Disaster Preparedness for Consumers
In The Event You Are a Victim of a Weather-Related Disaster, Here Are Some Insurance Tips For Homeowners Affected by Severe Weather:
If you suffer property loss in your home or vehicle, contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible to arrange a visit from an adjuster.
Before doing any repairs to your house, photograph and make a list of the damage. Photograph or video the damaged area. Pull out any inventory lists you keep of your home’s contents.
Protect your home from further damage by making temporary repairs until your insurance company is able to advise you. Save any receipts for materials purchased for repairs. Do not throw away damaged property until the claims adjuster advises you to do so.
Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. If you do make permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen the damage, your claim could be denied.
Most damage resulting from windstorm and fallen trees is covered by your homeowner’s policy. Check with your agent or company before calling the tree removal service as removal costs may also be covered. Also, you may find yourself responsible if one of your trees has fallen on a neighbor’s property. Again, check with your agent or company.
Your policy may also cover your accommodations if you cannot return to your house. There may be an allowance for offsite housing until your home is repaired. Keep all your bills and payments made for offsite housing.
If your claim is denied, review the terms of your policy for what is or is not covered. You may also file an appeal to your insurance company’s claim manager. If questions remain, feel free to contact the Insurance Department.
Be Careful – there are a lot of good people and repair firms out there who want to help you and can. But there are others who may take advantage when you are most in need. Guard yourself against home repair con artists. Make sure you are working with a credible firm. Investigate the performance of any firm you are thinking of hiring. Consult the Better Business Bureau. Examine your options, get more than one estimate for your loss, ask for and check references, and, most importantly, get everything in writing.
