Since many of you are up for policy renewals in the coming months, I would like to inform and warn you about Citizens Managed Repair policies. Last year the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. approved the company's plan to impose a $10,000 limit on all non-weather-related water damage repairs, unless the policy holder agrees to let Citizens send their own contractor to perform the work. What does this mean for you? That if you have this type of policy, you do not have total control over the repairs done to your home. By the way, some other insurance companies may be offering Managed Repair Policies, so please read on and stay informed.

Recently, I represented an insured with this provision that ran into a big problem. Citizens sent a contractor that had a work authorization stating that the homeowner would be liable for any and all expenses that the insurance company wouldn’t pay. Needless to say I stepped in on time and we stopped this from happening to the client! We rejected that authorization and made citizens agree to a contractor found by the insured. This new contractor would only seek their payment from citizens directly and not from the homeowner.

If you find yourself in this type of situation, we can still help make sure you get the money you deserve! We may find a way to get you more than the $10,000, or even get everything paid by citizens without you having to front the deductible $$$. We would like to help you avoid being responsible for paying any of the work performed by contractors sent by Citizens. If you're unsure of whether you have this type of policy and what it means, feel free to shoot me an email and I can personally look over your policy.

Hurricane season begins!

Hard to believe that hurricane season starts this weekend! I truly hope we are spared a hurricane this year, but it’s important to be prepared. Like the saying goes, “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” As a Public Adjuster for 14 ye​ars, I have dealt with my fair share of hurricanes, from Katrina, Wilma, Irma, and even last year’s Michael. The property devastation these storms have left behind is nothing compared to the effects they have on our nerves and emotional state. That is why it’s so important to be prepared in case a storm warning does come into effect. You don’t want to be running around last minute.

With that said, keep these important tips in mind now that Hurricane Season is upon us:

• Familiarize yourself with your vicinity. Where are the closest shelters, hospitals, gas stations and fire stations located? Knowing your area well will come in handy during an emergency.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit for your family. This should include a minimum of 3 gallons of water per person as well as 3 days worth of non-perishable foods. Make sure you have flash lights, batteries, a radio, a first aid kit. Don’t forget to include a can opener in there.
• Gather all your important documents including your insurance policies and keep them in a safe place. We like to put our important documents in a big Ziplock bag inside a plastic waterproof box so that we have it ready to go. I also recommend you scan all your documents or snap some quick pictures and keep them saved on the cloud.
• Keep some cash handy in case power goes out for too many days.
• Inspect your property to have an idea if it could withstand a storm. Check your shutters, windows, doors to see if there’s any repairs needed. Better to do them now, before a storm hits.