Despite our nickname the Sunshine State, Florida is actually one of the wettest areas in the nation. Thunderstorms are as frequent as the summer sunshine is hot, producing rain, lightning, wind and sometimes hail.
Hail is not a common weather phenomenon in Florida, but it can occur and cause damage.
Hail strikes with little to no warning. There are steps you can take to help prepare and keep damage at a minimum.
- Sign up for local weather alerts.
- Make sure siding, roof shingles, and outdoor fixtures are secure.
- Park your car in a garage or under a carport whenever possible.
- Keep patio furniture under a covered area or move it indoors when not in use.
After a Hailstorm
- Make sure you and your family are safe.
- Outside, watch out for any broken glass or exposed electrical wires.
- If you can safely do so, take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, such as boarding up a broken window or tarping a roof.
- Take pictures of the damage and save all receipts for any purchases you need to make.
- Refrain from making permanent repairs until an adjuster has had a chance to assess the damage.
- Contact your homeowners insurance company.
Beware of scams. If a contractor knocks on your door to tell you that you have hail damage to your roof, contact your homeowners insurance company before signing anything. In many cases this is a scam and, unfortunately, a growing trend that is costing Florida homeowners thousands of dollars.
If you do have hail or wind damage, or if a contractor does stop by your home to tell you that you have hail damage, contact your insurance company to assess the damage immediately.
Learn more about water or hail damage, and what the Assignment of Benefits contract could mean for you, your claim and your home.