FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2015
Contact Info:
Harvey Bennett/Amy Bogner
(850) 413-2515
Office Statement on the Start of Hurricane Season
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With the start of the 2015 hurricane season today, Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin M. McCarty issued the following statement advising residents to get their hurricane plan together.
“As Florida's Insurance Commissioner, I encourage you to plan ahead for the potential that a hurricane could impact our state. It's been a decade since a major storm made landfall in Florida, but in 2004 and 2005 eight storms crisscrossed the state and caused damage in all 67 counties. It only takes a few minutes to make sure you're ready.”
“I encourage all Floridians with a smart phone to download the free Hurricane Preparedness app available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This app (http://www.insureuonline.org/insureu_special_disaster.htm), will allow you to take an inventory of your belongings, so that if you are impacted by a storm you will be able to easily access the data you need to file an insurance claim. This will help simplify the process for you and your insurance company.”
If you are in the path of a storm, it is important to take precautions that will help prevent damage to your home. This includes moving inside objects such as patio furniture and lawn ornaments which could become projectiles during high winds. Additionally, affixing your home with storm shutters and other types of enclosure coverings will help guard against flying objects penetrating glass and causing damage. It can save you money on your policy, too.
An important part of protecting home and possessions is considering the purchase of separate flood insurance. A typical homeowners policy does not cover outside flooding. The purchase must be made at least 30 days before the policy becomes effective.
The start of hurricane season is a good time to talk to your insurance agent and make sure that your policy is adequate to protect your financial interests in the unlikely event you have to file a claim. Ask your agent about deductibles and if you have enough coverage to replace all the contents of your home. For further help planning ahead, visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Hurricane Season Resources webpage at www.floir.com/hurricanes.aspx.