Florida Department of Financial Service ready to assist with post-Irma insurance claims

Have questions about insurance claims? The Florida Department of Financial Service might be able to help.

By Jarleene Almenas
| 6:30 p.m. September 14, 2017

A dock lies half-submerged in the Halifax River along N. Beach Street. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and the Division of Consumer Services have offered their help to residents dealing with insurance claims for damages and losses caused by Hurricane Irma.

Patronis and the division are offering insurance experts to answer the many insurance questions brought up in the aftermath of the storm. Also, Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier are urging people to be cautious of repair costs that "sound too good to be true."

“If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is and could be fraud,” said Patronis in a press release. “Opportunistic scammers may attempt to defraud Floridians following Hurricane Irma, and I encourage all Floridians to be vigilant in guarding against fraud.

The Florida Department of Financial Services reminds people to notify their insurance companies of any losses or damages as soon as possible, since many companies have reporting deadlines. They also suggest people obtain licensing or training credentials for all third-party vendors before signing any agreements for repairs, as well as ask any and all questions about the paperwork they may have.