“There’s more humidity. There’s more mold,” Elze said. “Getting building materials is going to be even harder.”
Knowing the second storm was on the way, Elze hired a company this week to secure her home with tarps and wood to prevent further damage. She says she had to because her hurricane insurance claim is moving very slowly.
The contractors, however, were unable to protect the entire house from the elements.
“They said they didn’t have enough time,” she said. “They ran out of time.”
Elze is not alone. Thousands of Floridians are still amid Ian’s claims and have now been affected again.
“I think you need to contact your insurer and let them know ‘hey, that storm is here,'” Jenkins said. “Just take lots of photos. Chances are you’ll already have photos of your first claim, then you’ll go out and take additional photos and videos of the additional damage.”
The good news: while hurricane deductibles are significantly higher than traditional home insurance deductibles, a second claim in the same season won’t require a second deductible.
Insurance experts say homeowners also don’t have to worry about being charged extra next year due to two hurricane-related claims.