"The time to prepare for a storm is long before it forms,"
advises 2008-09 FAPIA president Bill Coffman. "If your home suffers damage, you'll want to have all proper resources, including the services of a public adjuster, as you deal with your insurance company."
While company adjusters work directly for insurance companies in dealing with an insurance loss, Public Adjusting professionals are licensed by the state to represent the insured party. Public Adjusters are tested, licensed and bonded in Florida and their fees are usually based on a percentage of the settlement, so there are no upfront fees for their services.
Many lessons were learned when Floridians suffered four devastating storms in 2004. Here are the tips compiled by FAPIA to help homeowners be prepared:

• Make a visual record of your home and possessions. Use your digital camera or video recorder and document the condition of your home and belongings. This will help establish your claim in case of a loss.
• Have copies of your insurance policies, along with family medical information (prescription medicines, physician names and numbers, insurance company phone numbers) along with copies of important documents such as deeds and wills in a safe deposit box or safe.
• Write out and discuss a family hurricane emergency plan. Know how to keep in touch. Charge up the cell phones and consider back-up batteries. Designate an out-of-area friend or relative as a contact person with whom all family members can touch base in case evacuation is required.
• Have a two-week supply of prescription medicines, first aide kit and sufficient cash on hand. Remember if the power is out, ATMs don’t work.
• Stay calm. Stay inside. And evacuate immediately if authorities advise.

Many people have difficulty understanding the technical language of an insurance policy and the complicated procedures they must follow to comply with the policy's terms. This problem is magnified when you have suffered a loss and are emotional about the situation. So hiring a Public Adjuster, may be in your best interest if you suffer a loss during a hurricane.

FAPIA was founded in 1993 and consists of nearly 500 members and associate members who join together to protect the interests of insured homeowners and businesses who have suffered an insurance loss. Where company and independent adjusters represent the insurance companies, Public Adjusters represent the Insured. The association is based in Maitland, FL.

Fore more information, contact FAPIA Administrator Director Melissa Edwards, 407-830-4892