Damages in Florida from Hurricane Ian could total $47 billion. Here’s how to protect your personal finances from natural disasters

Hurricane Ian is shaping up to be the costliest Florida hurricane since Andrew in 1992. Wind and storm surge damage in the state are estimated between $28 billion and $47 billion dollars, according to a Sept. 29 estimate from CoreLogic. With that level of destruction, property owners are advised to make any claims to insurance quickly. 

“The problem with hurricanes is that hundreds of thousands of people can be affected, so it may take time to get the help you need,” said certified financial planner Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida, who experienced the impact of Ian directly. 

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Reach out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Disaster Assistance Improvement Program and the American Red Cross, as well as state and local governments, for emergency assistance. You may also find help in your community.  

“Disasters bring people together,” McClanahan said. “People are really good at helping people.

“If you have the ability to help, do it,” she added. “It may be you who needs help one day.” 

Contact mortgage and other lenders if you may have trouble making loan payments.

If you’re going to file an insurance claim, inventory the damage before you start cleaning up. 

Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but hold off on permanent repairs until you’ve gotten approval for reimbursement. Keep a written record of the name of everyone you talk to about your claim, including the date of the conversation and summary of what was said. And keep all receipts.

Floods, including those from a storm surge, are not covered by most standard insurance policies. Coverage for floods requires a separate policy, either from the federally based National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage is effective. 

Flood insurance for autos is an option under the comprehensive portion of a policy. 

Many property owners in Florida will face a “hurricane deductible,” which is different than the standard insurance deductible. It’s typically a percentage of the property value.

“If you have a $300,000 house, you could have a $15,000 hurricane deductible before the insurance starts paying,” said Bob Rusbuldt, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. 

After Hurricane Ian, Rusbuldt predicts, it will be difficult for consumers to find property insurance. 

Many will now be facing even higher premiums and deductibles and may have to find a new insurance company if theirs pulls out. Many Florida property owners already have insurance through Citizens, Florida’s state-run insurer of last resort.