Send us a text

In this eye-opening and emotionally charged episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, hosts Manny Febre and Sean Febre sit down with Florida homeowner and social influencer Brittany Galvin to explore her harrowing journey of navigating the tangled web of insurance claims after Hurricane Helene devastated her home. This candid and raw conversation sheds light on the emotional, financial, and logistical nightmares that homeowners face when natural disasters strike, even when they believe they are fully insured.

Brittany shares her firsthand experience of how her family's dream home, located in Tampa Bay's flood-prone intercoastal area, was severely damaged by two back-to-back hurricanes—Helene and Milton. Despite having both flood and homeowner's insurance, Brittany quickly learned that the process of filing claims and receiving assistance was far from straightforward. From being told to contact FEMA in the middle of the night to facing endless hold times and minimal support, Brittany exposes the gaps and inefficiencies in disaster response systems. Her story isn't just personal—it's a wake-up call for anyone living in high-risk disaster areas like Florida, North Carolina, and California.

The episode dives deep into Brittany's struggles dealing with insurance giants like Universal and flood insurers like Bankers. She reveals the harsh realities of dealing with insurance adjusters, the importance of hiring a public adjuster, and the tactics companies use to delay or deny claims. Brittany shares how her proactive decision to hire a public adjuster early helped her in some ways, but also led to frustrations with their limited impact. She bravely discusses how FEMA's minimal aid left her family to fend for themselves, even after suffering catastrophic losses estimated at over $500,000.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into how disaster insurance truly works—or fails to work. Brittany reveals practical tips and hard-learned lessons, like why homeowners should document their belongings with serial numbers, the critical importance of immediate mold remediation, and how to strategically navigate insurance policies to avoid denial of claims. She even shares how homeowners can protect outdoor structures and mitigate future damage through better property planning.

The conversation expands beyond Brittany's personal experience to highlight systemic issues within the insurance industry. Manny, Sean, and Brittany discuss the broader implications of living in disaster-prone areas and how recent legislative changes in Florida impact homeowners—including the controversial 50% rule that forces homeowners to elevate or demolish their properties if damages exceed half the value of their dwelling. They compare the performance of major insurance providers like Citizens and Universal, shedding light on the disparities in how claims are handled and paid out.

Brittany also shares how she used her social media presence to rally community support, raise funds, and provide aid to neighbors who were equally devastated. Her resilience shines as she recounts cooking meals for displaced families and organizing volunteer efforts—all while fighting for her own family's survival. Her dedication to turning personal tragedy into community strength is both inspiring and humbling.

In a striking moment of vulnerability, Brittany opens up about the mental and emotional toll of battling insurance companies, ultimately leading her family to sell their damaged home as-is and start fresh. She candidly discusses how the experience has permanently changed her perspective on homeownership near water and her future plans to create a comprehensive guide for disaster survivors—a resource she wishes she had during her ordeal.