Dear OH FL Friends

Well it's back....Hurricane Season , that is! Having been hit directly by Hurricane Charley last Aug 13th I am here to encourage all of you to review your homeowner's and flood policies now while changes can be made. As an agent for a major insurer let me advise you to be aware of your hurricane deductible. Property values have increased dramatically as has the cost of replacing a home. Make sure you are insuring to replacement value. Take advantage of tax free days and stock up on your hurricane supplies. The things I missed the most were a battery operated radio(it was 20 hours after the hit before I knew what had hit me and what direction it took) I am still looking for a battery operated fan (Good gracious it was HOT!) Make sure yoou have your meds, cash and gasoline and food that you can ea****er and ice arrived here pretty quickly. Cell phones didn't work for a couple of weeks. We were out of electricy for 20 days. I have lived in this paradise for 30 years and never, never faced anything remotely like last summer. I will never be unprepared again and pray that all of you and yours have a safe and healthy summer season. Laurie I

Hey Laurie-Welcome to the Florida board. I live in Fort myers and remember Charley well. Though not as well as you. I do have to up the value on my insurance as I think we are underinsured. Thanks for the reminder. I want to get one of those weather radios. Maybe a thing for my generator to be able to plug into the box. Stay safe and good luck in your pursuit of wls.

And everyone should be thinking about flood insurance. Flood insurance is NOT included in your homeowners policy.

thank you for the reminder

Hi, Thanks for the reminder. I hope this summer is nothing like last year for you. I do have a question...which I know would be better directed at my insurance. But I get the idea that my renters insurance is only going to cover fire or theft and that I will need separate wind storm and flood insurance to protect myself from Hurricane damage. Does that sound right?

Hi Sarah Margaret Flood Insurance is definately a different animal. It is a separate policy that is underwritten by the federal government. Your agent can get a quote for you. Windstorm may or may not be excluded on your renters policy. Again, ask your agent. If it is excluded then you can purchase an additional windstorm policy if necessary. Your agent is there to be helpful don't hesitate to ask them "lots" of questions. Insurance in the past has been written so that only a lawyer or insurance professional could understand it. Gov Bush just signed a law requiring it to be written in language that we should all be able to understand. Stay safe and WOW ! what a great weight loss you have achieved! Laurie I