These five tips can be in use in case your house has been damaged by hurricane.
Immediately contact your insurer. You should contact your insurer as soon as possible and tell about severity of damage wrought by hurricane. It is better to react fast as some insurance firms place time limits for claim applications. However, if you live in New York you will have two years to file a claim. As for claim processes, the time varies widely. It usually depends on the size of the storm and the amount of damage. The claim could be processed immediately or can take several months for processing. However, it usually takes not more than 90 days for claim processing.
Maintain as many documents as you can. Insurance company’s duty is to cover the loss but it is your liabilities to determine the amount of loss. In order not to have problems with this item, you would better videotape or photograph your home and all your possessions you consider to be valuable. Keep the bills of your purchases if its possible. In case you do not forget some of your valuable purchases, it is possible to contact your credit card company and take a list of your purchases. Remember, the more documents and records you have, the easier your claim process will be.
Don’t repair the house by yourself. It is suggested to wait until an insurance adjuster come to analyze the amount of the damage caused by hurricane. Surely, you might make some temporary repairs in order not to compromise your safety. However, if the damage is serious like leaking roof, it is suggested to put some pots but not to address professionals for repairs. In this case you will be paid for any repair works. You should know that the repair sum can be deducted from you taxes should you have large unpaid property loss estimate or in case you are under insured presently.
Protest if you are not satisfied. If you don’t like the way your claim has been settled, you may protest it. First, go to your insurance agent. Apply to the head of the claim department. Furthermore, you may file a claim to state insurance department if you feel the previous one has not been satisfied. On top of this, there is always a possibility to hire an attorney. Also you may have your own adjuster, the one who will give an assessment to the damage and who can organize the claim. A public adjuster is interested to get maximum coverage from your insurance policy as certain percentage of your claim serves for his fee.
Do not become a victim of scammers. Be aware, there are a lot of people who are willing to make benefits out of the trouble with your home. If your building construction has been damaged by windstorm or hurricane, don’t rush to sign a contract with any building company. Some of them will try to persuade you need expensive home repair. Instead, specify costs needed for professional roofer or builder. But don’t be fast to give deposits.
Related article: All about hurricane insurance.
