Handling Home Damage from Hurricane Helene

Floridians know that inland towns, like coastal towns, sustain hurricane damage. The type of damage varies, but some homes in Longwood, FL, sustained damage from Hurricane Helene.

This fair city is surrounded by lakes and creeks—Bear Creek Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Jessup, and Sailor’s Creek, among them. The recent rains from Helene caused rising water flooding, and its gale-force winds damaged the area. Today, Express Insurance addresses the steps homeowners in Longwood need to follow to file their homeowners’ insurance claims and start the cleanup and restoration process.

Starting the Cleanup Process

The aftermath of any disaster feels overwhelming. Your agents at Express Insurance understand the frustration and sadness of seeing destruction done to your home; we experienced it, too, because everyone at Express lives in the Orlando metropolitan area, too. We empathize with you and your situation. Here are our industry insider tips on how to quickly and effectively file your claim and obtain cleanup payments.

1. Document your situation. Take photos and videos of damage to your home and belongings. Make an inventory of your belongings, their cost, and how long you’ve owned them.
2. File a claim with your insurance company using its website or mobile app. Put all contact in writing via email and apps. This provides you with a written record if you need to refute an adjuster’s mistake or go to court. Mention any needed emergency repairs, such as roof patching, that would prevent further damage and make your home safer.
3. You can file a claim for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) using the forms on its website. This federal assistance covers items like rising water flood damage that homeowners’ insurance does not cover.
4. Meet with your insurance adjuster. Answer all of their questions, walk through the property with them, and show them photos you took of the fresh damage.
5. Begin the repair process. Many homeowners want to make repairs immediately, but waiting for the insurance adjuster’s visit works best. Some homeowners pay out of pocket for emergency repairs while they wait for the insurance company to cut a check or direct deposit funds.

Here’s an extra tip. Avoid the temptation to throw out damaged items. Move them to an area of the yard where they can dry and not attract bugs. The adjuster needs to see them, and you need to remove them so they don’t cause further damage. For example, remove a rug that has become inundated with water so it won’t contribute to mold or mildew development.

Contact Express Insurance Today

We understand the challenges some Longwood, FL, homeowners face right now, especially those with lakefront and creekfront homes. Contact us today to begin your claim. The sooner you file your paperwork, the quicker we can send an adjuster to your home and process your insurance claim. Let’s build Florida together, Longwood!