kind of coverage you have.

4. File Your Claim And Track It

Florida law requires you to file a loss claim from a hurricane within a year, according to Friedlander.

The process of filing a claim is straightforward. Policyholders can often call their insurance agent or company to file the claim. A claim can sometimes also be filed online. In some cases, your agent may come to you.

Generally, claims can be tracked through your online account with your insurer. You may also sign up to receive text messages or emails about the status of your claim.

5. Apply For FEMA Assistance

In addition to filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, eligible Floridians should also apply for federal assistance through FEMA. A federal disaster declaration is required to receive FEMA funds.

Floridians can apply:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Using the FEMA mobile app.
• By calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.

Temporary FEMA disaster recovery centers may open in hurricane-effected areas. Check the
FEMA App or visit the FEMA DRC Locator to find locations and hours of operation.

• Related: FL Property Insurance Loopholes A Roadmap To Fraud, Says U.S Expert