It’s been a few days since Hurrican Irene made her mark in Maryland and too bad your home or apartment (or car) was in her pathway. Prayerfully, you are insured! If so, follow these tips BEFORE you meet with your adjuster:
Making an Insurance Claim After a Storm
The following tips may be helpful when filing and settling an insurance claim following a disaster.
Remember, you bought insurance to take care of emergencies and you should be satisfied with the way insurance companies honor their part of the contract. It is up to you to make sure that you fully understand what your insurance policy covers, deductibles, and the amounts of coverage. Contact your insurance agent and request a meeting to discuss your insurance coverage. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by rising water. If you live in a low lying area, a flood zone or storm surge area, you should purchase Flood Insurance.
It is very important that you have an inventory of all items in your home. That inventory should include a description of the item, serial and model numbers, original purchase price and a picture of the item. Keep this inventory in a safe place or take it with you if you evacuate. This will make it easy to prove your losses and ensure that you claim everything that was lost or damaged.
Making a Claim
1. Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible. Let them know about your losses. If you are relocated temporarily, provide the address and phone number that you can be reached. The claim process may begin in one of two ways. Your insurance company may send a claim form for you to complete or an adjuster may visit your home first, before you are asked to fill out any forms.
2. Take pictures of the damage, if possible, before beginning repairs. If you repair small items such as TV antennas, window covering, or fences before the adjuster arrives, it may be difficult to prove the damage.
Pictures can also be used as evidence for tax deductions.
3. Protect you property from further damage or theft. Patch roofs temporarily. Cover broken windows or holes in walls with plywood, canvas or plastic. If household furnishings are exposed to weather, move them to a safe location for storage. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement. Do not make permanent repairs without first consulting your agent. Unauthorized permanent repairs may not be reimbursed.
4. Most homeowners policies cover additional living expenses. Your insurance company should advance you money if you need temporary shelter, food, and clothing because you can no longer live in your home and your clothes have been ruined. They will also advance you money if you need to replace major household items immediately to continue living there.
5. Keep receipts for everything you spend. Make sure the check for additional living expenses is made out to you and not your mortgage company, bank or other lender. This money has nothing to do with repairs to your home and you may have difficulty depositing or cashing the check without their signature.
6. If your car was damaged and you have “comprehensive” coverage in your auto insurance policy, you should also contact your auto insurance company.
7. Keep accurate records:
8. A list of cleaning and repair bills, including materials and the cost of rental equipment.
9. A list of any additional living expenses you incur if you have to temporarily move out of your home due to severe damage. Keep all motel and restaurant receipts as well as car rental receipts.
10. A list of all actual losses, including furniture, appliances, clothing, paintings, artifacts, food and equipment, regardless of you intent to replace the objects.
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