Shirly Smith asked:




If you are considering buying homeowners insurance in Florida, there are a few hurricane coverages all buyers must be conversant with. Each state in the US has its own requirements and locality quirks each person who wants to purchase homeowners insurance must know. For instance, earthquake coverage is handled differently in California than it is in New York. Because Florida is a hurricane prone area, each Florida homeowner should be aware of options in coverage that may pay for itself.

Here are a few coverages you must know when you want to discuss with your insurance agent:

Extended Replacement Cost Coverage:
Extended Replacement Cost Coverage is the coverage that will allow you to repair or replace your dwelling without consideration for depreciation. Should you suffer a loss to your dwelling and you do not have the replacement cost provision in your policy, the cost of repair whether small or large, will be calculated with depreciation. This could cost you far more out-of-pocket expense than the additional insurance premium you would pay to be property insured. After a catastrophe, like a major hurricane, building materials tend to become scarce. The larger the affected area, the more serious the problem. In addition to scarce building materials, the construction workers who rebuild and repair the structures become more difficult to secure and their rates rise accordingly.

Extended Replacement Cost Coverage will pay for the increased cost in materials and labor above and beyond the policy limit. Insurance companies may pay as much as 20% above the policy limit, depending on the insurance company. It is in your best interest, as a Florida homeowner, to talk to your agent about having this coverage endorsed onto your policy.

Hurricane Deductibles:
Some states are regularly ravaged by hurricanes including Florida and the entire eastern seaboard. Insurance companies often sell homeowners policies in hurricane-prone areas with a “hurricane deductible” that must be paid instead of the typical deductible. These deductibles limit the insurance companies’ exposure in these high-risk areas. Typical homeowners insurance deductibles are a flat amount such as $500. When a loss occurs, the homeowner pays the first $500 and the insurance company pays the rest of the claim. A hurricane deductible is based on a percentage of the home insured value. This percentage varies from state to state and some deductibles are set by state law.

If you have a house insured for $200,000 in one of these states and a 2% hurricane deductible, you will pay the first $4000 and the insurance company pays the rest of the claim. Some insurance companies allow you to pay a higher insurance premium each year in exchange for a traditional deductible for hurricane related claims. Washington DC, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia all have hurricane deductibles.

According to the Florida Insurance Council, 70% of Florida homeowners have a 2% deductible applicable to their hurricane coverage. This could prove to be a hefty dollar amount. For example, if your hurricane policy limit is $300,000 with a 2% deductible, you will be responsible for the first $6,000 of a hurricane loss. As an informed policyholder, you can plan beforehand and set aside money in an interest bearing account to defray the cost of the deductible.

Flood Coverage:
Generally, physical damage to your building or personal property “directly” caused by a flood is covered by your flood insurance policy. For example, damages caused by a sewer backup are covered if the backup is a direct result of flooding. However, if the backup is caused by some other problem, the damages are not covered. The standard homeowners policy does not include coverage for flood damage. Storm surge from a hurricane is also considered flood damage and not covered by your homeowners policy. This coverage must be purchased separately through the Federal Government National Flood Insurance Program. If you’re not sure how to go about getting the coverage, speak with your insurance agent.

Moises Reyes asked:




Florida Property Insurance Bill Generates Controversy amongst Insurance Industry

Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s decision to veto an omnibus property insurance bill, SB 2044, has generated a considerable level of controversy after he was urged to sign it by homeowners insurance industry trade organizations, executives, and even Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. Despite the recommendations of those who backed the bill, Gov. Crist, who has left the Republican Party to run as an independent for the U.S. Senate, expressed concern over potential Florida home insurance rate hikes that may have resulted from the bill. In his veto message, Gov Crist stated, “I am most concerned about the expansion of the current expedited rate filing procedure for property insurers that makes it easier to increase Floridians’ premiums.”

Although the bill was indeed expected to increase home owners insurance rates, supporters of the bill assert that the increased rates and reduced claims costs that the bill entailed were imperative to avoid massive financial risk associated with the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season and ensure future stability in the Florida homeowner insurance market. According to a statement issued by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), for example, “without the bill, we continue to confront the problem of a huge and growing financial risk that Floridians face from the next storm.” Others, such as current Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater, have taken a more personal approach to expressing outrage over Gov. Crist’s actions: “He yet again has found a way to mischaracterize the substance of legislation to advance his own political career,” said Sen. Atwater.

Most of the rationale for the Florida homeowners insurance industry’s overwhelming support for the bill has derived from recent increases in costs that have troubled property insurers. These costs have largely been a result of rising non-catastrophe and sinkhole claims, as well as claims from Hurricane Wilma that claims adjustors are now reopening. Among the industry officials disappointed with Gov. Crist’s veto is the Florida Property & Casualty Association, an organization of insurance companies and consultants, who said that SB 2044 would have made Florida home owners insurance more accessible and affordable to consumers as a result of decreased claims and fraud abuse. The group issued a statement, saying, “Unfortunately, it was erroneously portrayed by critics as a bill that would have raised rates without regulatory oversight. Nothing could be further from the truth. The veto of this bill will ultimately saddle all insurers with continued escalating losses resulting in less availability and higher rates.”

Despite the urgings of the insurance industry, Gov. Crist viewed the bill as more detrimental than beneficial, explaining that “During these very difficult economic times, Florida’s consumers should not have to be concerned with an additional premium increase to their policy.”

Gary L Martin asked:




Do you have a 72-hour disaster emergency kit?

If you don’t you are parts of the 93% of the people in the United States that don’t. Unfortunately there is a great deal of apathy about being ready with Emergency Preparedness.

Last week, an earthquake of a 5.4 magnitude shook Southern California, the region from Los Angeles to San Diego. Media reports showed that homes and businesses suffered minor damages such as cracked walls, broken mirrors and toppled door frames.

Though you may not live in an earthquake zone we are all potential victims of things like: Terrorism, Natural Disasters, Pandemics and other catastrophes.

There are a number of things you can do to prepare before, an emergency or other need. Home Land Security says this:

“Basically, the best advice that I can give to people is to have any kind of emergency kit,” he said. “The more you do to prepare, the better off you’ll be able to keep yourself and your family safe.”

“Everybody knows it’s a good idea to be prepared but very few people actually do it, unless they have been impacted by a disaster before,” is what I tell people all the time.. “Make it a family activity and get it done just to be prepared. It’ll make that chaotic situation more manageable and less stressful.”

KIT CONTENTS

Prepare a 72-hour disaster supplies kit for home and car in case of an emergency:

- First aid kit and essential medications or nonprescription drugs.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity and water if authorities advise you to do so.
- Keeping essentials, such as flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

Here is a thought to keep in mind: “You can’t purchase House Insurance after the house is on fire”.

Rob Brown asked:




The plans you need to make are much different if you live in a city or in the country. If you are a city dweller, one of the first things you need to make plans on will be to get out of the city if and when all heck breaks loose – the cities will probably be very dangerous places. If you have friends or relatives outside of the city, make arrangements to get to their place as quickly as possible and hopefully plan on staying with them away from the city.

If you have not started already, begin storing food – don’t wait any longer. Some people are saying that major food shortages could begin in as little as 6 months – if that happens, it will not take too long before the **** hits the fan. You can begin by stocking up on canned foods because they are readily available and stay fresh for a reasonable period of time. Next, you can buy large bags of rice and oatmeal and store them. Also, make sure you have the basics such as flour and yeast to make your own bread. Other good supplies you should have on hand include sugar, salt, pepper and other spices. Buy powdered milk to mix with water, refill your propane tank for your grill and maybe get a couple of spare tanks.

This will get you started, but there are other food items you should consider. You can purchase long term food supplies in various forms – freeze dried, dehydrated, mre’s, etc. You should consider buying these types of long term food supplies for several reasons: a) they are cheaper to purchase this way in the long run, b) they can take less room to store, c) they have a much longer shelf life (10-25 years) and d) there are many options on the food products you can purchase.

At the next Christmas, forget buying presents and start stocking up on disaster survival supplies – buy a gun or two if you don’t have one, stock up on additional ammunition. Buy camping supplies like gas stoves, lanterns, sleeping bags, etc. that will come in very handy if conditions get terribly bad. There are other things such as water storage containers, water filtering and purification kits, first aid kits. And if you require special medication, don’t forget to stock up on extra medication if you can.

Perhaps the most important thing though, start talking to your neighbors and see if they know what’s coming and if they are also making preparations. If there is a total breakdown, you probably will not be able to rely on the local police because they will either be totally overwhelmed, or gone awol. It may be up to your neighbors to form a local neighborhood defense group to protect your property and your family. You should consider getting CB radios or other communications devices so you can stay in touch with your neighbors and be on the ready to help each other immediately.

It may all seem daunting now, but the key point to remember is get started – your family’s safety is really at stake.

The Handyman Guy asked:




The wet basement can turn into a complete disaster because there are many maintenance systems that are installed in it. Such are electrical wires, water and sewage pipes, garbage disposals and so on.

Let’s have a look at the HVAC systems. You should frequently inspect your heating and air conditioning systems. You have to check the drain pans and also to remove the debris to get a free flow.

You have to insect the filters carefully and replace them when needed. You also have to look at the duckwork and seal deteriorating insulations.

After that have a look at the pipe condensations.

This is a common plumbing problem that is caused by sweating pipes. There could be rot corrosion and mold if it gets ignored. The condensation could diminish if you insulate your pipes.

The next thing is sump pumps. It helps in keeping unwanted water away from your home. When you check the pump make sure that the outlet pump is not frozen or clogged and that it directs water away from your home.

You have to clean the air hole in the discharge line and be sure that the motor is running correctly. You also have to test the pump by filling the sump pit with water and make sure that it is running properly. Make sure that the pump is really pumping out water.

You also have to check the walls and the ceiling for any moisture signs. There is an internal link on the moist walls. Look carefully at the walls and search for any stains.

If you find any follow them and fix the problem. Even the smallest sign of leak in the basement have to be treated promptly.

Let’s now look at the foundations. In most cases they are not water proof. There are gaps and cracks created because the house shifts and settles with time.

Landscape is also changing with time and can lead to excessive water in the soil next to your home. Look for professional help if you have to do any landscape or foundations repairs.

Another important thing is ventilation. When you check the ventilation system make sure to expect the whole of it including water heater, exhaust fans, dryer vents and so on. If there is any failure in the systems make sure to repair it immediately.

Mark Decherd asked:




The nation has learned a great deal since Hurricane Katrina set her sights on the City of New Orleans. A second monster, Hurricane Gustav, put the Gulf Coast on alert just three short years later. With the lessons learned still lingering, a mass exodus took place. This time, there would be no Super Dome or lackluster response.

While the people, government, and disaster relief agencies have become better prepared for dealing with massive hurricanes, there’s no controlling Mother Nature. Whether it’s Hurricane Gustav or a future, yet-to-be-named hurricane, the Gulf Coast will continue to suffer the onslaught. High winds, huge storm surges, and torrential rains will flood coastal communities. Levees and sandbags may minimize flooding – if they are in place and don’t fail – but flooding is inevitable.

When hurricanes churn over the warm Gulf Coast waters, a huge bulge of water forms. This massive bulge ultimately becomes the “surge” that swamps the low lying coastal communities. In an attempt to hold back the surge, systems of levees have been built (and rebuilt) over the years. Sometimes these man-made structures do their job admirably; other times, they aren’t strong enough or high enough to provide adequate protection. Whether the water laps over the top or comes bursting through in a massive wave, hurricane flooding poses a significant risk to life and property.

Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf Coast, making landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana on Monday, September 01, 2008. The Category 2, which at one point had been rated at a Category 4, storm drove the masses out of its path with nearly 2 million residents fleeing the coast days in advance. While Gustav swamped numerous communities, topped a few levees, and is blamed for several deaths in the Gulf states (plus dozens more in the Caribbean), this so-called “Mother of all Storms” paled in comparison to Hurricane Katrina.

Though not nearly as devastating, Gustav left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. When residents return to their residences in the coming days, more than a few will return to flooded homes. According to CNN.com, data from FEMA and the National Institute of Building Sciences indicate probable property damage losses of $29.4 billion. To make matters worse, another Hurricane, Hanna, is on Gustav’s heels with Tropical Storm Ike quickly developing in the Atlantic. While time will tell which direction Hanna and Ike take, another Gulf Coast hit could do further damage.

The Gulf of Mexico offers deep, warm waters that have become proven breeding grounds for major hurricanes. As storm systems move over the waters, they feed off of these warm waters intensifying their fury. In Hurricane Gustav’s case, the conditions were ripe: water temperatures of 85 degrees, high humidity, and calm high-level winds. A high pressure system funneled Gustav’s waste air upwards and pushed the hurricane toward Louisiana, all the while building strength and pulling the sea into the enormous mound that would later become the hurricane’s surge. With several months of hurricane season remaining, it’s not a stretch of the imagination to see a second or third hurricane set its sights on the Gulf Coast.

Whether residents return to a home wiped out from a levee that burst its capacity or a house with a ripped-off roof or broken windows, widespread flooding can be expected. Property owners have a huge job ahead: securing their homes, diverting the water, mopping up, decontamination, drying everything out, household and structural repair, replacing damaged goods, and preventing mold. Since Hurricane Katrina, not only have emergency responders and government agencies learned a few key emergency management techniques, so too have contractors, cleanup crews, and water extractors. Time is of the essence and prompt action is a must. With more storms on the way, securing structures and drying is essential for preventing further water damage.

Residents of the city of New Orleans sighed a collective breath of relief as their worst fears surrounding Hurricane Gustav failed to come true. However, damage and destruction are evident and the cleanup is just beginning.

Mark Decherd asked:




Life is filled with its crises, some minor, some major. How we deal with events often correlates to how well we’ve prepared for them. For example, if you know that a hurricane is coming, you’ll take several preemptive actions to better protect your home such as installing storm shutters or placing sandbags in strategic areas. On the other hand, some catastrophes arrive unannounced such as a pipe bursting in your home overnight, flooding it with water. You had no warning, so you have an unexpected mess on your hands.

Water damage occurs regularly, regardless of where you live. Whether you live in a high-risk flood plain or the middle of a desert, your home is at risk of sustaining water damage. Now you’ve been warned. So, what preemptive actions are you going to take to help you cope? One of the most important steps is to do your homework and select a water damage cleanup and remediation company long before the damage occurs. This is because you won’t have time to research water damage companies in the immediate aftermath of a flood. You simply won’t have time. And even if you took your time, each hour spent trying to find a reputable company to dry out your home is an additional hour where water is allowed to cause further damage.

Do yourself a favor and do your homework now, before you need a water damage company. Look for companies that promise a prompt response as a starting point. After all, if you have a burst pipe pumping thousands of gallons of water into your home, you don’t want to wait two or three days for a technician to arrive. Once you have a list of potential water damage companies, start researching their company values and histories. What are the capabilities of each company? What type of commitment do they have toward customer service and satisfaction? What services are offered?

Much of this research can be done online; however, nothing beats picking up the phone and talking with a company representative. The company will appreciate that you’re considering it for future work and should be happy to explain its services and what you can expect. If the company isn’t willing to provide you with information or appears to be unprofessional, keep dialing. You want a water damage company that knows its business and values customers like you!

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to two or three professional water damage companies, ask for references and call them. Past customers will be able to tell you exactly how the company performed for them. They can tell you about the company’s response time, professionalism, and quality of the work. They can also tell you if the company did a thorough job, if the technicians were professional and polite, and whether or not they would use the company again. These are the details that only a customer is qualified to tell. For example, a company Web site may declare “We do a thorough cleanup job,” but a customer can tell you what they encountered in real life.

Finally, keep the phone numbers of your top three water damage companies handy with your number one pick highlighted. Keep this list by your phone or posted prominently with other emergency phone numbers. Should you have a water emergency, call your number one pick right away. If your first choice is not available, you’ll have two other companies to call as a backup. With time ticking and water rising, you’ll be glad you did your homework because help will soon be on your way.

Andrew Kovac asked:




Water and fire damage restoration:

A house fire or damage from a flood or from another type of water break can be a truly traumatic experience. In the event this happens to you, one of the very first phone calls should be made to a fire and water damage restoration company. You will want to have a professional company by your side during a harrowing time such as this.

Why is it a good idea to call these companies? A water damage restoration company, along with a fire restoration company, will help with guidance on how to restore the damage done from a fire or water. Restoration companies will help you determine the damage done to not only your belongings, but also to large items such as furniture, electronics, carpets, flooring, walls and ceilings. You may have to contact two separate companies if you have damage from both fire and water, but you may find that there are companies that do both.

A restoration company will come into your home and access the damage done. You should call your insurance when you have had a disaster, as they can point you in the direction of the companies that you may already be covered for. If you have to choose one on your own, talk to family and friends for a reference. At the least, look into companies on your own so that you can make sure they are reputable and reliable.

When you hire a fire and water restoration company, you will rest assured that all of your valuable belongings will be treated carefully. A company will help you decide which items are worth cleaning or fixing, and which should be thrown away. They will also help you catalog any un-salvageable items so that you can turn the list into your insurance company. They will treat all smoke, water and fire damaged articles as best as they can, and you will not have to worry about doing it on your own. Water damage, mold, smoke damage and more can take a lot of cleaning up after, and that is what these services are for.

Sam Barton asked:




Choosing the right water damage company may be the single most important part of your home water damage repair. There are many different things you will need to consider when you are choosing your service.

After you have had a water intrusion into your home or business, be sure to contact your insurance company. They may have some reputable companies that they work with and will be able to give you recommendations. If not, be sure to find one that is certified and has experience with what your cleaning needs are.

If you have laptop water damage, car water damage, cell phone water damage or are looking for a company that will be able to save your home and possessions, be sure to let them know specifically what your needs are. Each item listed will have a different cleaning technique.

If your home or business has been flooded, choose a water damage company that has plenty of experience with this. Mold will begin to grow in as little as 24-36 hours and you will need a company that knows how to begin the process quickly.

While you are waiting for the company to arrive:

Turn off the electricity to the house. Enter with rubber boots and gloves. Open the windows for cross ventilation. Remove any wet articles to the outside or garage to help remove moisture from the air. Take up wet carpeting so water won’t seep up the walls and into the molding. Use a dehumidifier.

This should help begin the process. Remember time is of the essence, so be sure to find a water damage company that can be there immediately to begin the detailed cleanup process that will need to take place.

Jerry Dicosta asked:




In the United States alone, damage accounts for over 25 percent of all home insurance claims, with more than 37 percent homeowners admitting to loss of property due to extensive water damage. All sources of this damage leave tell-tale signs around the place. The trick lies in being able to detect these signs and initiating water damage repair before it is too late.

Water stains on the ceilings or a wet spot under the kitchen sink could develop into something bigger, such as a weakened roof or a rotten floor board. So learn to recognize the first sign of damage which is almost always evident for everyone to notice but rarely catches the attention of homeowners until all hell has been broken loose in the living room. The most obvious signs of moisture build-up that can eventually escalate to damage are drippy faucets or shower heads, water stains on the roof or walls, damp surface areas, unusual humidity or coolness in a particular room and a distinct odor of mildew. If your home or a particular room in the house begins to smell of molds, it is high time you hire a Water Damage Repair Company to arrest the initial stages of destruction.

Some believe the expertise of a Damage Restoration Company is required only during floods or similar natural disasters. Even trivial water leaks that could lead to a mammoth destruction should be brought to the attention of restoration companies who will not only help you identify the source of the leak but also restore your property to its pre-incident state. There are plenty of damage restoration companies in the U.S. and the services they offer are based on reliable restoration principles coupled with research, practical experience and extensive consultation gathered from numerous sources. Most of these companies provide water damage repair services, mold remediation service, flood damage cleanup, interior restoration as well as fire and smoke cleanup for both residential and commercial properties.