How To Prepare For Dorian Before You’ve Recovered From Irma & Michael
By Natisha Quijano, Esq.
Similar to the last two years, we are seeing the activity in the tropics pick up steam late in the season with Dorian’s path projected to hit Florida’s East Coast and another tropical depression brewing in the Atlantic which is expected to turn into a named storm within a few days.
Florida residents are still trying to pick up the pieces from 2018’s Michael and even 2017’s Irma, and many are still fighting their insurance carriers to satisfy those outstanding claims.
So the thought of Dorian making landfall in Florida is sure to make residents extremely anxious. Here are the steps you need to take.
Protect Your Property
For those who are still in the rebuilding stages, it is important to protect your property as best as possible.
– Tarp compromised roofs
– Board up broken or jeopardized windows
– Try to preemptively mitigate damage on any part of your home that may have been weakened by previous weather systems
Take Photos
It’s also important to take photos of all of your property before the storm.
If there is existing damage relating to a prior unresolved claim, document that damage and take photos. This way if you need to open an additional claim you can clearly identify any damage that was the result of a prior loss.
Know Your Policy
Check your policy and make sure you are appropriately covered.
Naturally the most common coverage most homeowners are most aware of is their structural coverage, but pay attention to what your policy provides for things like contents or personal property, additional living expenses, and other structures.
– Contents coverage will extend to the personal effects inside your home.
– Additional living expenses provides coverage for costs you incur for temporary living outside of your home if the home is uninhabitable for a period of time following a covered loss.
– Coverage for additional structures covers things like sheds or detached garages.
It is very important to understand though, every policy is different. While this broadly explains a few types of coverages, policies often include exceptions and/or endorsements. Pay close attention to the language in your policy to really know what you are afforded.
Stay Safe
Of course, keep yourselves, your families, and your pets safe. It is currently too early to be certain which path Dorian will take, but that’s all the more reason to prepare.
Get your supplies early. Make your evacuation plans and discuss those plans with your families.
Call Us
If you need us for guidance, we’re here to help. Our firm has helped thousands and thousands of homeowners and business owners across all of Florida who have found themselves in an insurance claim dispute. We possess the experience and resources necessary to effectively guide you through each and every aspect of an insurance claim dispute should one arise.
Give us a call today at (407) 478-4878 to speak with our team before Dorian even reaches the Florida coast.
Natisha Quijano, Esq.
Learn more about Natisha here!
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