LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida residents affected by Hurricane Milton now have the opportunity for direct, face-to-face assistance with their insurance claims, thanks to the opening of Insurance Villages in several cities. Currently, locations are operating in Bradenton, Clearwater, and Lakeland, providing essential support for those impacted by the recent devastation.
Shirley Doles, one of the many victims of the hurricane, recalls the terrifying moment when disaster struck her home.
“I was home with my daughter when we heard a loud ‘BOOM,’ followed by a sharp crack,” Doles recounted. “All I know is that the tree came down, and I had to jump out of the way and run.”
The falling tree narrowly avoided causing catastrophic damage. “It’s a miracle they’re safe,” said Pastor Dr. Faye Allen, Doles’ sister-in-law. “The tree limbs hit the sofa chair. If it hadn’t, the entire house could have been crushed.”
Like Doles, numerous other residents have flocked to the Insurance Village at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, where 18 insurance companies are on hand to assist with claims.
Helping Hand from Industry Experts and Authorities
In addition to insurance companies, Profile Gorilla, a company that thoroughly vets contractors and insurance adjusters, is providing a vital service.
“These individuals must be licensed and insured, and they undergo background checks. That’s the service we offer to our partners,” explained Edward Baldwin, CEO of Profile Gorilla.
Other agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida’s Department of Financial Services, are also present to assist.
“Our goal is to help people begin the recovery process,” said Greg Thomas, Division Director of the Florida Department of Financial Services. “In many cases, homeowners can even walk out of here with a check. Most homeowner insurance policies include a provision for ‘Additional Living Expenses’ to cover temporary housing.”
For Doles, who had the downed tree removed from her property, the wait for insurance adjusters is now the hardest part.
“We need housing, you know,” she said, reflecting on her ordeal. This is her first experience dealing with a hurricane’s aftermath, and she’s hopeful it will be her last.
“We were just talking about going to a shelter,” Doles added. “We decided to stay at home, thinking we’d be okay. Never again. I’m out next time.”
More Assistance on the Way
As the need continues to grow, a fourth Insurance Village is scheduled to open at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The villages will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they will remain open for as long as residents require assistance.
Policyholders should bring as much documentation as they can, including:
- A driver’s license or other form of identification (Passport/State issued ID)
- Insurance cards and insurance policy information/documentation
- Pictures or documentation of the property being claimed as a loss resulting from Hurricane Helene
- Repair estimates
- Any additional insurance-related information that is readily accessible
