Right after the catastrophe
Although it might be your initial instinct to start fixing things and clearing out trash, there are things you should do first.
Getting your claim started
Get in touch with your agent or company as soon as you can because most insurance companies have deadlines for filing claims.
Response teams are frequently dispatched to disaster zones by insurance firms. These teams’ members are able to clarify which damages are covered. Additionally, they can assist you in initiating the claims procedure and issuing a check to initiate the process of recovery.
Procedure for claims
Your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage after you report a loss. The damage to your property will be estimated by an adjuster employed by your insurance provider. In order to calculate the amount of your claim settlement, the adjuster will record the loss with your insurance.
Watch out for scams.
After a disaster, home repair fraud is frequent. Aggressive contractors frequently enter areas affected by disasters with the intention of exploiting victims in order to make quick money. Avoid being pushed to pay in full or sign a contract right away. Never write a check or pay with cash before the services are finished.
While your state may not require contractors to be licensed, you should check references to ensure that you are using a reputable contractor. Your insurer may also have a list of suggested contractors. You should always get more than one bid on repair projects.
The Top Three Things to Keep in Mind
- Keep a record of your losses. List the things that are harmed. If at all feasible, take pictures and videos of the products and keep any damaged ones for your adjuster to examine.
- Perform short-term fixes. Use boards or tarps to temporarily fix any damage to the outside of your house that is letting the weather in and stop more harm.
- Watch out for scams. Don’t be coerced into signing paperwork you don’t understand, and wait to pay for repairs in full or in advance until you are happy with the results.