Facing Hurricane Milton: What You Must Do to Protect Yourself After Hurricane Helene

Just eight days ago, Hurricane Helene tore through much of Florida, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Now, we are staring down the barrel of yet another potential disaster—Hurricane Milton.

Yesterday, October 5, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 35 counties across Florida, this morning his team emphasized that Floridians in the path of the storm should evacuate, and further, that he and his team are preparing for the largest evacuation in Florida history. This rapid succession of storms puts Floridians in a uniquely vulnerable position. (Stay tuned to our GlobalPro Storm Center for updates)

If you’re in one of the counties still reeling from Helene, you know firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath of a hurricane can be. The road to recovery hasn’t even begun for many; payments from insurance or FEMA are still pending, and for some, claims haven’t even been submitted due to delays in the process. Now, with Hurricane Milton set to make landfall, it’s critical to be prepared—not just physically but also financially.

Double Deductibles and Preexisting Damage: The Insurance Industry’s Favorite Tactic

One of the most pressing concerns for those affected by both storms is the risk of insurance companies playing the “preexisting damage” card. After Helene, many homeowners and business owners scrambled to make temporary repairs, mitigate water damage, or board up properties to prevent further destruction. But without proper documentation of those efforts, insurers could easily argue that new damage caused by Milton was preexisting and therefore not covered.

Worse still, many policyholders could be hit with two deductibles—one for Helene and another for Milton—even if the damage is directly related. This is a classic move by insurance companies to minimize their payout while leaving you with the financial burden of two significant deductibles.

The Critical Step: Document Everything Now

If you’ve been working hard to make repairs since Helene, or even if you haven’t yet had the resources to do so, document everything. This is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. Take photographs and videos of every repair or mitigation effort you’ve made over the last week. Gather receipts for any materials purchased, contractor invoices, or even quotes for work not yet completed. This documentation is key to preventing insurers from blaming preexisting conditions for new damage caused by Milton.

If you don’t have clear evidence of your post-Helene mitigation efforts, insurers will have an easy out to deny or reduce your claim for Milton. We’ve seen it happen time and again: Associations and homeowners who worked tirelessly to protect their property were left out in the cold by insurers who used technicalities to argue that new damage was related to a previous storm. Don’t let this happen to you.

You Haven’t Received Your Payment Yet—Now What?

For those who haven’t yet received any payments from insurance companies or FEMA, this situation can feel even more overwhelming. The window to file claims from Helene is still open, and FEMA has not extended the 60-day proof of loss requirement, and now you’re facing the added complexity of filing a claim for Milton.

At GlobalPro, we understand how frustrating this process can be. Many policyholders are still stuck in limbo—waiting for adjusters, trying to reach FEMA, and attempting to gather the necessary paperwork to get the compensation they need. Now, with Milton approaching, the urgency has doubled, and the chance for errors or oversights in your claim process has skyrocketed.

That’s why our team is prepared to step in before, during, and after loss or damage. 

We have decades of experience, combining insurance, engineering, finance, construction, law, and technology expertise to offer a comprehensive approach to claims management.

Our proprietary process, READY.RECOVER.REBUILD, is specifically designed to optimize results for policyholders who face complex situations like this.

The Stakes Are High—Don’t Take Chances

Hurricane Milton poses a serious threat, and it couldn’t be hitting at a worse time. While Florida is still recovering from Helene, MIlton is set to bring life-threatening storm surge, widespread flooding, and extensive wind damage. This means more claims, more delays, and more opportunities for insurers to underpay or deny what you’re rightfully owed.

To avoid getting caught in a claim’s nightmare, start preparing now. Make sure you’re documenting everything, both before and after the storm hits. Keep a detailed record of any interactions with contractors, insurers, and FEMA. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

GlobalPro: Your Advocate in the Chaos

At GlobalPro, we’ve recovered over $1.2 billion globally for our clients over the past 12 years, including representing more than 1600 community associations. Our expertise spans every aspect of insurance claims, especially in storm recovery. When insurers use every tactic available to minimize their payouts, we fight to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Whether you’re a community association, business owner, or homeowner, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies attempt to overwhelm and underpay policyholders, particularly in situations involving back-to-back disasters. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through every step, ensuring that your claim is handled with the urgency and attention it deserves.

Time Is of the Essence

If you’re still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and now facing the threat of Hurricane Milton, don’t wait until it’s too late. Get ahead of the situation now by documenting your efforts, securing your property, and reaching out for expert guidance. The double punch of these two hurricanes can either be an overwhelming obstacle— now more than ever the right representation is necessary to manage your risk to recovery, and earn the full benefit of your policy.

At GlobalPro, we’re here to ensure you get through this stronger than before. Don’t let insurers take advantage of your situation. Reach out now, and protect yourself from preexisting damage claims and double deductibles.

Contact us today and let’s make sure you’re ready for whatever Milton brings.

The Team is available 24/7, please send us an email at Recover@globalpro.com, or call the office line at (855) 487-7475.

**our office lines will be open regardless of post storm conditions.