Fountain pen and a property/liability claim form on a clipboard waiting to be completed, filled and signed by a policyholder or insured person. Photo and Caption: William Potter/Shutterstock.com
New data from the Allbritton Journalism Institute shows that 77 percent of homeowners’ claims from Hurricane Debby were declined by Citizens Property Insurance.
The first of two powerful hurricanes to strike Florida in a two-week span was Hurricane Debby.
According to the state-backed property insurance provider, which spoke to News4JAX, they rejected 77 percent of insurance claims because they had flood damage, which Citizens does not cover.
“Debby was largely a flood event for us. Citizens, like most other insurers, don’t cover floods. As the state’s insurer of last resort, Citizens covers policies in the most flood-prone areas of the state. A higher denial rate makes sense.”
FEMA requires a denial of coverage before offering assistance. In fact, we encouraged policyholders to file flood claims even if they knew they would be denied so they could get the ball rolling with FEMA and get the help they needed.”
Spokesman for Citizens Property Insurance
The Insurance Information Institute’s Mark Friedlander advised Floridians to get private flood insurance.
“Florida property insurance policies, whether it’s a home, condo or renters’ policy, clearly define that flood coverage is excluded and you must have separate coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer,” Friedlander said.
Although FEMA assists thousands of flood victims, Friedlander cautioned against assuming the government will cover all damage expenses.
“Don’t assume FEMA is going to cover your loss. You could apply for a grant. You may get accepted for that. You may not but I. FEMA grant is not a replacement for insurance. It will help you on the road to recovery, give you and your family some emergency funds such as temporary living and other needs that you immediately have access to. It’s not an insurance payment,” Friedlander said.
According to the study, as of September 27, 51 percent of all residential claims related to Debby were closed without a payment across all Florida insurers.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
