Insurers Encourage Storm Preparation for “Invest 99”

Tallahassee, Fla. — Chances are good that tropical disturbance “Invest 99” will become the eighth named storm in the Atlantic this tropical season and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is urging Floridians to take steps now to prepare. Depending on the path, Florida could be directly impacted by this system. PCI encourages property owners to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

“With peak of the season storms potentially targeting Florida, PCI encourages property owners to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings for direct and indirect impacts that Invest 99 could have on our homes and businesses,” said Logan McFaddin, PCI’s Florida regional manager. “Should this turn into a tropical storm with heavy rain and flooding, insurers and catastrophe teams will be ready to respond in the event of significant damage. Floridians can be assured that PCI and the insurance industry work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help businesses and homeowners prepare for disasters.”

Flooding from storm surge during hurricanes and tropical storms can be especially dangerous for residents along the coast. “Flood insurance is not covered by your standard homeowners policy; however, additional coverage can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program or your insurance company. Florida is unique in that some insurers are offering flood insurance coverage unlike other states so it’s important to contact your agent or company right away.”

“Just be aware that there is typically a 30-day waiting period between the date of purchase and when the actual flood coverage goes into effect,” said McFaddin. 

PCI recommends taking the following precautions:

• Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement costs, or actual cash value for a covered loss.
• Inventory your household items, and photograph or videotape them for further documentation. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place.
• Keep the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Protect your property by covering all windows with plywood or shutters, moving vehicles into the garage when possible and placing grills and patio furniture indoors.
• Keep all receipts for any repairs so your insurance company can reimburse you.
• Check with your insurance adjuster for referrals to professional restoration, cleaning and salvage companies if additional assistance is needed.
• Make sure watercraft are stored in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowner’s policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provide broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boat, yachts, jet skis and wave runners. Additional information can be found on PCI’s Hurricane Headquarters page.

PCI Resources:

• Link to Online Magazine: http://bit.ly/PCIHurricane16 
• PCI 2016 Have A Plan Insurance Checklist: http://bit.ly/PCIHurricaneChecklist16
• 2016 Hurricane Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/PCIHurricaneStats      

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