Hurricane Protection Unit^®

The Hurricane Protection Unit works to proactively alleviate wind and water damage and help preserve the value of furnishings, artwork and other possessions. Two core services are provided:

Pre-season planning.
At your request, we can customize action steps and timelines to execute well in advance of hurricane season; when a storm is approaching; and after a storm has passed. 

Because each home has its own unique vulnerabilities, one of our hurricane specialists will conduct an in-depth on-site evaluation, analyze the findings and map out suggestions to maximize preparedness. The length of time needed to complete the on-site consultation will vary depending on the complexity of the residence and its particular exposures.

Post-storm response.
We closely track the progress and projected landfall of approaching hurricanes. After landfall, our response units go directly to insured residences in the affected areas to assess exterior damage. If there is visible structural damage, our approved vendors immediately respond to make short-term repairs such as tarping holes in the roof, and boarding breached doors, windows and other openings.

Simultaneously, Private Client Group communicates with policyholders who have evacuated to apprise them of any sustained damage. Claims staff will follow up with more detailed assessments as needed. Our art collection management professionals also may be engaged to safely remove and transport pieces.

To ensure we can provide the most effective response to the greatest number of policyholders, we have designated the following counties as post-event response areas:

Florida Bay Brevard Broward Charlotte Collier Duval Escambia Flagler Franklin Gulf Hillsborough Indian Lee Manatee Martin Miami-Dade Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Palm Beach Pinellas River Santa Rosa Sarasota St. Johns St. Lucie Volusia Walton

New York Nassau Suffolk New Jersey Atlantic Cape May Monmouth Ocean South Carolina Beaufort Charleston

What is the Hurricane Protection Unit?
The Hurricane Protection Unit is a complimentary service designed to help our policyholders prepare for a major storm, and minimize wind and water damage afterwards. Please note that enrollment is required. The program consists of two key elements:

• Pre-event consultation — Policyholders can request a one-on-one assessment conducted by one of our risk management professionals. The specialist will review one’s current preparedness plan, identify vulnerabilities and suggest ways to maximize protection. We also can help establish a plan if one is not already in place.
  
  
• Post-event assessment and mitigation — Following a major storm, mobile units are dispatched to enrolled residences in affected areas. If there is visible structural damage, we won’t wait until a claim has been filed. Rather, we can take immediate action by making short-term structural repairs.

Why is Private Client Group providing this service?
Experience has shown us that preparation in advance of a hurricane can make the difference between minor damage and catastrophic loss. We also have seen how difficult it can be to find repair resources immediately following a major storm. As part of our ongoing commitment to proactively help reduce the frequency and severity of loss for our policyholders, Private Client Group developed a means to provide assistance when it’s needed most.

Why do I need to enroll?
In order for us to respond effectively and efficiently, it is imperative that we have emergency contact information and the necessary authorization required to access your property in the event it is threatened by a storm.

What will it cost me?
The Hurricane Protection Unit is complimentary for Private Client Group policyholders who reside in the eligible counties.

Is this service offered by any other insurance company?
No. Private Client Group is the only company providing a comprehensive hurricane evaluation and loss reduction plan to their policyholders.

If I sign up, do I need to contact someone if my home is in the projected path of an approaching storm?
No. When a storm is approaching, our team of hurricane specialists will closely track its progress and projected path. Based on this information, we identify the homes that are likely to be most vulnerable. After landfall, we can dispatch response teams to residences in affected areas and assess the damage. 

What is included in a pre-season consultation?
One of our risk management professionals will sit down with you and review preparedness plans currently in place. If one does not exist, we will help develop timelines, assign responsibilities, and define action steps to be taken before, during and after a hurricane.

How long does the pre-season consultation take?
The timing depends on the complexity of your property and preparation needed, but generally we require at least two hours.

What actions are taken after a hurricane?
Our response consists of two main functions:

• Assessment — A number of two-person assessment teams will be on hand; each includes a risk management specialist and a claims specialist. Their sole priority is to visit affected properties and assess damage, even before a claim is submitted. If damage has occurred, they will contact our mitigation teams.
  
  
• Mitigation — We have contracted with a number of restoration companies to board-up, tarp, dry out or extract water from damaged homes. Our teams will have satellite phone service in the event that phone lines are down and/or cellular service is unavailable. In addition to staying in contact with one another, we can provide you or your insurance advisor with updates as needed.

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface.

Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds. Category 5 storms have the highest speed and are the most severe, while Category 1 storms have the lowest wind speeds. These are relative terms; lower category storms sometimes inflict greater damage than higher ones, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms also can produce significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.

Each year, an average of 11 tropical storms develops over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico; approximately six will become hurricanes. Many of these remain at sea, having no impact on the U.S. coastline. In an average three-year period, roughly five hurricanes strike the U.S. coastline, killing approximately 50 to 100 people.

To learn more about hurricanes and how to protect your family and property during these potentially devastating storms, visit the National Hurricane Center.