With some people in both Florida and Georgia being told to evacuate, First Coast News is on your side with what to do before you leave.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As emergency management officials make calls to evacuate due to wildfires, insurance agents are providing some tips before you leave.
Isaiah Rumlin is the owner of Rumlin Insurance in Jacksonville. He said it is important to understand what is included in your homeowners insurance.
“If they have what is known as an HO3, then they will probably be OK, which is considered as any direct physical loss to the property would be covered, direct damage,” Rumlin explained.
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Jacksonville insurance agent shares what to do if you need to evacuate your home
Rumlin suggests doing three things before leaving your home. First, make sure you have a copy of your insurance policy with the policy number and instructions on how to file a claim.
Then, Rumlin said take a video of every room in the house just in case there is extensive damage. This will make it easier when filing a claim and talking to an adjuster.
“What they need to do is immediately, as of today, they need to take out that little device, their phone, and video everything that they have in their home. Because in the event of a total loss we have a lot of belongings, a lot of personal property in our homes and we just can’t think of everything we have,” Rumlin explained.
Lastly, Rumlin recommends finding out if your insurance covers temporary living expenses.
“If you can’t live in your home for a few days, then your homeowner’s policy also provides coverage for temporary living expenses wherein you can go to a hotel or go to temporary housing and the homeowner’s policy will pay for those exp those extra expenses that you may incur,” Rumlin said.