What to do in the first 24–72 hours

Right after a hurricane, the next 24 to 72 hours can determine whether your recovery is smooth or needlessly delayed. According to South State Bank, prioritize personal safety. Check for injuries, avoid downed power lines, and only re-enter when authorities say it's safe.

At the same time, document damage with clear, date-stamped photos and videos, and keep receipts for temporary repairs. Research from For The People recommends contacting your insurer as soon as it is safe to report the damage and open a claim.

Florida consumer resources note that insurers should acknowledge claims within 14 days and decide within 90 days. You generally have one year from the date of loss to file an initial claim and 18 months for supplemental claims. See Florida Department of Financial Services resources for details.

This article outlines safety priorities, a 24 to 72 hour checklist, documentation tips, coverage differences, and deductible considerations. You'll also learn when to involve public adjusters or advocates, with practical guidance for South Florida homeowners, condo and mobile-home owners, and small business owners.

First 24–72 Hours: Protect People, Document Damage, and Start Your Claim

Just come through a hurricane? The next 24 to 72 hours shape your safety and your ability to recover losses. According to South State Bank, always put people first. Check for injuries and avoid downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures.

1. Check family and neighbors for injuries and get medical help if needed. Only re-enter homes when authorities say it is safe.
2. Call your insurer or agent as soon as it is safe to report damage and open a claim. Ask for a claim number to track progress.
3. Document everything before major cleanup. Take date-stamped photos and videos of exterior and interior damage from multiple angles.
4. Make temporary repairs to stop more damage, like tarping roofs and boarding windows. Photograph the damage before and after these repairs and keep receipts.
5. Keep a written claims log of every call or visit. Note names, times, and summaries, and save copies of policies, estimates, and receipts.
6. Avoid signing contracts for permanent work until an adjuster inspects. Consider a public adjuster if you need help documenting losses.

What to photograph and keep

• Shoot wide shots that show overall damage and context.
• Take close-ups of structural damage, roof holes, and broken windows.
• Photograph damaged belongings with brand names or serial numbers visible.
• Save documents like warranties, receipts, and appliance manuals.
• Keep receipts for temporary repairs, hotel stays, and other storm-related expenses.

Key Florida deadlines to expect

Florida rules set clear timelines for insurers after you file a claim. State guidance and legal checklists note insurers must acknowledge your claim communication within 14 days. They generally must accept, deny, or partially pay within 90 days after receiving required documentation, and pay within 20 days of approval.

You normally have one year from the date of loss to file an initial property claim and 18 months for supplemental claims. If the insurer requests a sworn proof of loss, that form is usually due about 60 days after the request. For more details, see resources from the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Act quickly and stay organized. Prioritize safety, document thoroughly, notify your insurer, and keep a clear paper trail to avoid delays.

Document Every Detail So Your Claim Isn’t Delayed or Undervalued

Worried your hurricane claim will drag on or come back too low? A little organization now saves weeks and money later. We recommend you document thoroughly before cleanup or permanent repairs.

Start with high-quality photos and video of interior and exterior damage. Research and legal checklists stress wide shots plus close-ups, and date-stamped images when possible.

Photo and video checklist

• Take wide-angle shots that show context and overall damage to each room.
• Capture close-ups of structural damage, roof holes, broken windows, and water lines on walls.
• Include reference points or measuring tape so adjusters can see scale.
• Record a narrated walkthrough video describing each damaged area and what you see.
• Save any before photos and label all files with dates and locations for quick reference.

Create a room-by-room inventory of damaged belongings. List descriptions, estimated values, serial numbers, and attach receipts or warranties when you can.

Temporary repairs, mitigation, and records

You have a duty to mitigate further damage, so make reasonable temporary repairs. Photograph damage before and after these repairs and keep all receipts for materials and labor.

Avoid permanent repairs until an adjuster inspects, unless work is required for safety or to stop more loss.

Vet contractors carefully and know AOB risks

• Verify a contractor’s license, insurance, and bonding, and ask for references.
• Get at least three written, itemized estimates so you can compare scope and price.
• Insist on a detailed contract listing materials, timelines, and warranties.
• Avoid large upfront payments and pay by check or card to keep a record.
• Be cautious about signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB). An AOB transfers your claim rights to the contractor.

Public adjusters work for you and can boost complex claims, but they usually take about 5 to 15 percent of the settlement. Brokers or advocates may help with claims and sometimes offer support at no direct cost, though compensation structures can create conflicts to watch for.

Keep a claims log of every call, email, and visit with dates, names, and summaries. Organize photos, estimates, receipts, and your policy paperwork so you can submit a clear, timely claim.

For a fuller checklist and guidance on wind versus flood claims, see our post on filing claims fast. How to file an insurance claim fast in Broward

Coverage, Deductibles, and When It Makes Sense to File

Not sure whether to file a hurricane claim or pay out of pocket? The key is knowing which policy covers what and how your deductible works.

Standard homeowners, condo, mobile‑home, and renter policies usually cover wind and wind‑driven rain but almost never cover rising water or storm surge. That flood exposure needs a separate policy.

Research from FEMA and NFIP explains that flood claims go to flood insurance, while wind damage goes to your homeowners or unit policy.

How hurricane deductibles work and when they kick in

Florida hurricane deductibles are usually percentage‑based, for example 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling limit. That can be thousands of dollars on higher‑value homes.

The deductible is typically triggered by an official National Hurricane Center watch or warning and often applies once per calendar year. Know your policy’s trigger and math before deciding to file.

For more on how these deductibles work, see the Florida consumer guide from the state office.

Flood options and filing timing

NFIP policies have lower standard limits and a 30‑day waiting period before they take effect. Private flood policies can offer higher limits, extra coverages, and sometimes shorter waiting periods.

Compare NFIP and private flood options carefully so you know which policy to claim after a storm.

Research from Policygenius summarizes those differences.

Simple rule for filing vs. paying yourself

If estimated repairs are less than or only slightly above your hurricane deductible, paying out of pocket often makes sense. That avoids filing a claim that could affect rates or renewal status.

File a claim when damages clearly exceed your deductible or when a covered loss like wind or loss assessment would be unaffordable otherwise.

Condo owners should remember the association’s master policy can trigger assessments. Carry loss assessment coverage so you’re not on the hook for a big share of the association deductible.

Mobile and manufactured homes usually need HO‑7 mobile‑home policies, face higher vulnerability, and still need separate flood insurance.

Quick steps for business‑interruption claims

• Back up payroll, accounting, and inventory records off site so you can prove lost income.
• Document lost revenue with recent financial statements and tax returns when filing.
• Notify your insurer promptly and keep detailed receipts for recovery expenses and mitigation.

These choices can change recovery and costs quickly. If you want help reviewing coverages or running the numbers, we can walk through your policy line by line.

Protect Your Claim and Recovery

Worried your claim will drag on or come back too low? Put safety first, then document everything with date-stamped photos and videos. Know which policy covers wind versus flood, watch your hurricane deductible, and meet Florida filing deadlines to avoid delays.

Early action and clear records reduce delays and improve recoveries. Make reasonable temporary repairs when needed and keep all receipts. Vet contractors, avoid risky assignment of benefits, and consider a public adjuster or broker if a claim feels complex or undervalued.

If you want help filing or negotiating a claim in Lauderhill or across Broward County, B&S Insurance Agency can assist. Call us at (954) 656-8636 for claims support or a policy review.

Remember you have one year from the date of loss to file an initial property claim in Florida. Keep organized records and reach out if you need an advocate. You don’t have to navigate this alone.