Insurance regulators are required to set up a process to provide free inspections to advise homeowners on what steps they can take to make sure their homes fare better during a hurricane. Inspections will also be done to verify the improvements. But major hurricanes can still wreak havoc despite some of the strongest deterrents such as shutters and roof straps. After the storm, consumers should make sure their families are safe, protect their home from further damage and call their agent or their insurer's hot line to start a claim.

As some homeowners are learning after Wilma, claims aren't always settled easily or promptly.

Paul Berger, an attorney in Boca Raton who is already representing several homeowners battling their insurers, says claims can be reopened if an owner finds additional damage or the initial offer from an insurer isn't sufficient to cover repairs.

With prices for building materials and labor climbing dramatically after last year's hurricane season, many homeowners who were lucky to have seen adjusters shortly after the storms last year are now finding their claims settlement isn't enough to get the work done. Many are still waiting for contractors to provide estimates or begin the work.

If an insurer becomes unwilling to negotiate or both policyholder and company reach an impasse, consumers can request mediation. The service is provided by the state at no charge, using an outside mediator provided by the Collins Center for Public Policy.

The settlements are nonbinding. Homeowners can go to court if they don't like the final offer. To request mediation to resolve a dispute on a windstorm claim, call 800-22-STORM.

Consumers having problems dealing with their insurer can also file a complaint with the Department of Financial Services' Division of Consumer Affairs, also call 800-22-STORM.

State officials are tracking complaints carefully. The complaints are often the first sign of trouble with an insurer.

''Just because an insurer sent you a check, it doesn't mean the claim is closed,'' Berger says.