AAA Offers Advice for Brevard County Homeowners With Flood-Damaged Property

AAA provides important insurance and safety advice; urges residents to be leery of deceptive contractors

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The severe weather that recently moved across Florida is a strong reminder that storm season is upon us. The insurance experts at AAA are providing important information to help residents prepare for severe weather and know how to respond if they suffer property damage.

“Don’t wait until severe weather forms,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Now is the time to review your insurance policies and develop a plan to keep your family safe in the event of a significant storm.”

AAA’s Tips to Prepare for Severe Weather

Here are some things people can do right now to prepare for the storm season:

■ Review your Insurance Coverage. Review your homeowner’s insurance with your licensed insurance agent to determine if you have adequate protection. Discuss your deductibles.
■ Get Flood Insurance. Flood damage is not covered under your homeowner’s policy. There is a 30-day waiting period for new flood policies. So, do not wait until a storm is approaching.
■ Review your auto policy. Do you have comprehensive coverage? Storm damage to your car is not automatically covered by your homeowner’s policy. Comprehensive coverage helps if your vehicle is damaged by hail, is flooded, or a tree falls on it.

Store your insurance policy number and claim phone number in your phone in case you need to make a claim after the storm.
Take Inventory.

Document your belongings by walking through your home with a video camera or smartphone. Keep a record of large purchases including the cost of the item, purchase date, and model and serial numbers.

Store important documents in a portable waterproof container. Documents could include birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policy information, and more.
During Severe Weather

■ Stay indoors. If you’re driving, pull over to a safe location until the worst is over. In the event of a tornado, seek shelter. Go to an interior room on the lowest level. What to do After Severe Weather Passes

■ Document damage as soon as possible. Take photographs and videos for your insurance claim and personal records. The more documentation you have, the easier it is to file your claim. Contact your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process.
■ Prevent further damage. Do only what’s necessary to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows with plastic or getting a pro to cover the roof with tarps to keep the rain out.

Document expenses and keep receipts for any preliminary repairs, displacement, or other out-of-pocket expenses related to the claim, which can count toward your deductible.

This could include tree removal, tarps, ice chests for food, overnight stay in a hotel, etc.
Be leery of contractors who go door-to-door offering repair services and promising to file an insurance claim on your behalf.

Hire a licensed contractor to do the repairs after an insurance adjuster has reviewed the damage.
Be Leery of Unlicensed or Deceptive Contractors

AAA cautions residents about the potential of contractor fraud. The aftermath of a severe storm creates the opportunity for scammers and unlicensed contractors to take advantage of those who need help.

“While some of these workers may be honest and reputable, we often hear awful stories about people who were taken advantage of at their most vulnerable time,” said Bobby Futch, Vice President of Claims for AAA – The Auto Club Group.

Dishonest contractors may try to profit by:

■ Accepting payment then never completing (or even showing up for) the job.
■ Using inferior materials or performing work that’s not up to code.

Red Flags to Watch For:

■ Contractor shows up unsolicited.
■ Points out damage you have not previously noticed.
■ Asks for full payment up front and/or in cash only.
■ Promises services at no charge to you or offers to waive your insurance deductible.
■ Pressures you to encourage your family, friends, or neighbors to hire them for services.
■ Offers you a discount for letting them use leftover materials from a previous job.

AAA’s Advice for Hiring a Contractor

■ Before hiring someone to make repairs, contact your insurance company to file your claim and ensure the damage is covered by your policy.
■ Work only with licensed and insured contractors.
■ Get itemized written estimates from at least three different licensed, insured contractors.
■ Before you sign any paperwork and before a contractor starts work, allow your insurance company to come out and inspect the damages first.
■ Get a Free Homeowners Insurance Review

AAA also recommends homeowners contact a licensed AAA insurance agent to receive a free review of their current home insurance policy. During the review, agents will assess any changes in the consumer’s lifestyle and advise if they are getting the best rate and all the available discounts.

This is called the AAA Triple Check and it’s available to everyone, including homeowners not insured by AAA. To learn more, visit AAA.com/Insurance.

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