FLORIDA – Between 2004 and 2005 Florida saw a staggering 1 million insurance claims as homeowners worked to repair the damage from eight hurricanes.
Now, Hurricane Irma’s wrath has triggered the start of repair claims as flooding and wind damage is assessed.
Former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller told News 6 Tuesday that phone lines will be busy.
Based on her tracking, you can expect a 30-minute wait (on average) to get through.
Miller told News 6 if you are having trouble getting through to your insurance company you should call The Department of Financial Services consumer hotline.
“The hotline is “ideal for consumers who want help reaching their insurance company, understanding their coverage, and want general help in knowing what to do next and how filing a claim works, etc., “ said Miller.
“There are no dumb insurance questions, so encourage folks to call that line with any issue they need about their insurance policy, coverage or company.”
Brett and Jessica Trautman, of Avalon Park, were the first of 4,000 area homeowners to file an insurance claim with American Integrity Insurance of Tampa.
The Trautman’s have dozens of shingles around the yard that were once on the roof along with damage to the pool screen and downed palm trees.
A spokesperson for Integrity insurance told News 6 it anticipates an estimated 10,000 claims as a result of damage from Hurricane Irma.
The consumer hotline service is free and can be reached toll free at: 1-877-693-5236.
When reporting a claim to your insurance company, remember to have your policy number, contact information, description of damage, photos of damage and mortgage company information.