Hurricane Milton Aftermath: Navigating Insurance Claims and Recovery with Harris Insurance

Hurricane Milton recently tore through Florida, leaving behind significant damage in many areas. In the aftermath of this devastating storm, Floridians are focusing on recovery and rebuilding. For homeowners, renters, and business owners, understanding how to navigate insurance claims is a crucial part of this process.

At Harris Insurance, we understand the stress and challenges that follow a major hurricane. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key steps to take after Hurricane Milton, how to file insurance claims efficiently, and how Harris Insurance is here to help you rebuild and recover.

Assessing Damage After Hurricane Milton

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, it’s important to act quickly but safely. Here are the first steps you should take when assessing damage to your property:

1. Ensure Your Safety
   • Your safety is the top priority. Before returning to your home or business, make sure local authorities have declared it safe to do so. Avoid downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures.
2. Document the Damage
   • Take clear, detailed photos and videos of any damage to your property, both inside and outside. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim and helps adjusters accurately assess the extent of the damage.
3. Prevent Further Damage
   • If it’s safe, take steps to prevent further damage. This might include covering broken windows, patching roof leaks, or moving undamaged belongings to a secure area. Be sure to keep all receipts for any temporary repairs, as they may be reimbursable through your insurance.

Filing Insurance Claims with Harris Insurance

After a major hurricane like Milton, filing insurance claims can feel overwhelming. At Harris Insurance, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure that your claim is handled smoothly.

1. Contact Harris Insurance

• Start by contacting us as soon as possible. Our experienced team will walk you through the necessary steps and help you file your claim with your insurance carrier.
• Having your policy number, detailed photos, and notes about the damage will expedite the process.

2. Understand Your Coverage

• Review your homeowner’s, renter’s, flood, or business insurance policy to understand what’s covered. Harris Insurance offers personalized support to help you interpret your policy and determine what types of damage are included.
• Common areas of coverage after hurricanes may include wind damage, roof damage, water intrusion, and damage from fallen trees. Flood damage is typically covered under a separate flood insurance policy, so ensure that you’re aware of the specifics of your coverage.

3. Meet with Your Adjuster

• An insurance adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage and provide an estimate of the repair costs. Make sure to provide the adjuster with the photos, videos, and documentation you’ve gathered. This will help ensure an accurate assessment.
• Ask the adjuster any questions you have about the next steps, including the timeline for receiving compensation and how to proceed with repairs.

4. Stay Organized

• Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and receipts for any expenses related to temporary repairs or relocation.
• Staying organized can help prevent delays in processing your claim.

Common Types of Hurricane Damage and Insurance Coverage

Hurricane Milton has left many Floridians with a range of damages to their homes and businesses. Here are some of the most common types of damage and how insurance typically covers them:

• Wind Damage: Standard homeowners’ policies often cover wind-related damage, such as broken windows, damaged roofs, and fallen trees. Make sure to check your policy’s windstorm deductible, as it may differ from your standard deductible.
• Flooding: Flood damage is generally not covered under standard homeowners’ insurance policies. If you have a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer, it should cover damage caused by storm surge, river overflow, and heavy rains.
• Water Intrusion: Damage from water that enters your home due to roof leaks, broken windows, or other storm damage may be covered under your standard policy. However, damage from flooding (groundwater entering the home) usually requires separate flood insurance.
• Business Interruption: If your business has been affected by Hurricane Milton, business interruption insurance can help cover lost income during the time it takes to repair your property. Check with your policyholder to confirm the terms of your coverage.

Harris Insurance is Here to Help

Recovering from a hurricane is a long process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Harris Insurance, we’ve been helping Florida residents rebuild after major storms for years, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Policy Review: If you’re unsure about your coverage, we can help review your policy to determine what’s included and identify any gaps in protection.
2. Claims Assistance: Our team is available to assist you in filing your claim and can act as an advocate to ensure you receive fair compensation from your insurance provider.
3. Future Preparation: After the storm has passed, it’s important to evaluate whether your current coverage is sufficient for future storms. We can help you update your policies to ensure you’re better protected for the next hurricane season.

Rebuilding and Moving Forward after Hurricane Milton in Florida

The days following a hurricane can be stressful and uncertain, but with the right support and insurance coverage, you can start rebuilding and moving forward. Hurricane Milton has reminded us all of the importance of being prepared, but it has also shown the resilience of Florida’s communities.

If you have any questions about your insurance policies, need help filing a claim, or want to review your coverage for the future, don’t hesitate to contact Harris Insurance. We’re committed to helping you recover from Hurricane Milton and ensuring you have peace of mind, no matter what the future holds.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.