Local

Insurance adjusters assess Hurricane Matthew damage in Jacksonville

Local homeowners are now starting the process to figure out what damages their insurance companies will cover after Hurricane Matthew.

On Wednesday, our crew was at a home in Mandarin where a field adjuster with American Integrity Insurance was visiting to document damages.

The homeowner, James Edmonds, has lived along the St. Johns River for 35 years, and told us he was relieved that his home survived Hurricane Matthew.

"I feel very very fortunate. I don't want to go anywhere. My wife died and she lives right up the road on Mandarin in the cemetery and I told her I'd be there in a few more years," Edmonds said.

He said he evacuated during the storm to stay with his son, and when he returned, there were downed trees all over his property. He didn't notice other damages until later.

Action News Jax watched as Tamra Rivas with American Integrity Insurance took pictures of Edmonds' dock, gazebo and irrigation pipes, which were torn apart by an uprooted tree.

Revas said the home weathered the storm well in comparison to others she's seen. She said it's always important to call your insurance company for any damages.

She also said the insurance company tries to get estimates back to their clients the same day that they visit. However, receiving estimates could take weeks or even a month when there's a natural disaster like a hurricane, Revas said.