Before the storm
A little preparation now can make a claim much easier later. If a storm is on the way, take care of these while you still have time and power.
Take a home inventory
- Walk through each room and record your belongings with photos or video, including closets, the garage, attic, porch or patio, and any sheds.
- Capture brand names and model or serial numbers for electronics and appliances, and open drawers and cabinets as you go.
- Use the printable Home Inventory Checklist to list items room by room with the price, purchase date, and brand.
- Keep receipts and proof of ownership for valuable items like jewelry, artwork, and collectibles.
Protect your records
- Save copies of your policy declarations pages, inventory, and photos somewhere away from your home, such as cloud storage or email.
- Write down your policy numbers and your carrier’s claims phone number. You can look it up in the directory below.
- Keep your ID, important documents, and phone chargers together in a waterproof bag, ready to go.
Know your coverage
- Florida homeowners policies usually have a separate hurricane deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount.
- Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is a separate policy, and new flood policies usually have a waiting period before they take effect.
- Once a storm threatens the area, carriers typically stop accepting new policies or coverage changes until it passes, so review your coverage early.
Questions about your deductible or whether you have flood coverage? Contact our office and we’ll help you review your policy.