2. Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services Bureau of Outreach Tom Gallagher, Chief Financial Officer

3. What to do before disaster strikes What you must do after a disaster Resources of assistance and help

4. Wildfires Floods Tornadoes Winter storms HURRICANES

5. Hurricane Season: June through November

7. Home and Other Structures Contents Liabilities

10. Sample Declarations Page

14. Keep $ $ $ Receipts

15. Computer * Stereo System * Central Air Conditioning System Heat Pump * Swimming Pool * Room Additions Any Major Appliance Purchase or Upgrade

17. Keep a copy of your important insurance records in a safe deposit box or with a relative or friend. These include: *Insurance Policies *Inventory Records *Contact Information *Computer Records

18. Don’t forget about your financial interests? Here are some tips you need to be aware of: $ Withdraw money before a pending disaster. $ Financial institutions will be closed at least two days after a direct hit and ATMs could be out of commission even longer. $ During all cash withdrawals, be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious persons. $ Get receipts for cash purchases before and after a storm.

19. Financial Tips Continued… $ Have a credit card on hand with at least $1,000 available. $ Use credit cards to finance minimal repairs when necessary and document all transactions. $ If you pay bills by phone or online, pay them before a hurricane hits, even if they are not yet due. $ If you pay by mail, send payments at least two days before a hurricane strikes, because the post office will not pick up mail within 24 hours of a strike. $ Keep copies of all payments mailed within three days of a hurricane making landfall.

20. Financial Tips Continued… $ After a storm, contact those you’ve sent payments to and confirm they have received them. $ Before you use any “fast-cash” lender, be sure you understand what the fees will cost for the service. $ Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm, who wants cash only.

21.  Remove all valuables  Lock windows and doors Notify your agent or company of your temporary forwarding address and phone number

23. Makeemergencyrepairsanddocumentthem.

24. Windstorm Insurance

25. The “Hurricane Insurance Affordability and Availability Act” offers a broader range of deductibles for homeowners to choose.

26. https://www.myfloridalicense.com

27. COMPANY ADJUSTER $$$$$$$$$$$$$ AN EMPLOYEE OF AN INSURANCE COMPANY, PAID BY THAT COMPANY, TO SETTLE CLAIMS. PRIVATE OR INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER $$$$$$$$$$$ PAID BY AN ADJUSTING FIRM HIRED BY AN INSURANCE COMPANY TO SETTLE CLAIMS. PUBLIC ADJUSTER $$$$$$$$$$$ PAID A NEGOTIATED PERCENTAGE OF THE CLAIM YOU RECEIVE FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

28. Purchased in 1993 $500 Destroyed in 1999 Current Value: $200 Cost to Replace: $600 How Benefits are Paid Actual Cash Value Insurance company pays only $200. Replacment Cost Insurance company pays $600.

29. Dispute Resolution  Contact the company  Call the Department of Financial Services  Non-binding mediation  Binding arbitration  Litigation

31. Don’t wait: Coverage will start 30 days AFTER you buy a flood policy.

32. Recent Legislative Changes The legislation built many new provisions into the Florida insurance code for homeowners, mobile homeowners and condominium policies including: Prohibits non-renewing homeowners’ policies who have sustained hurricane damage until 90 days after the home is completely repaired. Prohibits non-renewing homeowners’ policies who have sustained hurricane damage until 90 days after the home is completely repaired. Ends the practice of paying only the lower actual cash value for repairs and contents and requires the full replacement cost amount to be paid up front. Ends the practice of paying only the lower actual cash value for repairs and contents and requires the full replacement cost amount to be paid up front. Creates a mandatory policy checklist that the agent must fill out, detailing what is covered and what is not covered by the policy. Creates a mandatory policy checklist that the agent must fill out, detailing what is covered and what is not covered by the policy.

33. Legislative Changes Cont.’d… Requires insurance companies to spell out how much a hurricane deductible could potentially cost a policyholder and requires disclosure of all available discounts. In December, legislation was passed limiting hurricane deductibles to one per season. Requires insurance companies to spell out how much a hurricane deductible could potentially cost a policyholder and requires disclosure of all available discounts. In December, legislation was passed limiting hurricane deductibles to one per season. Requires a public hearing for requested rate hikes exceeding 15 percent. Requires a public hearing for requested rate hikes exceeding 15 percent. Expedites the claims process by requiring an insurer to pay a claim or begin communication with the insured regarding the claim within 14 days Expedites the claims process by requiring an insurer to pay a claim or begin communication with the insured regarding the claim within 14 days

34. Premium Discounts

35. FIRST Responders The Florida Department of Financial Services

37. Consumer Helpline Consumer Guides www.fldfs.com FREE 1-800-342-2762