As Central Florida begins the long road to recovery after Hurricane Milton, homeowners, renters, and vehicle owners are dealing with the financial impact of the storm. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation estimates that insured losses exceed $1.5 billion, a number that is expected to grow.
Lisa Miller, former state deputy insurance commissioner, shares key advice on navigating the claims process, avoiding scams, and preparing for future storms.
Filing Home, Renter’s, and Auto Insurance Claims
If you’re filing an insurance claim, documentation is key, Miller emphasizes.
👉 Take plenty of photos – even 100 or more – to capture the full extent of the damage.
👉 Keep a running log of new damage that may emerge days after the storm.
“Every couple of days, the damage can change,” Miller explains. “Write down, ‘In the kitchen, this occurred,’ or ‘More water came in here.’ The more documentation you have, the better when the adjuster arrives.”
How Long Before an Adjuster Arrives?
Under Florida law, insurance companies must send an adjuster within 7 days of filing a claim. However, delays are likely due to a shortage of adjusters—many are still processing claims from Hurricane Helene.
To speed up the process, Miller suggests scheduling multiple adjusters at once:
“If you have flood insurance and property insurance, have both adjusters come at the same time. Let them sort out who pays for what.”
Understanding Your Coverage
Insurance adjusters who visit your home may not fully understand your policy details. Miller recommends calling your insurance company’s 800 number to confirm your coverage:
“Ask, ‘I just met with my field adjuster—can you tell me what my coverages are?’ The person on the phone will know more than the adjuster in your home.”
What If Your Insurance Doesn’t Cover All the Damage?
If your deductible is higher than the total damage, your claim may be denied without payment—but you can still apply for assistance from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
“If your deductible is $10,000 but your damage is $9,000, your insurance won’t cover it. But you need a denial letter to apply for FEMA assistance,” Miller explains.
FEMA assistance can help cover:
✅ Home repairs
✅ Temporary housing
✅ Loans for uninsured losses
Avoiding Storm-Related Scams
After a disaster, scammers often prey on vulnerable homeowners. Miller’s top advice?
🚫 Don’t answer your front door to unsolicited contractors.
“You should do business based on trusted recommendations, research, and storefront visits—not with someone who knocks on your door,” she warns.
Additionally, never sign any documents from third parties without reviewing them with a trusted advisor or attorney.
“You’re in control of your claim,” Miller reminds homeowners.
Post-Storm Policy Review: Time to Buy Flood Insurance?
Even if your home didn’t flood this time, consider purchasing flood insurance now.
“If your driver’s license says Florida, you need flood insurance. Period!” Miller says.
Flood insurance for homes in low-risk zones (X zones) costs about $540 per year—a small investment compared to the cost of repairs after a flood.
“That’s about what we spend on car washes, haircuts, and nails. The storms are coming, and the water is rising. Be prepared.”
Patience Is Key
The claims process takes time, and delays are inevitable. Stay patient, document everything, and take proactive steps to protect yourself before the next storm.d Insurance Program policies will cover up to $1,000 in reasonable expenses incurred to protect your insured property, and up to $1,000 to move your insured property away.
