FEMA 50% Rule: Rising Above Challenges and Learning from the Past—What’s the Real Story?

by Rick Tutwiler on 11/26/2024
FEMA 50% Rule: Rising Above Challenges and Learning from the Past—What’s the Real Story?
In Florida, this lack of awareness is especially apparent in the ongoing debate over FEMA’s 50% Rule — a crucial regulation for post-disaster rebuilding that has recently taken center stage in the media. Despite its long-standing significance in guiding recovery after major flood disasters, public awareness remains surprisingly low. What’s even more troubling is the persistent spread of misinformation, often repeated by community leaders, so-called experts, and local building officials. These inaccuracies, amplified by media coverage, lead to widespread misunderstanding, with many mistakenly assuming the rule applies uniformly across all communities. This confusion creates significant challenges for agencies and experts striving to provide clear guidance during critical times.
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Public Adjuster Rick Tutwiler Talks With CFO and Chief of Insurance Assistance Division of Consumer Services Following Hurricane Helene

by Rick Tutwiler on 10/4/2024
Public Adjuster Rick Tutwiler Talks With CFO and Chief of Insurance Assistance Division of Consumer Services Following Hurricane Helene
It was a humbling experience meeting with Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis today at the 'Insurance Village' in Clearwater, established for Bay Area residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Patronis was on-site offering much-needed reassurance to homeowners who lost everything, providing guidance, and outlining steps for relief. During our conversation, we addressed key issues policyholders were facing. I shared some of the common concerns I’ve been hearing, highlighting how a licensed public adjuster can make a real difference in navigating the claims process.
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More Hurricane Helene Flood Claim Strategies from a Public Adjuster’s View

by Rick Tutwiler on 10/2/2024
More Hurricane Helene Flood Claim Strategies from a Public Adjuster’s View

Since Hurricane Helene impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast, our public adjusters have been besieged with questions about flood claims. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful and hopefully educational to explain the distinction between a flood event and a water loss since these terms are often misused by policyholders filing a claim. In addition, for those who do have flood insurance, we want to share some knowledge and information in the form of tips from my firm’s extensive experience with these losses. While it is human nature to want to quickly repair and restore your property, please make sure you are taking the proper steps to comply and meet the requirements as a policyholder. Furthermore, take a moment to carefully review the NFIP flood claim guidelines, as they have undergone numerous updates.


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Hurricane Helene Recovery from a Public Adjuster’s Perspective

by Rick Tutwiler on 9/30/2024
Hurricane Helene Recovery from a Public Adjuster’s Perspective
Hurricane Helene has dealt a devastating blow up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast. Businesses and homeowners need to stay patient and protect their claim. While you wait for the insurance company to send out an adjuster, insurance companies will be requesting the following documentation from owners or their representatives:
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Be Safe After Hurricane Helene: Insurance Claim Advice and Tips for Navigating Property Damage Losses

by Rick Tutwiler on 9/29/2024
Be Safe After Hurricane Helene: Insurance Claim Advice and Tips for Navigating Property Damage Losses
As recovery efforts begin after Hurricane Helene, many Floridians are facing the challenge of navigating property damage claims. This is a critical moment, especially given the lessons learned from Hurricane Ian just two years ago. While the focus is understandably on the present, 60 Minutes will be airing a segment tonight titled After the Hurricane, reflecting on Ian’s aftermath and the road to recovery—an important reminder as we move forward after Helene.
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Does your insurance policy cover losses from a power outage due to Hurricane Helene?

by Rick Tutwiler on 9/27/2024
Does your insurance policy cover losses from a power outage due to Hurricane Helene?
Power outages will be an unavoidable reality for policyholders who are impacted by Hurricane Helene. While some outages last only a few minutes, others can stretch on for days, causing considerable inconvenience and financial loss. From spoiled food in the refrigerator to potential business losses, the aftermath can be burdensome. This brings up an essential question: Does your insurance policy cover losses stemming from a power outage?
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Public Adjuster Tips For Handling Your Hurricane Helene Insurance Claim

by Rick Tutwiler on 9/27/2024
Public Adjuster Tips For Handling Your Hurricane Helene Insurance Claim
Storm surge and wind from Hurricane Helene has created significant damage along the Gulf Coast. Experiencing  wind damage or flood in your home or business can be distressing, and the aftermath can often be overwhelming. One of the critical steps post-storm is to document the damage for insurance claims accurately. Proper documentation not only helps in maximizing your claim benefits but also ensures a smoother claims process. Here are the best tips to help you document and prepare an insurance claim effectively.
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As Hurricane Helene Approaches Important Things You Can Do To Protect Your Claim

by Rick Tutwiler on 9/25/2024
As Hurricane Helene Approaches Important Things You Can Do To Protect Your Claim
Hurricane Helene is a fast moving large storm system that will impact a large geographic area. You pay good money to insure your property, while hoping never to have to file a claim. But when disaster does strike, you expect your insurance company to have your back. In a perfect world, your insurance carrier will send out their field adjuster following your notification of a loss. The adjuster will thoroughly inspect and properly value your damage. A check to help you rebuild will be forthcoming in a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, in our 40 years of practicing public adjusting, we often see too many cases where this is not the case.
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"On Property" Insurance Claim Tips Blog

Tips and advice about how to properly file and protect your property damage insurance claim and get a fair settlement. We invite all readers to ask questions about their claim so our public adjusters can post answers for others to benefit. Insurance claim expert guest bloggers welcome to submit posts via our contact form.

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Local Office

Tutwiler & Associates Public Adjusters, Inc.
Licensed Public Insurance Adjusters & Loss Consultants
Offices: Tampa, Orlando, Palm City, Florida; Dallas, TX; Pittsburgh, PA

Executive Office
4300 W. Cypress St.
Suite 780
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813.287.8090
Toll Free: 800.321.4488

Licensed in Florida # W840088 &
Texas #1399706 plus 16 other states
and the Virgin Islands