After The Storm

• Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent and company.

• If you must make emergency repairs, document them.

• Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation. This will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.

• Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Let your agent or company know your temporary forwarding address and home number.

• Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and reputable service people.

• Know what kind of licensed adjuster you will deal with (i.e. company adjuster, independent adjuster, or public adjuster). Ask for identification and, if a question arises, call the Office of Insurance Regulation hotline for assistance.

If you encounter any instances of price gouging, either before or after the storm, call the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-357-4273.