Tips to financially recover from a natural disaster

State and local governments as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency can be reached for emergency assistance. You may be able to get help in your community.

Disasters unite people. People are great at helping others.

She said that if you can help, do it. Maybe you need help one day.

If you can't make your loan payments, contact the lender.

You should inventory the damage before you start cleaning it.

Permanent repairs should be held off until you get approval for reimbursement. A written record of the name of everyone you talk to about your claim should be kept. All receipts must be kept.

Most standard insurance policies do not cover floods. The National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer must provide coverage for floods. The waiting period for flood coverage is 30 days.

The comprehensive portion of a policy offers flood insurance for autos.

An aerial view of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, during a Coast Guard flight after Hurricane Ian, on Oct. 2, 2022

The deductible for hurricanes in Florida is different from the standard deductible. A percentage of the property value is what it is.

Bob Rusbuldt is the CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.

Rusbuldt predicts that it will be hard for consumers to find property insurance.

Many may have to find a new insurance company if they lose their current one. The state-run insurer of last resort, Citizens, has insurance for many Florida property owners.