Florida families are still coping with the aftermath of historic flooding that has inundated homes throughout the state. Mark Friedlander, the Florida spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, is urging homeowners to act quickly to protect their property and finances.
Document damage and file claims without delay
Friedlander stresses that the faster a claim is filed, the sooner repairs can begin. “The quicker you get the claim filed, the quicker you will get the repairs in motion,” he said. He recommends that homeowners take photographs, keep receipts for any temporary repairs, and contact their insurance agents as soon as it is safe to do so.
Flood insurance is essential, not optional
Many Floridians mistakenly rely on standard homeowners policies, which typically exclude flood‑related losses. Friedlander explains that flood coverage is a separate policy, often provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). “We get flooding events year‑round, and this winter may be one of our worst flood‑prone timeframes we’ve seen in many years because of the Super El Niño,” he warned. “So, we’re going to have a lot of flooding events, according to the forecasters. Get prepared now. Don’t wait until the last minute.”
Currently, roughly one in five Florida homeowners carry flood insurance, and the rate drops even lower during the off‑season. Friedlander encourages residents to explore coverage regardless of whether they live in traditionally flood‑prone areas.
Cost considerations and discounts
Friedlander notes that the average NFIP premium in many Florida communities is about $50 a month, or roughly $600 a year. While this is an added expense, he argues it is far less than the thousands of dollars many families spend on repairs after a flood. “Many don’t want to take that step for that expense, but just think of that versus paying thousands and thousands of dollars for repairs after a loss. It’s worth the investment,” he said.
He also points out that many Florida municipalities participate in the NFIP’s community rating discount program, which can lower premiums for eligible homeowners.
Additional resources and assistance
FEMA may offer emergency grants, but these typically cover only a small portion of repair costs. Friedlander advises homeowners to shop around for quotes and consider purchasing flood insurance sooner rather than later to avoid gaps in coverage.
By taking these steps—documenting damage promptly, filing claims quickly, and securing appropriate flood insurance—Florida residents can better safeguard their homes and families against future flooding events.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
