Hurricane Information
The Tower Hill Companies are currently binding new insurance policies and accepting requests to change coverages on existing policies. Please contact our Customer Service Center at (800) 342-3407 or your insurance agent with any questions. (POSTED Monday, July 26th, 2010, 8:00 am EST)
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.
- To report a property claim contact Tower Hill Claims at (800) 216-3711. To report a flood claim on your Tower Hill Preferred, Tower Hill Prime or Omega Insurance Company flood policy, contact Torrent Technologies directly at (877) 254-6819. When reporting a claim, please have your current insurance policy number available along with contact telephone numbers where we can reach you. NOTE: Flood coverage is not included in homeowners' policies; flood coverage is only available under a separate policy.
- 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, contact Tower Hill Claims at (800) 216-3711 for assistance in finding an approved contractor. Be sure to save all receipts for purchases and labor expenses for any repairs.
- 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.
- Separate damaged contents from undamaged items and keep a list of damaged items. A Homeowners' Financial Took Kit including a Homeowners' Inventory checklist is available at http://myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/Guides/disaster/docs/homeowners_tool_kit_2008.pdf. Home inventory software is available from the Insurance Information Institute at knowyourstuff.org.
- In the event of water damage inside your home, click here to find an approved Water Extraction service.
- If your power is out, unplug appliances and other electrical devices to help prevent surge damage when the power is restored.
- If your home is uninhabitable due to the damages, seek safe shelter elsewhere. Contact Tower Hill Claims at (800) 216-3711 for assistance with finding accommodations through our approved temporary housing services. 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
Insurance Information Institute
www.iii.org
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center
www.nhc.noaa.gov
Insurance Information Institute's "Know Your Stuff" Home Inventory Software
www.knowyourstuff.org
One Step Flood Risk Profile from FloodSmart.gov
www.FloodSmart.gov
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.
- Request everything documented in writing and obtain estimates from more than one vendor for price comparisons.
- 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.
- 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.
