Prepare for Hurricane Season with Newtek Insurance Agency

Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: 

It is extremely important for you to have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company. 

Before the Storm: 

• Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.

 • If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property. 

• Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment. 

• Know what is in your homeowner's insurance policy. 

• Have records of your property's condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company. 

• Review your mold coverage. 

• Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy. 

• Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses. 

• Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible. 

• Have a plan to move yourself and your family - especially those with special needs. 

• Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information. 

• Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply. 

• Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational. 

• Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged. 

• Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container. 

• Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you. 

• Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there. 

• Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged. 

After the Storm: 

• When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof. 

• Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim. 

• Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim. 

• Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope. 

• Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters. 

• Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company. 

• Check your Co-Insurance penalties. 

• Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place. 

• Check your policy coverages and sublimits. 

• Just because water has not begun to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property. 

Business Owners Preparedness Tips: 

• Businesses should pay close attention to the storm's forecast over the weekend. 

          • The National Hurricane Center releases a new full advisory every                  hours, at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm EDT. 

          • They will issue intermediate advisories every 3 hours, between the                full advisories (1am, 8am, 1pm, 8pm EDT). 

• During this time, it's important to review your disaster and emergency communication plan. 

• Backup all data on servers and personal computers and ensure remote access is available. 

• Ensure your equipment is raised above potential flood levels. 

• Review your insurance policies to mitigate any possible gaps in coverage. 

• Protect and duplicate important business documents and records. Be sure they are accessible from anywhere.