Hurricane Information
As of 8:00 a.m.(EDT), Friday (November 2, 2007)...Binding authority is restored. Please refer to OASIS for the Product Availability Matrix.
For current binding information, agencies may also call Tower Hill's binding
information line at (800) 509-1592 and select Option #4.
Tower Hill provides insurance coverage for homes located in Florida,
a state that is especially vulnerable to hurricanes -- one of
nature's most devastating events. The hurricane season lasts from
June 1st to November 30th each year. Tower Hill Claims associates
have decades of experience in handling catastrophes, including
hurricanes, and are always ready to respond to the needs of our
customers following such an event.
If your property suffers damage from a catastrophe, here are a few of
the steps you should take to protect your property and help to expedite
the claims process.
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To report a property claim contact Tower Hill Claims at (800) 216-3711.
To report a flood claim on your Tower Hill Preferred Insurance Company
or Omega Insurance Company flood policy, contact the National Flood
Service (NFS) directly at (800) 759-8656. If your flood policy is through
Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company, please file your claim through Torrent Flood
at (877) 254-6819. Note: Flood coverage is not included in homeowners'
policies; flood coverage is only available under a separate policy.
When reporting a claim, please have your current insurance policy number available along with
contact telephone numbers where we can reach you.
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Protect your property from further damage. For example, if your roof
is leaking or if windows are broken as a result of the catastrophe,
cover the openings with plywood or heavy-duty plastic to help prevent
further damage. If you are unable to make the temporary repairs yourself,
consider hiring a reputable, licensed contractor. Be sure to save all
receipts for purchases and labor expenses for making temporary repairs.
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Take photographs of the damage to your home and personal property before
making temporary repairs, if possible. Also, clean up debris from your
property to help avoid further damage in the event of another approaching
storm.
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Separate damaged contents from undamaged items and keep a list of damaged
items. An easy to fill out Homeowners' Inventory Checklist Form is available
on the Florida Department of Financial Services' Website at
http://www.fldfs.com/Consumers/literature/HomeInvChecklist.pdf.
For additional information on compiling a home inventory, visit the
Insurance Information Institute Web Site at
http://www.iii.org
and select the "Home Inventory" link located under "Brochures."
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In the event of water damage inside your home, wet-vac carpets and furniture
to help prevent the formation of mold and mildew. To find a water extraction
service company in your area, look under "Water Damage Restoration" or
"Water Extraction" in your local yellow pages. Or click here
for contact information for our preferred vendors.
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If your power is out, unplug appliances and other electrical devices to help
prevent surge damage when the power is restored.
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If your home is uninhabitable due to the damages, seek safe shelter elsewhere.
Be sure to keep receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses you incur while unable
to remain in your home.
Institute for Business & Home Safety
www.ibhs.org
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
www.flash.org
Florida Department of Financial Services: Consumer Services (Storm Watch)
www.fldfs.com/Consumers/disaster_storm.htm
Insurance Information Institute
www.iii.org
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
Insurance Information Institute's "Know Your Stuff" Home Inventory Software
www.knowyourstuff.org
Unfortunately, there are vendors offering services during catastrophe
events that may try to take advantage of the situation. If someone comes
to your door without an appointment and solicits work, please be careful
and consider these factors.
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Request everything documented in writing and obtain estimates from
more than one vendor for price comparisons.
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Require references and do your homework with the local Better Business
Bureau or other consumer organizations.
- Do not sign a blank contract or offer "up-front" money for repairs.
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Do not pay in full or sign a completion certificate until the repair
work has been completed and you are satisfied.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, please contact the Florida Department
of Financial Services' (FLDFS) Consumer Helpline at (800) 342-2762 or
visit the FLDFS Division of Insurance Fraud website at
http://www.fldfs.com/fraud
to file a fraud report on-line.
To report suspected insurance fraud directly to Tower Hill Insurance
Group, please call (866) 265-6590
