W3 has responded to this hurricane season by generating a thorough resource to help you manage this business and personal crisis.
As your trusted advisor, we are making this readily available without overwhelming you with an onslaught of information. Access it when you have questions. This dedicated W3 Hurricane Resource Center provides reliable guidance and the most up-to-date information on the ever-evolving situation.
Click the areas below for more information:
Insurance Coverage & Risk Management
How will my property and casualty insurance coverage respond to hurricane related claims?
NFIP Flood Dwelling Form
Standard Flood Insurance Policy – Dwelling Form. Please read the policy carefully. The flood insurance provided is subject to limitations, restrictions, and exclusions. Read more… |
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NFIP General Property Form
Standard Flood Insurance Policy – General Property Form. Please read the policy carefully. The flood insurance provided is subject to limitations, restrictions, and exclusions. Read more… |
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NFIP Residential Condominium Building Association Policy
Standard Flood Insurance Policy Residential Condominium Building Association Policy. Please read the policy carefully. The flood insurance provided is subject to limitations, restrictions, and exclusions. Read more… |
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NFIP Summary of Coverage
The attached PDF provides a general overview of items covered by your flood insurance policy; it is not a comprehensive list. Review your policy for complete coverage and exclusion information. Read more… |
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Water vs Wind Damage
A homeowner’s policy typically covers damage caused by water, but with very specific exceptions. Yes, wind damage is covered by the most popular and comprehensive form of homeowner’s insurance called an HO-3 policy. Read more… |
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What Insureds Need to Know About Insurance and Hurricanes – FAIA
Discover the top five things policyholders need to understand about insurance and hurricanes in the attached PDF. Read more… |
Claims Management
What are my next steps for hurricane-related claims?
W3 Alert – Flood Claim Deadline (Update)
The National Flood Insurance Program has extended the proof of loss requirement for their policyholders who suffered from flood damage from Hurricane Helene from the standard 60 days to 120 days from the date of loss. Continue reading to learn more.Read more… |
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Insurance Village Locations for Hurricane Milton
Insurance villages aim to help communities recover more effectively and efficiently after a devastating event like a hurricane. Discover dates and locations announced by The Florida Association of Insurance Agents.Read more… |
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How to File a Claim – Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is dedicated to helping policyholders recover from flood events. Learn how to begin a claim against your flood insurance policy with this step-by-step guide.Read more… |
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Assignment of Benefits Consumer Protection Tips
An assignment of benefits (AOB) is commonly used when a homeowner has an insurance claim and contacts a third-party such as a roofer, plumber, contractor or water remediation company for assistance.Read more… |
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Filing an Weather Related Auto Claim
Extreme weather events, such as hail, wildfires, high winds and flooding can cause severe damage to your vehicle. Understanding how to file a weather-related damage claim can make it easier for you to be reimbursed for vehicular damage. Read on for further guidance.Read more… |
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How to Report and Clean Up Flood Damage
Floods can originate from various situations, including heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, overflowing bodies of water and broken water mains. Given how easily such incidents can occur and the potentially devastating damage they may inflict on your property, it’s important to be aware of how to report and clean up flood-related damages.Read more… |
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Hurricane Claim Timeline
A guideline of estimated timing of what to expect after filing a homeowners claim related to a hurricane.Read more… |
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Making a Flood Claim for Your Business
Although flood insurance is there to help you recover and rebuild your business, you need to know how to make a claim so that you can get all of the coverage you can as soon as possible.Read more… |
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NFIP Claims Handbook
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter or business owner, this Claims Handbook is designed to help you prepare for and recover from a flood event. It details how to prepare for and stay safe during a flood, explains how and when to start a flood claim and gives an overview of the claims process if you are not satisfied with the result of your flood insurance claim.Read more… |
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Reporting a Flood Claim
Even after you’ve secured the right flood insurance, navigating the claims process following an incident can be a complicated task. This article outlines general steps to consider when submitting a flood insurance claim.Read more… |
Storm Preparation
Do you know how to best prepare for a hurricane?
Preparation Before the Storm hits
Hurricanes are capable of producing winds in excess of 155 mph and causing catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Additionally, hurricanes can also lead to storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Read more… |
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Planning a Hurricane Evacuation
As a hurricane approaches your area, authorities may instruct you and your fellow residents to evacuate. Although leaving your home and many of your treasured possessions behind may be difficult, you should follow these orders to ensure your safety. Unfortunately, the evacuation process can be difficult for those who are unprepared. |
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Flood Preparedness Guide – Residential
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work—but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Review the following guidance to learn how you can properly prepare for and respond to a flood.Read more… |
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Flood Preparedness Guide for Businesses
As a business owner, it’s important to be prepared for potential floods, which are one of the most common hazards in the United States. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), all 50 states are at risk of flooding in some capacity. This guide provides actionable suggestions and best practices which include assessing flood risk and taking steps before, during and after a flood—for reducing the impact of flooding on your business.Read more… |
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Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Businesses
As a business owner, it’s important to be prepared for potential floods, which are one of the most common hazards in the United States. This guide provides actionable suggestions and best practices—which include assessing flood risk and taking steps before, during and after a flood—for reducing the impact of flooding on your business.Read more… |
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Storm Preparation Products
Be prepared for the next hurricane. |
Disaster Recovery
Do you know what you should do after the storms have passed?
Restoring Your Business After A Flood
After a flood, the urgency to restore normalcy can often overshadowed critical safety conditions. Implementing safety measures before beginning cleanup is paramount particularly in addressing electrical hazards. Read more… |
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Keep Mold Out of Your Home
Mold not only damages your property, but it can also cause serious health complications after long-term exposure. With this in mind, try these prevention tips to keep mold out of your home. Read more… |
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Disaster Assistance Through FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers assistance in the form of loans and grants that can be used to cover costs incurred as a direct result of a disaster. Keep reading to learn more about disaster assistance through FEMA.Read more… |
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Risk Insights – Navigating Environmental Risks After Natural Disasters
After a natural disaster has passed, the challenges businesses face are often just beginning. Although property damage, injuries and business interruptions directly caused by these events typically receive attention, companies should also consider post-natural disaster environmental risks that can create health and safety hazards, financial losses and reputational damage. Read more… |
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Risk Insights – Hurricane Cleanup and Recovery Tips
Recovering a commercial business in the aftermath of a hurricane can be challenging. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), more than 40% of businesses don’t reopen after a disaster. Read more… |
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Risk Insights – Hurricane Recovery Tips
Recovering a commercial business in the aftermath of a hurricane can be challenging. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), more than 40% of businesses don’t reopen after a disaster. The tips in the attached PDF can help organizations increase the likelihood that the business will survive a severe storm. Read more… |
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Risk Insights – Restoring Your Business After a Flood
Large-scale damage to your business is an opportunity to rebuild and minimize potential damage and disruption that could be caused by future floods. If your business has sustained flood damage, do not panic. Think of it as a chance to fortify your business against future flood damage rather than nothing but a ruinous misfortune. Read more… |
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Protecting Your Home After A Hurricane
These proactive measures will not only safeguard your property but also ensure a smoother claims process. Read more… |
State & Federal Information
Marco Rubio Hurricane Milton Recovery
Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Milton may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Discover ways to apply for disaster aid. Read more… |
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State and Federal Leaders Issue Hurricane Helene Orders
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209, declaring a state of emergency for forty-one counties in preparation for Hurricane Helene’s arrival. The order, an amendment to the order published one day before, authorizes Florida’s executive agencies to enact catastrophic protocols and make critical state resources available to communities ahead of the storm’s impacts. Most importantly (from an insurance perspective), the order clears the way for the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to issue an order implementing catastrophic protocols. Read more… |
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FEMA Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage
If your home or business is damaged by a flood, you may be required to meet certain building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage before you repair or rebuild. To help you cover the costs of meeting those requirements, the National Flood Insurance Program offers Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. Read more… |
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FEMA Extends Renewal Period for Flood Insurance Policyholders in Seven States
Flood insurance policyholders can receive advance payments to receive up to $20,000 for their recovery. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is taking immediate actions to help policyholders throughout the seven states recently affected by Helene. While renewal dates have passed for some National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in states affected by Helene, some may be able to take steps that will renew their policy and receive immediate help. Read more… |
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OIR Issues Hurricane Milton Emergency Order and Amends Hurricane Helene Emergency Order
On October 16, 2024, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued Emergency Order Emergency Order EO400386-24 to help policyholders affected by Hurricane Milton. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what this order means for you, especially if you live in one of the affected counties. Read more… |
Health & Safety
What is the best way to stay healthy and safe during these natural disasters?
Flood Clean Up Hazards Cleanup work of any kind can be dangerous, but flood conditions make this work even harder. However, following the recommendations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will help keep you safe and healthy while cleaning up. Read more… |
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Health Concerns Following a Flood or Hurricane A natural disaster can be one of the most devastating events in a person’s lifetime. Families can be uprooted and entire neighborhoods can be destroyed in the blink of an eye. If you ever have to endure such a crisis, it is important to know what resources can help you in the wake of a disaster. While many people are concerned with preparing for a crisis, the aftermath can be overlooked. Coping with the effects of a disaster are as important as preparing for the crisis itself. Read more… |
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Staying Safe After a Hurricane
Hurricanes are one of the most devastating and costly natural disasters. Common sense and preparedness can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe after a storm. Once the hurricane has passed, the following tips can help with your recovery efforts. Read more… |
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Supporting Employees Before During and After Hurricane
During hurricanes, heavy rains and winds pass through coastal areas, often damaging homes and businesses surrounding the impacted areas. While there is no way to avoid hurricane season, there are standard practices that can be utilized to help stay safe. Here are some tips employers can use to support their employees before, during and after a hurricane. Read more… |
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UnitedHealthcare Supports People Affected by Hurricane Milton
Your health, safety and well-being are important to all of us at UnitedHealthcare. We’re here for what matters — in the everyday moments — and in harder times, like these. If you’ve been affected by a disaster, we’re ready to help support your needs. Read more… |
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Disaster Resource Center Website Overview
From the devastation of a natural disaster to the horror of a terror attack we live with the reality that traumatic events can strike without warning period having supportive resources at your fingertips can help you to be ready to meet practical and emotional challenges before, during, and after an event. Read more… |
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Disaster Resource Center Website Overview
Life in the aftermath of a natural disaster can feel overwhelming. The unpredictable devastation of a disaster touches us all, leaving us to try to recover from the losses we’ve endured. The emotions we feel – grief, anger, fear – are natural, but they can make it harder to rebound after a natural disaster. This handout offers strategies to help manage the distress of a natural disaster. Read more… |
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Disaster Resource Center Website Overview
Even on a normal day you may feel lost without a cell phone at your fingertips. With severe weather on the way, or in the midst of a natural disaster, it’s even more important to stay connected. Here are some steps you can take to make the most of your cell phone battery and help keep the phone network free for emergency calls. Read more… |
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FloridaBlue – Lucet Services Overview
We know prioritizing your mental health is tough—and even tougher to find an available provider who’s the right fit. That’s why your Florida Blue health plan has partnered with Lucet to guide you to the right provider or behavioral health resources. Read more… |
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FloridaBlue – Teladoc Virtual Visits Overview Flyer
Sometimes it’s not easy to get to the doctor’s office when a health issue pops up. Try a virtual visit, and see the doctor anytime, from anywhere. Virtual visits let you speak securely by online video with your family doctor, specialist or mental health therapist. Your cost share is as little as $0*! Read more… |
Additional Resources
What other resources should I know about?
Helpful Links:
Hurricane Season Resources (floir.com)
Find a pre-vetted contractor in your area
Frequently asked questions about FEMA disaster assistance | III
FEMA Recovering From a Disaster
FEMA assistance is available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
HOPE Florida is assisting residents with unmet needs. The HOPE Line can be reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE (1-833-438-4673) or at hopeflorida.com
Residents who need help cleaning up damage can request assistance through the Crisis Cleanup at (844) 965-1386 or by visiting crisiscleanup.org. Local voluntary relief organizations will respond to these requests.
Visit disaster.pinellas.gov for updates regarding Community Cooling Centers, Food Pantries and Community Feeding Operations, and debris management including debris disposal and proper sand disposal.
Disaster relief information – Support for members affected by severe weather | UnitedHealthcare
Getting Care During and After a Storm | Florida Blue
Topic: Disaster Resource Center | Cigna Healthcare
Please contact your W3 representative with any questions 800.783.5085