Tree still on 74-year-old woman’s roof weeks after Hurricane Milton

Tampa, Florida. Desperate to help her displaced 74-year-old mom, Slyvia Berry emailed ABC Action News asking for help sorting out her insurance claim after Hurricane Milton. Early in the morning, when Milton came ashore, a tree crashed into her mother’s living room. Three weeks later he is still there.

“It’s just very frustrating. I’ve been calling her at Citizens Insurance for the last three weeks since this happened. You know, I filed a lawsuit and I can’t get through to anyone on the phone, you know, no one wants to help. ” said Berry. “That’s why I reached out to you guys. I mean, just so you could help. I know you guys are always helping people, and I hope you can help us with this situation.”

Berry’s mom took out civil property insurance and filed a claim the same day. She said an appraiser came out on Oct. 16 but hasn’t heard anything since. She said the family doesn’t have the money up front to remove the tree themselves and is hoping for compensation. Even if she did, not many companies would take on the job because of the extent of the damage, she said.

“They told us to take care of it,” Berry said. “We have a quote for what amount, $12,000? “I mean, not many people have $12,000 to spend on tree removal.”

We spoke with Jake Holehouse of HH Insurance Group, who said that while most insurance companies have their own network of preferred providers, Citizens typically does not have contractors working on their behalf.

“I haven’t actually seen anything offered to citizens or policyholders on this matter. It’s really being done on that reimbursement basis,” he said.

However, he said homeowners have options, including installment plans with a deductible.

“There are some insurance companies that do allow an installment plan with a deductible, and so the insurer can take advantage of that. Unfortunately, in many cases, Citizens does not typically offer an installment plan with a deductible,” Holehouse added.

He said: “Citizens, like most insurance companies, offer money up front through what’s called a ‘utilization of loss’ clause in your policy. For citizens, this means issuing a so-called living expenses check for assistance. This helps displaced families.

However, within an hour of contacting Citizens Property Insurance, Berry received a call.

Citizens told ABC Action News they are leaving a check overnight for the tree removal with full payment due on her claim in a few days.

“I appreciate you contacting me this morning as soon as you saw my email, I really appreciate it. You know, hopefully this will start something and help us, the help that we need. Thank you,” Berry said in tears.