Hurricane FAQ for Clients


In the time leading up to and following a hurricane or major storm the chances that you have questions regarding damages, insurance policies needed, and general preparedness of clients are high. We have assembled this FAQ to ensure that clients are receiving the best service possible.

If a customer purchased home insurance prior to a storm approaching, is it still valid during and after the storm?

Yes, if the insurance was bound and submitted prior to the storm the policy will still be in place and effective using the date on the application. Make sure you have confirmation of a bound policy prior to the storm approaching Florida.

Can a customer purchase flood insurance when a storm is approaching?

Typically flood insurance comes with a 30-day wait period. This means that if a flood policy is paid and purchased on January 1st, the policy will not become effective until 30 days from January 1st. The only way to avoid the 30-day wait period is if flood is required by a mortgage company for a new home closing.

When a storm approaches, at what point do insurance companies start to shut down?

Each insurance company treats this differently. Many insurance companies have a geographical boundary they will restrict writing of new policies and changes to existing policies if the storm has crossed. During hurricane season, it is always best to secure coverage early to prevent any issues with getting insurance for your home closing.

Who is liable if a tree falls while a home is listed for sale?

The rules for liability when a tree falls work the same whether a house is listed for sale or not. If the tree is on the property and falls on the house or other structures then it is typically covered by that homeowners policy. This typically applies if a tree blocks a driveway or wheelchair ramp but does not damage a structure. If a tree falls from a neighbor’s yard or a tree from your yard falls on a neighbor’s and structures are damaged then the owner of the structures, not the tree, will cover the cost through their homeowners policy. Keep in mind, most polices in Florida come with a higher out of pocket hurricane deductible. Be sure to check your own policy for precise information. For more information about tree liability reference our blog.

Claims Numbers Hurricane Irma


As a precaution during the upcoming storm, Hurricane Irma, we have created a comprehensive list of numbers you should call in the event that you need to file a claim. During this time we will be checking our emails and main phone line messages as often as possible to be available to all our clients.

For personal insurance claims:

AAA- 1-888-929-4222

Allied/Nationwide- 1-800-282-1446

American Integrity- 1-866-277-9871

Auto-Owners- 1-800-252-4626

ASI- 1-866-274-5677

Bankers- 1-800-627-0000

Capitol Preferred- 1-888-388-2742

Chubb- 1-800-252-4670

Citizens- 1-866-411-2742

Elements- 1-866-709-8749

Florida Family- 1-888-486-4663

Florida Peninsula- 1-866-549-9672

Geovera- 1-800-631-6478

Hagerty- 1-800-922-4050

Heritage- 1-855-415-7120

Homeowners Choice- 1-888-210-5235

Mercury-  1-800-503-3724

MetLife- 1-800-854-6011

Mount Beacon- 1-844-279-7314

Nationwide/American Bankers(Flood)- 1-800-759-8656

Olympus- 1-866-281-2242

Progressive- 1-800-274-4499

Safe Harbor- 1-866-482-5246

Safeco- 1-800-332-3226

Security First- 1-877-581-4862

Southern Fidelity- 1-866-874-7342

Stillwater- 1-800-220-1351

St. Johns- 1-877-748-2059

Tower Hill (Home/Flood)- 1-800-342-3407

Travelers- 1-800-252-4633

Universal- 1-866-999-0898

UPC- 1-888-256-3378

For business insurance claims:

American Capital- 866-274-5677

Auto-Owners- 800-437-6164

Guard- 800-639-2567

Hartford- 800-553-1710

Liberty Mutual- 800-362-0000

Nationwide- 866-322-3214

Old Dominion- 877-425-2467

Philadelphia- 800-765-9749

Progressive- 800-274-4499

Tower Hill- 800-342-3407

If you do not see a number listed for your personal insurance carrier please email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can. For business insurance you can email our Business Department at [email protected]. We hope everyone stays safe during this time.

Life Insurance for Coaches


First it was Harbaugh and now Swinney. No, we’re not talking coaching we’re talking contracts. It was revealed this week that the Clemson Tigers coach, Dabo Swinney, has entered into a contract with the 2016 college football national champion university through 2024. According to ESPN, he will receive an average of $6.75 million a year. A new addition to his contract is a life insurance loan. He will receive $1 million for his life insurance premium up-front. This bonus to an already great contract is starting to become more common. Last year Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head football coach, negotiated a life insurance loan in his contract with the school. Harbaugh received the first loan of $4 million in 2016 and will receive  $2 million each year through 2021.

A blue circle with an image of a bag.
Photo by Sandro Schuh on Unsplash

 How does it work?

The university will pay premiums on the life insurance policies as long as they are active and contracts are not broken. When a policy is cashed out the university is one of the beneficiaries and collects back a percentage that will repay the premiums paid. The coach decides other beneficiaries, and most of the pay out benefits them.  More and more universities could use this method in increasing leverage with coaches. Life insurance payment creates a more robust and worthwhile contract.

Both Clemson and Michigan won their season openers on Saturday, September 2nd, and they are predicted to remain AP poll top 25 teams.