Hurricane Irma After the Storm

Hurricane Irma

After the Storm (If you have suffered damage)-We hope and pray that you don't!!

Get in contact with us (or your insurance company as quickly as possible)  Let us know about your damage.  If you have relocated temporarily, let us know of your location. 

You can find claim numbers to most of our carriers here.  You can call us at the office at 352-383-8164 Mount Dora or the Winter Garden office at 407-656-2211 the offices will be staffed as soon as conditions are safe, and we assess our teams situation.  Jodie and I stay at the Mount Dora office during storms, so we should be able to assist you as soon as it's safe, assuming our office hasn't sustained damage.

In most cases the companies prefer if you call your claim into them direct, if you do that, please let us know as soon as convenient, what your situation is.

Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business.  This include's covering breaks in the roof, wall or windows.  Do not have permanent repairs made until you have spoken with a claim adjuster.

Keep all receipts for expenditures you've made to repair damage or to estimate the extent of your damage

Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property for the adjuster.  Be sure to keep a copy.  The list should be as complete as you can make it and should include:  a description of the item (and number, if more than one) date of purchase or approximate age: cost at time of purchase; and estimated replacement cost today.  Or, as much of that data as is available

Collected cancelled checks, invoices or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.

You may want to contact a reliable contractor (contact us for a list) or (contact the local homebuilders association office) Click here for a link to the Lake Sumter Homebuilders Association for a detailed estimate for permanent repairs.  Give it to the adjuster when he arrives.  The estimate should contain: detailed specifications of the proposed repairs, and detailed repair cost prices and replacement prices.  If you are outside the Lake and Sumter County area click here for the Florida Homebuilders Association.

Take photos of the damaged areas.  These will help you with the presentation of your claim and will assist the adjuster in his investigation of your claim.

Even if home or business furnishings and effects look like "total losses" do not get rid of them until after they have neen examined by an adjuster.

If your car has been damaged or submerged in a flood, move it to high ground and let it dry out.  Do not attempt to start or operate it until it has been thoroughly dried.

Your dry cleaning establishment can help you evaluate the ceaning or restoration costs for clothes, furs, and draperies

Metal objects, including guns, drapery rods, and the electric motors in home appliances should be dried and rubbed or sprayed with oil to prevent corrosion.  Radio, televisions and other electronic systems should also be dried out, but not oiled.

Bedding and upholstered furniture must be dried immediately if saturated with water.  Vacuuming will remove some of the odor and grit left by smoke damage, but these items should be separated from other possessions since they may affect nearby items.

Antiques, paintings, art objects, silver and brass must be given special care.  Dry them with soft cloths, but do not apply oil or rub them.  This treatment may mar or otherwise damage hard finishes and surfaces

We are here to help you.  If you need information or assistance with your hurricane/disaster recovery, please give us a call, text, email, or contact us via our website!

"We are Focused on Your Protection"

The Protection Team at Hillcrest Insurance Agency!