Storm Damage Insurance Checklist
The following tips, provided by the Florida Insurance Council, Inc. may be
helpful when 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.
Making The Claim
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.
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.
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.
Keep receipts for everything you spend. Make sure the check for additional
living expenses is made out to you and not your mortgage, the 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.
Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or
business. This must include covering breaks or holes in the roof, walls or
windows with plywood, canvas or other waterproof material. Your insurance
company will reimburse you for the costs of your repairs, so keep receipts for
any materials you buy. Do not have permanent repairs made without first
consulting your agent. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed.
Avoid using electrical appliances, including televisions and stereos, which
have been exposed to water, unless a technician has checked them.
If your car was damaged and you have "comprehensive" coverage in your auto
insurance policy, you should also contact your auto insurance company.
Preparing For The Adjuster's Visit
An adjuster is a person professionally trained to assess the damage. The more
information you have about your possessions the faster your claim can be
settled. You should already have a complete inventory of the items in your home
that includes a description of the item, model and serial numbers (if
applicable) and the original cost and what it would cost to replace it.
Make a list of damaged items. Take photographs of the damage and put together a
set of records for each item that includes any old receipts or bills. Don't
forget to list items such as clothing, sports equipment, tools, china and
linens, etc.
Don't throw away damaged furniture or other items because the adjuster will
want to see them.
Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your
premises. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster when they
arrive. In some cases, the adjuster may recommend hiring a licensed engineer or
architect to inspect the property. You should also get the electrical system
checked. Most insurance companies will pay for these inspections.
If possible, get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors on the repair
work. This should make adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
Homeowners insurance policies usually don't cover flood damage but they do
cover other kinds of water damage. For example, they would generally pay for
damage from rain coming through a hole in the roof or a broken window as long
as the hole was caused by a hurricane or other disaster covered by the policy.
You need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damage from any
rising water. Contact your insurance agent regarding your coverage and the need
for flood insurance.
If your home was severely damaged, you may have to rebuild sections in
accordance with current building codes. In some cases, complying with the code
may require a change in design or building materials and may cost more.
Generally, homeowners insurance policies will not pay for these extra costs.
Some insurance companies offer an endorsement that pays for a specified amount
toward such changes.
Most insurance companies will pay for removal of trees that have fallen on your
home but they will not pay to remove trees that have fallen and haven't caused
any damage to your home. Neither will they pay to replace trees or shrubbery
that have been damaged by the storm.
Now is the time you should get an "insurance checkup". Contact your insurance
agent and make sure what your policy covers and doesn't cover. After a disaster
is not the time for surprises and finding out that you are not covered for
losses.