2023 Hurricane Idalia – Insurance Claim and Recovery Help

If your home or business has been damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Idalia, United Policyholders’ Roadmap to Recovery® program will help guide you in valuing and documenting your loss, understanding insurance rules, settling your insurance claims fairly, and finding qualified professional, charitable, and government help. United Policyholders is non-profit and has over 30 years of experience helping individuals and communities hit by disasters.  We’re rooting for you and here to help.  No strings attached.

If your rental, home or business was insured for flood damage, there are some differences in how a flood versus a home insurance claim gets adjusted and settled, but many similarities. Wind damage will be covered under your homeowner’s policy, while flood damage caused by storm surge should be covered under your flood policy.

The event was declared a major disaster for certain counties in Florida, so individuals in those counties can apply for federal assistance through FEMA.  If you live in another state, you can check the FEMA website for updates.

Key Tips

  • Take photos of the damage BEFORE clean-up, disposal or repairs.  Photo document all damage.  Start a list so you can get realistic estimates of  costs to repair or replace your property.
  • Keep a daily journal where you jot down contact info and notes on conversations with insurance, repair, government, and other professionals.
  • Focus on drying/cleaning out, avoiding further damage, while getting all damage inspected, measured, and estimated by qualified, reputable, and independent experts.
  • Flood insurance policies have different rules than home insurance policies.
  • Start working on a detailed and itemized “proof of loss” form but don’t rush and leave things out.
  • Give your home and/or flood insurer a chance to do the right thing, but advocate for yourself and be prepared to get help if you’re not being treated fairly.
  • Government help may be available through FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program.
  • Professional help with your individual claim is available through experienced, licensed public adjusters and attorneys and estimators that support and volunteer with United Policyholders.
  • You may have damage that’s covered by both your homeowners and flood policies. Please visit our State-by-State library and select your state to find additional resources.
  • If a home or flood insurance adjuster says damage isn’t covered, but you feel it should be, get an independent professional opinion before giving up on getting some or all of your claim paid.
  • Speak “UP” (politely push for fair treatment)  If you’re getting the runaround, TELL YOUR STORY!

Check your home and wind policies for special deductibles or coverages related to hurricane damage. You’ll find lots of information in our library, tips, videos and tools.  Every type of insurance policy contains a deadline for submitting your proof of your loss and claim.  NFIP flood policies usually require a complete proof of loss to be submitted within 60 days of the storm.

If your home is damaged or destroyed, our guidance on insurance, clean up and professional claim, construction and legal services will help you get started on the road to recovery and make good decisions or repairing or rebuilding or replacing your home.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS

Dixie County DRC
Dixie County Library
16328 SE US-19
Cross City, FL
Hours: 9am-8pm, Monday-Sunday

Hamilton County
Annex/Chamber of Commerce
1153 US Highway 41 NW
Jasper, FL
Hours: 8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday

Lafayette County DRC
Mayo Community Center
150 NW Community Circle
Mayo, FL
Hours: 8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday

Levy County DRC
Inglis Community Center
137 Highway 40
Inglis, FL
Hours: 9am-7pm, Monday-Sunday

Madison County DRC
Career Source North Florida
705 E Base Street
Madison, FL
Hours: 8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday

Suwannee County DRC
Exhibition Building 2
1302 SW 11 Street
Live Oak, FL
Hours: 9am-7pm, Monday-Sunday