Our Hurricane Blog | Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter

Hurricane damage and insurance laws are constantly being amended and revised. We stay current on these changes - it is our job, after all. Our blog page allows us to keep you updated on these changes, focusing on how these changes affect you, the insured.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Florida Insurance Commissioner Declares Hurricane Deductibles Do Not Apply to Tropical Storm Fay Claims

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued an advisory to Florida homeowners that the hurricane deductible of their homeowner’s policy does not apply at this time, because the National Hurricane Center has not upgraded Tropical Storm Fay to a hurricane. Insurance companies must apply the deductible that is unrelated to hurricane, generally referred to as the “all other perils deductible” or “other than hurricane deductible.”
The hurricane deductible only applies when property damage results from a named hurricane. Consumers should review their policies and contact their agent if they have any questions.
Commissioner McCarty has sent an informational memorandum on this issue to all authorized property and casualty companies.
The Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has created a special link to information about hurricane deductibles on its Web site, www.floir.com, in the center section of the home page.

If you have sustained damage to your home or business from Tropical Storm Fay, contact our office for a free consultation and learn about your rights under your insurance policy. Se habla espanol.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 12:49 PM

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

St. Johns River to Cause Additional Flooding after Tropical Storm Fay

According to reports, additional flooding is expected over the next several days in Central Florida as the waters of the St. John's River continue to rise to levels not seen since 1924. Areas of Brevard County, Seminole County, Volusia County, Orange County and Lake County have seen intense flooding after Tropical Storm Fay. Areas of DeBary have been hit particularly hard.

If you have experienced flood damage to your home or business, don't deal with the insurance company alone. Let an experienced property damage attorney help guide you through the claim process and ensure you and your family are properly compensated for your loss. Contact us today. Se habla espanol.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 5:19 PM

What to Do if Your Home Sustains Damage from a Hurricance, Tropical Storm or Flood


In the aftermath of a devastating hurricane, tropical storm or flood, you may be lost as to what to do. Here are some important tips as to what to do once you and your family are in a safe location:

1. Notify your homeowners and/or flood insurance carrier of the damage as soon as possible.

2. Keep receipts for all items of expense you incur if you are forced to relocate from your home (hotel, food receipts, gas receipts, etc.).

3. If you can safely do so, you should take steps to protect your home and its contents from further damage (for example, placing tarps over holes in the roof, boarding up broken windows, moving items of personal property off the floor). Also, keep your receipts for any supplies you purchase to protect the home.

4. If you need to throw out any damaged personal property within your home, take pictures of
the damaged property first! You will need to prove the items were damaged to your insurance company.

Don't automatically assume you have to accept what the insurance company offers you to settle your property damage claim. Insurance companies often deny legitimate claims or undervalue claims significantly. If you have an insurance claim and need help. Contact an experienced property damage attorney for a free consultation. Se habla espanol.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 3:38 PM

Monday, August 25, 2008

More than 10,000 Insurance Claims Filed as a Result of Tropical Storm Fay


As of today, Floridians have filed more than 10,000 insurance claims with their homeowners, auto, and flood insurance carriers from damage resulting from Tropical Storm Fay, according to information from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

If you have filed an insurance claim with your insurance company for damages from Tropical Storm Fay and your claim has been denied or you feel your insurance company is not adequately compensating you for your loss, contact Michael D. Cerasa, an experienced property damage attorney. Se habla espanol.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 3:41 PM

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Tropical Storm Fay Brings Floods to Central Florida

Tropical Storm Fay has brought significant flooding to central Florida; especially in Brevard County, Volusia County and Seminole County. Some sources are estimating damages in Brevard County at more than $10 million dollars.

If you have experienced property damage as a result of Tropical Storm Fay, don't go through the insurance claim process alone. Consult with an experienced insurance claim attorney. Contact us today. Se habla espanol.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 9:37 PM

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes can Spawn Tornadoes


While most people focus on the devastating effects of wind and rain that accompany a tropical storm or hurricane, it is easy to forget that these storms can cause devastating tornadoes to form. During a tropical storm or hurricane, stay vigilant, and pay attention to news and weather alerts on television or on the radio. Keeping advised of tornado watches and warnings can help to keep you and your family safe.

If your home or business has suffered damage from a tropical storm, hurricane or tornado, and you want to know your rights under your insurance policy, contact an experienced property damage claim attorney for a free consultation. Se habla espanol.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 5:31 PM

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Tropical Storm Fay Expected to Strengthen to Hurricane Fay Before Making Florida Landfall

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for all of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm watch is also in effect for the Southeast Coast of Florida From Ocean Reef northward to Jupiter Inlet and for Lake Okeechobee.
A hurricane watch is issued by the National Hurricane Center when a hurricane is about 36 hours away from landfall. A hurricane warning is issued when the storm is 24 hours, or less away from land and when winds are expected to reach 74 mph or greater.
Residents in these areas should closely monitor this storm and tune in to local media outlets for the most current information and guidance from local officials. All Floridians should review their emergency plans and be prepared to take action if required by local officials.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 9:02 PM

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Tropical Storm Fay On Course to Hit Florida


Forecasters warned that Tropical Storm Fay could bring hurricane-force winds to the Florida Keys as soon as Monday. Fay could hit as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, with winds perhaps reaching more than 100 mph, forecasters said Saturday, stressing that it was too early to tell how intense the storm would become. In anticipation, Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency for the state.


If your home or business sustains any damage as a result of Tropical Storm Fay and you have any doubts about whether your hurricane homeowners’ insurance company is treating you fairly regarding your insurance claim, please contact experienced hurricane damage attorney Michael D. Cerasa today to arrange your free consultation. Se habla español.


Click Here for the latest weather updates and to track Tropical Storm Fay.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 4:19 PM

Monday, August 11, 2008

National Hurricane Center Updates 2008 Atlantic Storm Season Predictions


NOAA’s 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook update indicates an 85% probability of an above-normal hurricane season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season, and a 5% chance of a below-normal season. See NOAA definitions of above-, near-, and below-normal seasons. The Atlantic hurricane region includes the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

To date, the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season has produced five named storms, two hurricanes, and one major hurricane.

This means that NOAA expects considerable activity during the remainder of the 2008 season, with an additional 9-13 named storms, 5-8 hurricanes and 2-5 major hurricanes likely during the remainder of the season (August 7th through November 30th).

If your property is damaged by a hurricane, make sure you protect your rights against your insurance company. Michael Cerasa knows how insurance adjusters work. He knows the tricks they use to undervalue a claim. It is a central part of an adjuster’s training to make sure their insurance company pays out the least amount possible. It is therefore in your best interest to hire a hurricane damage attorney before having the damage appraised. Mr. Cerasa will represent you during the appraisal, ensuring that your appraisal is fair and that all damage is properly accounted for.

If you have any doubts about whether your hurricane homeowners’ insurance company is treating you fairly regarding your insurance claim, please contact experienced hurricane damage attorney Michael D. Cerasa today to arrange your free consultation. Se habla español.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 5:12 PM

Friday, August 1, 2008

Homeowners May Be Twice Burned as Insurers Cap Policy Coverage


From Bloomberg.com:

Wildfires are threatening homes in California, while East Coast residents brace for hurricane season. Judging by recent catastrophes, people should review their homeowners' coverage to make sure dollar amounts keep pace with current construction expenses.

About two-thirds of U.S. homes were underinsured in 2007 by an average 18 percent, according to data compiled by Los Angeles-based Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, which provides building-cost information for the insurance industry.

Owners often confuse the estimated resale value of their homes, which includes the value of the land, with what it costs to rebuild. The latter is determined by market prices for contractors and building materials, not the local housing market...

Link to Full Story

If you have any doubts about whether your insurance company is treating you fairly regarding your fire damage insurance claim, please contact attorney Michael D. Cerasa today to arrange your free consultation. Se habla español.

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posted by Michael Cerasa at 1:43 PM

If you have further questions about hurricane damage law, please contact attorney Michael D. Cerasa today to arrange a consultation. Se habla español.

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