Filing a home & property insurance claim in Florida
Hurricane, wind, water, and fire damage are the most common home claims in Florida. Acting quickly and documenting everything makes the process much smoother.
Heads up: Florida law sets deadlines for reporting property claims, and these rules have changed in recent years.
Step-by-step
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Make sure everyone is safe
Leave the home if it's unsafe. Turn off power or water if there's a hazard and it's safe to do so.
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Document the damage before cleanup
Take photos and video of every room, both inside and outside. Include close-ups and wide shots.
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Prevent further damage
Make temporary repairs, like tarping a roof or boarding windows, and keep the receipts. Your policy requires that you mitigate the damage so the loss does not expand.
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Report the claim to your insurer
Call or file online. Find your insurance company's claims contact information.
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Make a list of damaged items
Include a description, approximate age, and value for each item. Receipts and old photos help.
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Cooperate with the adjuster's investigation
Walk through the damage together. You can get your own contractor estimates for comparison. Cooperating with the investigation is a requirement under your policy. If you have questions the adjuster cannot answer, reach out to your agent to clarify.
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Review the decision
If you disagree with the amount or the denial, ask for the decision in writing. Reach out to your agent to better understand the situation.
Hurricane prep checklist
- Photos or video of your home and belongings before a storm
- A digital copy of your policy, including the declarations page
- Your insurer's claims phone number and app
- Knowing your hurricane deductible (often a percentage, not a flat amount)
- Checking whether you have separate flood insurance, since standard policies don't cover flooding