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Current Emergency Status
There are currently no active Hurricane alerts
Office Locations and Status
- Altamonte Springs – Normal Operations
- Celebration – Normal Operations
- Lakeland – Normal Operations
- Merritt Island – Normal Operations
- Ocoee – Normal Operations
- Orlando – Normal Operations
- Winter Park – Normal Operations
Information Lines
- Main Switchboard 407-930-9881 – Open
- Emergency Line 407-986-0755 – Open/Activated
- Local Emergency Radio Station: 1650 AM
- Local Weather Information: National Weather Service
Hurricane Season in Florida is June 1 to November 30
You may think that weather hazards and title insurance are mutually exclusive. In fact, severe weather events like hurricanes can have an impact on the process of buying, selling, or refinancing property. For example, there can be difficulties with arranging Homeowner’s Insurance coverage and closings can be delayed.
There are steps that can be taken during hurricane season to minimize the potential impact of a storm on the closing process and avoid the chance of delayed closing on a home. The first thing to do is stay updated with any potential developing situations.
At the Closing Agent, we do our best to help our clients close their deals smoothly and on time. As soon as we receive notification about any interruption in our service, we will proactively contact our customers and Realtors® to keep everyone up-to-date on our operations via a combination of email communications, phone calls and automated messages.
IT IS VITAL TO LOCK IN YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
Don’t get stuck in “The Box”! The Box is a term adopted from the marine insurance industry that refers to a designated area in the middle Caribbean that has a high risk of hurricanes in the summer months. The term is now also used in the Homeowners’ Insurance industry to refer to the 16,000 square mile “Hurricane Box” that extends from the Atlantic Ocean inland to cover Florida and the adjacent states.
During hurricane season, June 1st through November 30th, it is difficult if not impossible to buy insurance coverage for Windstorm or Hurricane damage as well as certain other types of coverage. If binding coverage is in place, insurance companies will suspend it if a named tropical storm or hurricane enters the Box. The expression “The storm is in the Box.” refers to this situation. Restrictions on the issuance of coverage also apply anytime a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the National Hurricane Center.
Insurance companies may have differing specifications for the geographical limits of the Hurricane Box. However, Florida homeowners, buyers, and sellers are certainly inside the Box during hurricane season.
Avoid Getting Stuck in The Box!
Buyers working on the purchase of a new home, and homeowners considering revision to their existing coverage both need to avoid the Box. No insurance company wants to write a homeowner’s policy when the risk of loss due to hurricane damage is high. It is critical for buyers to lock in coverage well before the closing date. Existing coverage should be modified well outside of hurricane season or at least during a quiet spell.
The rules covering issues related to hurricane season and the Box are complex. It is best to discuss details with the experts at your insurance agency and title company. Finding out in advance what will be required to bind new coverage during hurricane season is essential to avoiding delays during closings that are scheduled during hurricane season.
The Closing Agent has expert local knowledge about all aspects of Florida real estate closings. In the event of a storm, we have a “Business Continuity Plan” in place to address our clients’ concerns before, during and after the storm. We also have multiple offices and a redundant back-up operations center located outside of Florida. We have arranged for our website, social media profiles, phone greeting, on-hold recording, and emails to alert you to any changes in our business processes that could impact you and your transaction.
We care about our clients and are concerned for their safety during hurricane season. If you don’t have your own personal Hurricane Preparedness Plan in place, please check out the emergency preparedness website from the National Hurricane Center for assistance.
If you need information or assistance related to your closing during hurricane season, call The Closing Agent at 407-930-9881.
Hurricane Preparedness
- Make a Plan and Build a Kit for Emergencies
- Make plans for families, special needs and businesses (external link)
- Hurricane Preparedness
- National Hurricane Center Updates
Hurricane Title FAQ
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