The Florida Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, inaugurated a in-person assistance center for insurance claims in Destin this Sunday, just 36 hours after Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the Panhandle, according to the official statement from the Department of Financial Services.
The center, named Insurance Assistance Hub, operates at the Morgan Sports Complex, located at 4200 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541, and is the fastest established of its kind in the state's history following a hurricane impact.
On Monday, October 12, the center will resume its activities from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time, and it is expected to remain open until Friday, October 16.
"Floridians recovering from Hurricane Isaias should not have to navigate the insurance claims process alone," stated Ingoglia. "This resource will help policyholders understand the process, get answers to their questions, and take the necessary steps to rebuild their homes."
On the first day of this Sunday, 12 insurance companies participated; more companies are expected to join in the coming days.
Tower Hill Insurance confirmed on its website that its representatives will be present in the same complex from Monday, the 12th, to Friday, the 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., central time, to assist its affected policyholders.
The center is designed to assist in filing claims and clarifying questions about coverage. It does not guarantee payments, does not process aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and does not offer the signing of new policies.
Those who are unable to attend in person can call 1-877-693-5236 (1-877-MY-FL-CFO) or visit the Consumer Services portal of the Department of Financial Services.
Authorities also warn of a potential increase in fraudulent activity following the disaster: contractors, unlicensed adjusters, and scammers looking to take advantage of those affected. To report fraud, there is a specific hotline: 1-800-378-0445, or it can be reported at FraudFreeFlorida.com.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall as a category 2 near Destin on October 9, with winds of up to 169 km/h. The cyclone left at least two dead in Escambia County, over 448,000 customers without electricity across Florida and widespread structural damage in the Panhandle. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 27 counties.
Florida's Insurance Commissioner, Mike Yaworsky, announced that the Office of Insurance Regulation will actively monitor the handling of claims arising from Isaias in the coming weeks.
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