Our Hurricane Blog | Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has put together a comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Site. Anyone who lives in a hurricane prone region should take the time to review this important resource.

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Florida Hurricane Insurance Laws, Hurricane Property Damage

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.

Labels: DeBary, Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

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.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, 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.

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

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.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

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.

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

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.

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage

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.

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

It is important to plan well in advance of hurricane season to assess your insurance needs to protect your home and family. If you live in low lying or coastal areas, purchasing a separate flood insurance policy is a must.

A homeowner’s policy or condo owner’s policy will cover most types of water damage, but usually not flood damage. Flood damage is covered under a separate policy, and perhaps you have both of these policies. Disputes often turn on the determination of whether damage is from “flood” or from “water”. There’s a strict legal definition for what a flood is.

One extremely important thing to remember is that a newly purchased flood insurance policy does not take effect until after 30 days, so purchasing a policy as a storm approaches will not protect you. More information about flood insurance can be found at Floodsmart.gov.

If you have a flood insurance policy and you feel your claim has been denied or you have not been fully compensated, please call us or send us an email. We can give you a free consultation and start to determine whether you might have a valid legal claim. Our office serves all of Florida. Se habla español.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay

The Florida Property Insurance Reform Bill, passed during the 2008 legislative session becomes law effective July 1, 2008. It offers a number of important protections and upgrades for Florida homeowners. Among the more important changes made to Florida law:

• Extends the rate freeze for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state's insurer of last resort, to January 2010.
• Allows single-family residential homes and condominiums with a replacement value of up to $2 million into the Citizens insurance pool.
• Requires Citizens' policyholders of property located in wind-borne regions and with an insured value of $500,000 or more to disclose the property's windstorm mitigation rating to prospective buyers.
• Increases fines for violations of the insurance code and for unfair trade practices by private insurers.
• Extends by one year to January 2010 a provision from last year's insurance bill that requires insurers to get state approval before raising property insurance rates.
• Requires insurers to notify state regulators 90 days before dropping more than 10,000 homeowners' policies in one year.
• Requires insurers to use state-approved methods to predict the risk of hurricanes, a key factor in setting rates.
• Creates a bad faith cause of action for insurers who fail to pay undisputed portions of claims within 90-days.

While it does not completely solve all the problems causing rising insurance costs here in Florida, some of the requirements should help bring additional relief to residents who have seen their premiums sky rocket over the last few years.

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.

Labels: Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Florida Hurricane Insurance Laws, Hurricane Property Damage

As we enter the 2008 hurricane season residents should have enough supplies on hand to survive for at least three days after a hurricane hits. Here’s a checklist of the basic items for a disaster supplies kit that will help you survive the first 72 hours:




□ Drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day.
□ Enough nonperishable food for at least the first few days.
The ideal: two weeks’ worth.
□ Comfort food (cookies, pastries) to relieve stress.
□ Toilet paper, paper towels, plastic tableware and cups, wet wipes,
plastic wrap, plastic trash bags.
□ Two coolers: one for food, one for ice.
□ Manual can opener.

□ A flashlight and batteries for each family member.
□ First-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses,
pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, medication, antacid.
□ Medication for routine illnesses such as colds.
□ Liquid soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrushing pads.
□ Water purification kit.
□ Two-week supply of medications.
□ Fire extinguisher.
□ Infant necessities: medicine, diapers, formula, bottles, wipes.

□ Cleanup supplies: mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant, bleach, for demolding.
□ Camera or camcorder to properly record property before the storm and document damage.
□ Extra batteries.

□ Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses. Shelters provide no sleeping facilities.
□ Folding chairs or cots.
□ Extra clothing and shoes.
□ Personal hygiene items: tooth-brush, washcloth, deodorant, etc.
□ Food, water, ice.
□ Prescription medications in their original containers.
□ Books, handheld games, cards, toys, needlework.
□ Cash. ATMs, credit-card networks might be down.

□ Fill you car’s gas tank.
□ Extra eyeglasses; sunglasses.
□ Insect repellent.
□ Sunscreen.
□ Appropriate clothes for after the storm passes: closed-toe shoes, dry socks, rain gear, hat.
□ Flat fixer for tires.
□ Work gloves.

If your place of residence or business has suffered damage from a hurricane or other extreme weather, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced hurricane damage attorney. Michael Cerasa knows how to get you the maximum amount of compensation you deserve from your insurance carrier.

You do not have to deal with uncooperative insurance companies by yourself. Michael D. Cerasa is here to help. Please contact us today and we will be glad to set up a free consultation for you. Se habla espanol.

Labels: Flood Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Claims, Florida Hurricane Insurance Denial, Hurricane Property Damage, Tropical Storm Fay