June 1 marks the start of hurricane season. Here are some simple tips that could make filing an insurance claim after a storm much easier:
Plan Ahead and Create a Home Inventory
Having a complete list of your belongings will help speed up the claim process. Include essential information such as brand name, price, date of purchase, model, serial number, receipt for purchase, and photos of the items. If you don’t have time to create a comprehensive list of the items in your home, you can videotape and/or photograph every room.
Keep Your Insurance Information Handy
Store copies of your insurance policies with your home inventory, including the 24-hour contact details for your insurance agent and company.
Not sure if your sump pumps, generators, and drainage systems are all in proper working order? Your contractor can review and help make necessary repairs before the bad weather hits.
Steps to Take Post Storm
The days following a storm can be difficult, but it is important that you focus on filing your insurance claim as quickly as possible. Contact your insurance company and/or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible as many policies require notification within a set time frame. Take photographs/video of the damage before clean-up or repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage.
Your Trusted Contractor Can Assist With More Than Just Repairs
A trusted, reputable contractor can assist you in many ways:
- After you’ve documented any damage, emergency repairs may be necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e. covering broken windows, leaking roofs, and damaged walls). Contact your contractor/property manager to assist you.
- Not sure if the insurance company is providing a fair and accurate estimate? Your contractor can review the estimate and compare with the actual damage sustained.
- Your contractor can complete a code review of the affected areas and structure. The work that must be done might trigger code upgrade work that may be covered by the insurance company. You will be happy to know this before the work is ordered.
- If needed, your contractor can meet the insurance adjuster and go over the scope of work they have written. They may even be able to help negotiate a larger claim payment