January 2025 Newsletter
Happy New Year!
As we step into 2025, winter weather presents unique challenges depending on where you live. From heavy snowstorms in the Northeast to freezing rain in the Carolinas and fluctuating temperatures in Florida, protecting your home is essential. This month, we’re sharing regional tips to help safeguard your property and navigate potential claims.
Regional Winter Weather Prep & Claim Tips
Northeast: Snowstorms and Ice Accumulation
Winterproof Your Roof: Inspect for loose shingles and clear gutters to prevent ice dams.
Snow Removal: Regularly clear snow from driveways, roofs, and walkways to avoid structural stress and liability for slip-and-fall accidents.
Heating System Maintenance: Ensure furnaces and boilers are in good condition, and keep fuel supplies stocked for cold snaps.
Carolinas: Freezing Rain and Ice Storms
Tree Trimming: Prune branches near your home to reduce the risk of ice-laden limbs causing damage.
Power Outage Prep: Have backup generators ready and charged, as ice storms can lead to extended power outages.
Insulate Pipes: Pay extra attention to exposed pipes to avoid freezing in fluctuating temperatures.
Florida: Fluctuating Temps and Severe Weather
Inspect for Drafts: Seal doors and windows to maintain indoor temperatures during cooler nights.
Monitor Roof Conditions: While snow isn’t an issue, heavy rains and occasional frost can still damage roofing materials.
Flood Precautions: Stay vigilant in low-lying areas prone to flooding, especially with rain-heavy winter storms.
Your Claims Advocate in Every Region
If you’re dealing with winter-related damage, our licensed adjusters are here to guide you through the claims process. We ensure homeowners across the Northeast, the Carolinas, and Florida receive the settlements they deserve.
Call us anytime at: 800-445-5471
Email: info@hillispublicadjusters.com
Winter Weather Resources by Region
Northeast
Carolinas
Florida
For Q4 2024, we are thrilled to recognize two outstanding team members as Employees of the Quarter!
This peer-nominated award highlights their incredible dedication, teamwork, and impact on our mission.
Deitra Oliver
Deitra showed extraordinary leadership by single-handedly managing the influx of incoming leads from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Jessica Yim
Jessica stood out as our consistent adjuster on the ground in Florida, ensuring seamless support and resolution for our clients.
Their hard work and positive influence continue to inspire us all. Let’s celebrate their achievements and the example they set for us every day!
THANK YOU!
Many factors can influence insurance premiums, including the property's location, age, construction type, claims history, credit score, and even broader market conditions like regional loss trends and catastrophic events. Each of these elements contributes to how insurance carriers assess risk and calculate premiums.
However, it’s important to note that our response is based on the best of our knowledge and experience with state-admitted insurance carriers. Admitted carriers are required to comply with state insurance department guidelines, which impose limitations on actions like excessive rate increases or policy non-renewals, particularly in the context of legitimate claims. These state-specific regulations ensure a higher level of oversight and consumer protection.
By contrast, non-admitted carriers (also known as surplus lines insurers) operate with far less regulatory oversight. Their premiums may be determined based on a much broader range of factors, many of which are not subject to the same rules and restrictions that govern admitted carriers. This flexibility allows non-admitted carriers to provide coverage where standard insurers may not, but it also means that premiums can vary significantly without the regulatory safeguards consumers might expect.
It’s a complex and nuanced topic, as every carrier's underwriting practices differ, and state-specific rules add further layers of variability. If you have questions about a specific policy or carrier, we’re always here to help clarify!
Insurance premiums are influenced by several factors, including:
Property location: Areas prone to natural disasters, crime, or higher claims frequency may have higher premiums.
Claims history: Filing frequent claims, even small ones, can lead to increased premiums.
Property characteristics: Age, size, and condition of your home, along with safety features, impact your rates.
Monetary Thresholds: When to File a Claim
Consider these factors:
Deductible: If repair costs are close to or below your deductible, it may not be worth filing.
Impact on premiums: Filing small claims may lead to premium increases over time.
Severity and urgency: For significant damage that risks worsening over time, filing a claim is often advisable.
A free consultation with Hillis before you file a claim can help clarify the potential impacts and help you understand the specific terms and conditions of your policy
We hope this helps clarify your concerns! Let us know if you'd like further insights or specific examples.
