Tips to deal with your insurance company if a storm damaged your home
Having your home damaged by a storm is stressful, and filing a claim compounds this stress. Here are some tips on dealing with your insurance company.
With storms battering parts of the US, some homes are likely to be damaged by strong winds and floodwaters. Fixing up a home is stressful enough, but this can be compounded by the hassle of dealing with insurance companies in the process of repairing whatever has been destroyed.
While this task can be challenging, following some pointers can increase the chances of receiving a fair settlement to repair the damage to a home.
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Here are some tips to help you navigate the situation effectively:
Review your policy and deductibles
Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and understand the coverage you have for storm damage. This will help you know what to expect and what expenses might be covered. Be aware of how deductibles may affect your claim payout. Some policies might have a large deductible that you need to pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
Document the damage
Take photos and videos of all the damage caused by the storm. This visual evidence will be crucial when filing your claim and can help prevent disputes over the extent of the damage. Ideally you would have photos of your home taken before the storm to have a basis of comparison.
Mitigate further damage
It’s your responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. This might include covering broken windows, putting tarps over damaged roofs, or removing water-soaked items.
Document expenses
Keep a record of all expenses related to the storm damage, such as repairs, temporary accommodations, and any other costs you incur. These records will be useful for your claim.
Contact your insurance company
As soon as it’s safe to do so, contact your insurance company to report the damage. Many insurance policies have time-sensitive requirements for reporting claims, so don’t delay. Be prepared to provide details about the damage and the circumstances of the storm. For those in Texas, the state government has a company lookup tool to help you contact an insurance agent.
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File a claim
Follow the insurance company’s process for filing a claim. This may involve filling out forms, providing documentation, and describing the extent of the damage. Be thorough and accurate in your descriptions.
Stay persistent and patient
Dealing with insurance claims can be time-consuming. Be persistent in following up with your insurance company and be patient throughout the process.
Take notes and keep records
Keep a record of all communications with your insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and in-person conversations. Note the date, time, and the names of the individuals you spoke with.
Get multiple estimates
Obtain multiple estimates from reputable contractors for the repair work. This can help you have a clear understanding of the cost and scope of the repairs needed.
Negotiate fairly
If you believe the insurance company’s initial offer is inadequate, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Provide evidence, such as estimates from contractors, to support your case.
Consider professional help
If you find the claims process too complex or feel you’re not being treated fairly, consider consulting a public insurance adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance claims.