Weather experts are predicting Tropical Storm Hermine will likely bring heavy rain, wind and possible flooding to parts of Florida the next several days.
The storm is a reminder to all Floridians that we are in the middle of peak hurricane season, and all Floridians should be prepared for storms.
State Farm encourages all residents in the projected path of the storm to plan now and protect themselves and their property should the storm threaten their area.
Homeowners should secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and other items that could be tossed around by winds and cause damage to their property. Inside the home, residents should locate important documents such as insurance papers.
Given the potential for heavy rain, drivers are urged use caution when dealing with flooded roadways. If you can, simply avoid flooded areas — especially those with rapid water flow. Keep things safe and simple: reschedule your plans if you're aware of flooding in the area.
Given the expected heavy rain and possible flooding, drivers with water/flood damaged vehicles are encouraged to follow below insurance tips:
●Do not start a flooded vehicle until it has received a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic.
●Record the highest level of water exposure on your flooded vehicle.
●Contact your agent or insurance company and advise them that your vehicle has been flooded. The sooner the vehicle can be evaluated and dried out, the less damage the vehicle will sustain. If you don't have the right training and personal protective equipment, it's safer, in most cases, to leave the cleaning up to professionals. Some floodwaters contain raw or untreated sewage and other contaminants that may pose serious health hazards during cleanup.
Given the possibility of home damage and claims from the storm, State Farm wants to make Floridians aware of an important issue called Assignment of Benefits and provide additional details.
Florida media outlets previously reported on the issue, highlighting claims where AOBs may have inflated damages or may even rise to the level of insurance fraud, which has a cost for Florida consumers. Many Floridians are experiencing homeowners claims involving AOBs.
State Farm has seen an increase in claims with AOBs throughout the state. If you have home damage from the storm, please follow these tips to avoid an AOB mistake:
●If you have a property damage loss in your home, contact State Farm immediately to report the claim, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
●Be careful before signing anything without fully reading the documents. An AOB transfers the payment and many rights of your claim to the vendor or contractor for the services provided or to be provided. This language is often difficult to identify in the documents. Be careful about plumbers referring other companies to you as the vendor may take AOBs. Keep your rights!
●Vendors taking AOBs may be water mitigation companies, roofers or other contractors. Be diligent before signing anything with a vendor/contractor that solicits you directly and advises you to file a homeowner’s claim.
●Preserve all building and/or plumbing materials removed by any contractor or vendor until you speak with State Farm.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State Farm urges storm preparation for Florida residents