In the wake of the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton that recently struck Florida and neighboring states, policyholders are facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and navigating complex insurance claims. As an attorney specializing in insurance coverage cases, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that disaster survivors face. Today, I want to highlight a resource of hope and instruction for those affected: United Policyholders’ Roadmap to Recovery program.
A Trusted Resource in Turbulent Times
Since 1991, United Policyholders (UP) has been at the forefront of disaster recovery assistance through their Roadmap to Recovery program. This initiative has proven invaluable for countless individuals, businesses, and communities grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic events. As Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left a trail of destruction across Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia, the need for reliable and independent guidance on insurance claims has never been more critical.
The Roadmap to Recovery program offers a wealth of resources tailored to the needs of disaster survivors, including those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton:
- Online Library: Access a vast collection of claim tips, sample letters, and reports specifically designed to help you navigate your insurance claim process.
- Instructional Videos: Visual guides featuring expert speakers walk you through various aspects of recovery, ensuring you’re well-informed at every step.
- Professional Help Directory: Connect with experts in insurance, personal finance, construction, and law who can provide specialized assistance.
- Expert Articles: Gain insights from leading professionals in fields crucial to your recovery journey.
- Workshops: Participate in Roadmap to Recovery workshops that offer hands-on guidance and support.
- Disaster Recovery Handbook: A comprehensive guide to help you through the entire recovery process.
One of my favorite pages on the Roadmap to Recovery site is the one listed as Taking It In and Getting Started. Here are some of the topics covered:
Top 10 Insurance Claim Tips
Speak UP: How to communicate with your insurance company
A Guide to Your Homeowners Policy
Insurance tips for storm damage
“The dirt” on insurance protection for mud flow damage
Sample Letter Requesting Complete Copy of Homeowners Policy
First Steps After a Flood – VIDEO
Mold Contamination Insurance Coverage 101: The Basics
Avoiding Frauds and Scams After a Disaster
Survivors Speak: Additional Living Expense (ALE)/Loss of Use
Flood Insurance Claim Basics
FAQ’s about Property Damage Insurance Claims
Debris Removal After a Disaster
What’s UP with Trees, Shrubs, and Landscaping Insurance Coverage?
The Scoop on “Scope” (of loss)
Xactimate Demystified
NFIP Proof of Loss, Damage Estimates and Supplemental Claims
Survivors Speak: Partial Loss Remediation Tips
Building Code, Ordinance or Law Compliance
Buy or Rebuild? FAQs on replacing a dwelling after a total loss
Sample Letter Asking for a Waiver of the Contents Itemization Requirement
10 tips for settling a contents (personal property) claim
Household Inventory Sample spreadsheet
Depreciation Basics
Sample Letter Asking for a Personal Property Claim Settlement
Home Inventory and Contents Claim Tips
Survivors Speak: Strategies for preparing your home inventory
Survivors Speak: Coping With Underinsurance
Tax Tips for Disaster Survivors
Underinsurance 101
Tax Information for Disaster Survivors
What to Do With Checks from Your Insurance Company
Survivors Speak: Working With Your Contractor
Survivors Speak: The Rebuilding Process
Questions to ask a repair/rebuilding contractor
Guidelines For Reviewing Adjusters’ And Contractors’ Estimates
Resolving Flood Insurance Disputes
Hiring an Attorney for an Insurance Claim
Insurance Appraisal Simplified
Making the Best Choice When Hiring a Public Adjuster
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Public Adjuster
Survivors Speak: Insurance Adjuster Stories
Hiring Professional Help for an Insurance Claim
These topics have been refined over the years and are independent views based on thousands of insurance claims that United Policyholders and their staff and volunteers have helped policyholders navigate. Many lawyers and others advertising on the internet with advice about what to do following a hurricane have little actual experience in this field and are simply looking for business rather than providing an expert’s view based on decades of experience from the policyholder’s viewpoint.
A Call to Action for Hurricane Survivors
As someone who has dedicated their career to representing policyholders following damage to their homes, businesses and communities, I cannot stress enough the importance of being well-informed and proactive in your insurance claims process. The Roadmap to Recovery program offers a lifeline of knowledge and support that can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process. The devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton is immense, but so is the support available to you. United Policyholders’ Roadmap to Recovery program is designed to empower you with the information and resources you need to navigate these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of this invaluable resource. The road to recovery may be long, but with the right guidance, you can overcome the challenges ahead and rebuild stronger than ever.
In these trying times, knowledge truly is power. By tapping into the resources provided by the Roadmap to Recovery program, you’re taking a crucial step towards reclaiming control over your situation and ensuring that you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under your insurance policy.
Let’s remember that recovery is a community effort. Programs like Roadmap to Recovery not only provide individual assistance but also contribute to the broader resilience of our communities. Educated and empowered policyholders collectively make a more robust and prepared community in the face of natural disasters.
Take that first step today. Visit uphelp.org, explore the Roadmap to Recovery resources, and start your journey towards a successful recovery. Your future self will thank you for the proactive steps you take now in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
