Hurricane - Advice

[Joe Kern]

Hello All -  unfortunately, hurricane milton is fast approaching the Tampa area. Aside from the obvious dangers, I’m seeking best practices and how experienced investors  in this area handle hurricane damage? What is the best way to assess and submit for claims with insurance with least resistance from the insurance company ( assuming it’s not a smooth process. I’m a new investor in FL and seem to have just invested in time for a major Hurricane to hit directly :( 

any advice is much appreciated!

[Pat Aboukhaled]

Hey Joe, dealing with a hurricane just as youre getting started can be a real mess, but there are a few strategies that can help you navigate this. I’ve been through a few storms myself, and one thing I’ve learned is that preparation and quick action make a huge difference:

Document Everything... Before an after:
Before the storm, do a complete video walkthrough of your property, capturing each room and every exterior area. Make sure you cover the roof, windows, sheds, landscaping-everything. After the storm, do the same thing again, but focus on anything that looks new or damaged. A good friend of mine in Tampa got his claim rejected for “pre-existing” damage, but because he had photos and videos taken just before the storm, he was able to prove otherwise and get his claim approved.

File Your claim Immediately:
In Florida, you have only 7 days to report a claim after discovering damage, so move fast and keep a detailed log of every interaction-every phone call, email etc. If they’re dragging their feet after 60 days, push hard. I’ve seen some companies try to delay, hoping you’ll give up.

Hire a Public Adjuster:
If this is your first time, don’t try to handle it alone. A good public adjuster can be a game-changer, especially when the insurance company starts offering lowball settlements. I had a client right after Hurricane Michael who initially got offered half of what his damage actually was worth, but a skilled adjuster managed to get him a much more reasonable payout.

Keep a Backup of All Your Documents:
Store both digital and physical copies of everything-your insurance policy, receipts, photos, and videos. Use a cloud storage service so you can access them from anywhere. One of my clients almost lost his chance at a claim because his originals were destroyed in the storm, but luckily, he had everything backed up.

Hang in there, Joe! These situations are tough, but staying organized and pushing the process forward yourself will make a world of difference. If you want to go over specifics or have any questions, feel free to reach out. Stay safe out there!

- Jasper / Pat Aboukhaled
Turning investment visions into reality in Phoenix, AZ - Ranked #1 for residential real estate growth and opportunity by PwC

[Tim Baldwin]

As @Pat Aboukhaled said, hire a public adjuster. Just make sure you don't get a "fly by night" one or a company that moves into town just to get claims. Try to find a local, trusted one in Tampa or nearby area. 

[Andrew Steffens]

I also have a trusted attorney to help in Tampa area should you experience significant damage.

Advice by @Pat Aboukhaled was spot on!

[Megan Paquet Nelson]

@Andrew Steffens

I have 7 units decimated. I would love the attorney contact information

[Andrew Steffens]

@Megan Paquet Nelson

Please DM me your email

[Megan Paquet Nelson]

Doing it now! Thank you!