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Being Hurricane Preparedness Week and with hurricane season quickly approaching, it is important you and your family are prepared by planning ahead. To prepare before the storm, we suggest focusing on four areas: Hurricane information & evacuation plan, strengthening your home & business, updating & reviewing your insurance policy, and stocking your supplies.

Hurricane Information & Evacuation Plan

If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is critical that you have a list of ways you can get trusted hurricane information readily available. We suggest bookmarking National Weather Service, Ready and national news outlets on your mobile devices for immediate access to information. In addition, social media can be a great source of real time updates — Join the latest Facebook group for the named Hurricane to receive multiple updates from various sources.

For your safety, planning a general evacuation plan and knowing alternative routes can save you time and stress when a hurricane strikes. When a hurricane is approaching, make sure you communicate your evacuation plan with someone else outside of the storm’s path.

Corner business with windows boarded up

Strengthen Your Home & Business

Take a walk around your home and your business and look at areas that may be vulnerable in the event of a hurricane. Trimming trees regularly can help prevent excessive broken branches that can cause damage. Minimizing the number of outside loose items, such as patio furniture & recreational equipment, will reduce the amount of time you need to properly secure the items prior to the storm hitting. In advance, we recommend having the necessary materials to board up any windows to protect them from flying debris.

If you have not had your roof or property inspected in the past 12 months, we recommend having a contractor or public adjuster confirm the structural integrity of your roof and home. The inspection will include photos and documentation of the current condition of your home. Should your home experience damage during a hurricane, the inspection documentation will be crucial evidence in getting your home back to its prior condition. We offer free home inspections — Give us a call today to schedule!

Update & Review Your Insurance Policy

We recommend having your insurance policy reviewed by a third party for a detailed review of coverage. Flooding is the leading cause of damage from hurricanes and many policyholders in hurricane prone areas are not required to have this coverage. In addition, your insurance policy may outline specific preparation steps that are required in order to ensure damages are covered. Our team of legal experts provide free policy reviews and will outline any gaps in your current coverage, and what steps must be taken prior to the storm hitting per your policy. If you’d like to have your policy reviewed — Contact us or send your policy to info@premier-claims.com.

Prepare before the storm Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Stock Your Supplies

Waiting until the hurricane is announced to stock your supplies could put you at risk of being unable to obtain the emergency supplies you need. According to Chuck Duncan, a Florida Ace Hardware employee in a local interview with CBS 4 News, says it is normal for residents to wait until the announcement before they head to the stores for supplies: “Usually within a few days after it comes out that it [the hurricane] is coming this way, they start coming in.”

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. However, once a hurricane is announced, there is a mass surge of people going to stores and supplies are limited. We recommend gathering supplies early in the season in May or June prior to a potential hurricane hitting land. You can be prepared by including the following:

Emergency supply of food & water
Emergency first aid kit & medicine supply
Emergency power sources, such as flashlights, batteries, charges, etc.
Safety & personal items
Important documents, such as medical documents, passports, policy documents, etc.
Tools & equipment for safety, such as fire extinguisher, pocket knife, etc.

For a full list of items you may need, you can find a checklist here: Download Checklist

Hurricanes are costly and can cause damage hundreds of miles from the shore. Being prepared ahead of time can be critical for your safety and recovery after the hurricane. Continue to follow us this week for more information and resources to prepare for this upcoming hurricane season!

Additional Resources

Florida Disaster
CDC Preparing for a Hurricane
National Weather Service Hurricane Plan

May 1st through the 7th is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. If you don’t live in an area prone to hurricanes, you probably haven’t given them much thought. However, if you live in Florida or the surrounding area, chances are hurricanes have impacted your life in one way or another.

How did Hurricane Preparedness Week start?

Prior to 2004, Hurricane Preparedness Week had been known as Hurricane Awareness Week. The first Hurricane Warning Service originated in Cuba and was adopted by the United States Weather Bureau during the 1870s. On June 1, 1956 the National Hurricane Center was founded in Miami, Florida.

The change from Awareness to Preparedness was an initiative to encourage communities to be prepared prior to a hurricane hitting land. Costing billions of dollars in damages every year just in the United States alone, hurricanes are considered one of Mother Nature’s most destructive events worldwide.

Outside of the United States, hurricanes are often referred to as typhoons or tropical cyclones. Other countries, such as China, experience the same destructive forces and are reported to have the most typhoons annually than any other country in the world.

With continual changes in weather patterns and rising sea levels, hurricanes will continue to be destructive storms hitting our coast. As a community, we hope we can use this week to educate our neighbors on preparing before the hurricane, how to stay safe during the storm and what to expect following a devastating hurricane.

Follow us this week as we continue to cover different topics and provide resources to prepare for this upcoming hurricane season. If you’re still battling your insurance claims from prior hurricanes, please reach out to our team members to help get you the support you need: click here.

Additional resources:

National Today Hurricane Preparedness Week,

National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Week

NOAA: National Hurricane Preparedness

Ever wondered what goes into a scope inspection for hail damage?

Our latest video guide takes you behind the scenes of this critical process. Conducted by our team of seasoned experts, the scope is designed to identify all forms of hail damage on your property—from dented metal surfaces and cracked windows to damaged roofing materials. We’ll walk you through how the inspection is carried out, the types of hail damage we’re looking for, and the advanced tools we use to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Don’t leave your property’s health to chance; watch now to understand how a thorough scope can protect your investment.

For more articles related to hail damage, check out the following:

The Impact of Hail: Understanding Size, Formation, and Damage

Importance of Acting Promptly After a Date of Loss

How to Identify Hail Damage

Confused about insurance policy premiums, exclusions, and endorsements?

You’re not alone.

Navigating the complexities of your insurance policy can be daunting, but understanding these elements is crucial for safeguarding your property. Our seasoned insurance legal experts have crafted a comprehensive video guide that explains these terms. Whether you’re a business owner, property manager, or just looking to be better informed, this video is your go-to resource for mastering the ins and outs of insurance policies.

Watch now to empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make smarter insurance decisions.

Sanoh America Distribution Facility

Archbold, Ohio
Hail & Wind Damage | May 2022

The expansive 223,000 square-foot distribution facility experienced significant hail and wind damage, resulting in a small portion collapse. The insurance carrier enlisted an engineer to refute the more extensive hail damage, dismissing it as merely cosmetic and initially only approved repairs for the collapsed section. At this time, our team was brought on and we began to gather evidence from comprehensive on-site investigations, demonstrating the long-term repercussions of neglecting the full extent of the damage. Within six months, these efforts resulted in a reversal of decision to a full roof replacement. In addition, we were able to show historical storm activity that had impacted the building within the policy terms for more accurate dates of loss, as well as reimbursement for business interruption and loss of contents. Thanks to our diligent efforts, we successfully secured an additional $3.9 million in claim settlements.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $1,985,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $5,893,000

Dino’s Storage

Des Moines, Iowa
Hail Damage
March 2022

After the insurance company denied the initial claim, they were reluctant to conduct an on-site joint inspection, basing their decision on an incomplete assessment by an independent adjuster. Recognizing the oversight, we presented compelling evidence and our own detailed estimate to the insurance carrier. This led to an on-site joint inspection and a complete turnaround. We successfully negotiated full replacements for roofs and doors across all structures, and even secured private security to safeguard patrons’ belongings during the construction phase.

Insurance Carrier Offer: Complete Denial

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,247,000

In the world of insurance claims, the concept of deductibles is a crucial aspect that policyholders often encounter. These deductibles are designed to discourage unnecessary claims, yet their implications can have a significant impact on the policyholder’s financial burden of damage to their property.

Flat-Rate Deductibles vs Percentage-Based Deductibles

When exploring the realm of deductibles, policyholders encounter two main variations: flat-rate deductibles and percentage-based deductibles. Flat-rate deductibles entail a fixed dollar amount that the policyholder must pay before their insurance coverage kicks in. On the other hand, percentage-based deductibles involve a percentage of the total insured value (TIV) of the property, which the policyholder must cover out-of-pocket. While flat-rate deductibles are straightforward and easy to understand, percentage-based deductibles can lead to varying commitments depending on the property’s value.

Perils

One significant aspect of deductibles is the concept of “all other perils” (AOP) deductibles. These encompass a wide array of perils that may affect your property such as Wind, Hail, Hurricanes, Sinkholes, Collapses, and Floods. As you might anticipate, more severe perils tend to carry higher deductibles. While opting for a lower deductible may seem appealing, it can inflate your premium significantly. Insurance agents often suggest higher deductibles as a strategy to reduce premium costs, which can be a tempting proposition for policyholders.

Things to Consider

Imagine you reside in a condominium complex consisting of eight buildings, each with varying liability limits. Let’s say your property carries a 5% Hurricane deductible. In this case, the total insured value (TIV) is multiplied by the deductible percentage to determine the out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim. For instance:

You own a condo where there are 8 buildings ranging liability limits of $1,684,874 and $2,026,302, and you have a 5% Hurricane deductible. The total TIV (Toal Insured Value) is multiplied by the deductible percentage, 5%.

Building A: TIV $2,000,000= Deductible $100,000

Building B: TIV $1,500,000= Deductible $75,000

Considering all eight buildings:

Total TIV: $14,000,000

Total Deductible: $700,000

Now, if a 1% deductible were in place instead:

Total Deductible: $140,000

The Implications and Beyond

While the calculations above solely focus on the deductible, other provisions can significantly impact coverage and claim outcomes. A high deductible might seem insignificant initially, but it can prove pivotal in determining the success of your claim. This hold especially true if you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

In conclusion, comprehending the nuances of insurance deductibles is crucial for policyholders seeking to safeguard their assets effectively. Empower yourself with knowledge on the complexities of insurance claims and your policy. By making informed decisions about your deductible, you can not only manage your premium costs but also ensure that your claim process is smooth and financially viable in times of distress. Connect with us today to explore how Premier Claims can assist you on your journey to comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

Hurricane Ian Damage

After delivering the deadliest storm Florida has seen since the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, FEMA has issued a directive that extends the deadline to submit the Proof of Loss (POL) for a flood claim.

The FEMA announcement detailed which states are eligible for the extension, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

The usual time frame for submitting a sworn Proof of Loss is 60 days. However, FEMA extended this deadline to 365 days from the loss date. It’s important to note that FEMA has also implemented a significant adjustment in its procedures. They’ve authorized NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) to accept an Unsigned Adjuster’s Report instead of a signed Proof of Loss for claim evaluation and payment. This change aims to streamline the process and provide more flexibility for policyholders in the aftermath of property damage.

While FEMA has allotted insureds this extension to file their Proof of Loss with their insurance company, it is still vital to file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Your insurance company must inspect the property before you proceed with any repairs. However, you must mitigate the damage, meaning you need to protect the property from any further harm.

The claims process is difficult enough, don’t navigate it alone. Premier Claims experts guide you through the process, handle daunting tasks, and fight for your maximum payout.

Edwards Electrical & Mechanical

Indianapolis, Indiana
Hail & Water Damage
January 2022

Facing an insurance carrier that was only willing to approve minor spot repairs and attribute the issues to old damage, our team swung into action. Leveraging detailed evidence from our on-site investigations, along with storm data and policy coverage specifics, we successfully negotiated a complete roof replacement. This victory not only addressed the immediate concerns but also furnished the policyholder with a brand-new, warrantied roof.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $8,990

Premier Claims Settlement: $2,039,000

Prepare Before the Storm

Hurricane Information & Evacuation Plan

Strengthen Your Home & Business

Update & Review Your Insurance Policy

Stock Your Supplies

Additional Resources

History of Hurricane Preparedness Week

How did Hurricane Preparedness Week start?

Additional resources:

Let’s Talk Scopes

Ever wondered what goes into a scope inspection for hail damage?

Let’s Talk Premiums, Exclusions & Endorsements

Confused about insurance policy premiums, exclusions, and endorsements?

You’re not alone.

Thorough Investigation Turns $1.9M into a $5.9M Claim Settlement

Sanoh America Distribution Facility

Self-Storage Claim Initially Denied: Premier Claims $1.25M Settlement for Full Replacement

Dino’s Storage

Navigating Insurance Deductibles

Flat-Rate Deductibles vs Percentage-Based Deductibles

Perils

Things to Consider

The Implications and Beyond

FEMA Extends Deadline for Hurricane Ian Proof of Loss

Negotiations Lead to a Full Roof Replacement and Warrantied

Edwards Electrical & Mechanical