By: Richard C. Giller, Esq.

Late Thursday, September 29, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm. Before that, Helene’s winds created a dangerous storm surge that began wreaking havoc all along Florida’s gulf coast, particularly the Big Bend region, which experienced surges up to 15 feet.

Helene continued to push through Georgia and into other states in the region, including parts of Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, with the aftermath expected to result in economic damages soaring into the tens of billions of dollars.

In times of crisis, navigating insurance claims can be daunting and one of the last things on your mind. Policyholders nonetheless should take steps early on that will help them in the long run for insurance claims and recovery. After the storm has passed, and you and your family are safe, you can begin your road to recovery. Here are some tips that may help in that journey:

1. Documentation: Begin taking comprehensive photos before initiating any cleanup, fixes, or repairs, to document all damages. This step is crucial when filing your claims.
2. Insurance Policies: Collect every possible insurance policy information, including homeowners, renters, flood, and auto policies that might provide coverage for your damages and losses.
3. Review and Assess: Check all possible coverages and place every issuing insurance company on notice about your damages and losses.
4. Deadlines: Home policies and Flood Insurance Policies have different deadlines, therefore it’s imperative to know them ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with these windows that can otherwise affect your recovery process.
5. Maintain a Timeline: Record and maintain a detailed timeline with the dates and times that you have spoken with insurance companies, government officials, and other professionals with their names and contact information.
6. Consult with a Professional: Engage with an insurance coverage lawyer if you have questions or concerns about your coverages and claims. These professionals are well-versed in analyzing complex policy language.
7. Constant Communication: Vigorously pursue your insurance coverage, keep in constant contact with carriers, and continue to advocate for your rights as a policyholder.

If you’ve followed these essential steps, and still require more detailed guidance, please feel free to contact Mr. Giller at [email protected] to help you get started on rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

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