Storm Damage Claims: Hurricane Insurance Claim

Storm Damage Claims Process for Property Owners

Specific details in the claims process can vary between government property owners, commercial property owners and homeowners. Because of these differences and the complexities of the process, it is important to work with a knowledgeable claims adjuster. These are the steps in the claims process.

Step 1: Address Safety Issues
First, it is critical to address emergency needs. Evacuate the property and seek emergency medical care if you have any injuries. Follow safety guidelines for storms, such as avoiding walking through puddles or wet areas if any power lines are down.

 
Step 2: Protect the Property From Additional Damages
After the storm is over, the next step is assessing the property. However, if the structure or area is unsafe to enter, do not attempt to enter. When it is safe to enter the property or structure, try to minimize damages as much as possible.

For example, if there is standing water in the basement, it should be removed. If an area is damp from leaking water, you can patch the leak and dry out the area. Cover broken windows or open areas. The goal is to prevent worsening damage. To cover the damage, insurers want to see that you tried to minimize economic and physical damages.

Step 3: Develop a Recovery Plan Based on Your Policy
If a home is damaged enough that it is unsafe or difficult to stay there, make arrangements for temporary housing. Be sure to read the provisions of your policy regarding temporary shelter. Keep in mind that the claims process takes time, so it helps to have a budget established ahead of time for your living expenses.

If you are a rental property owner, be sure to make arrangements with tenants and keep them informed. You may also need to temporarily move items to a storage unit or somewhere else. Keep a detailed record of expenses related to the storm damage.

As you read through your policy, be sure that you understand all time limits, provisions and other terms. It is especially critical to know and follow all your responsibilities that are outlined in the policy to ensure that your losses are covered as much as possible. Also, it helps to understand the insurer's valuation methods and coverage limitations.

Step 4: Submit a Detailed Claim
This is a step that requires extra diligence and proper preparation. Make a list of itemized losses, and be as specific as possible. It is important to include expert valuations and reports for your itemized losses.

Provide full measurements of any damaged parts of the structure, such as drywall, window trim, doors and other features. Also, include and describe any special services for temporary or preventative measures, such as emergency plumbing and others.

The insurance company requires detailed records of all temporary housing expenses as well. Be sure to include an itemized list of these expenses if you are a homeowner.

Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement
After you submit the claim, the insurance company and the experts they work with will audit it. They make adjustments as they see fit. In most cases, there are differences in what the insurance company determines. It is important to be prepared for this.

Once the claim is settled, the restorative work on the property can begin. This applies to permanent work, restoration or improvements and does not apply to temporary solutions that protect the property during the claims process. When the policy provides replacement cost coverage, the decisions for repairing and rebuilding affect the total recovery.

How a Professional Claims Adjuster Helps

Since an insurance company's top priority is to be conservative in what it pays, it is important to make claims as thorough, detailed and accurate as possible. Claims are complex, and it can take a long time to learn how to file one properly. Many property owners miss important information or enter items incorrectly.

The time following a damaging storm is especially stressful. You may have to spend time finding temporary housing, moving your belongings, handling temporary repairs to prevent damage and much more. Trying to cope with these temporary problems and stresses while also managing your daily commitments can leave you with no time to work on a claim.

A professional claims adjuster handles the hard work for you and takes the stress out of the process. These are some benefits of hiring a professional claims adjuster:

• An adjuster develops a comprehensive strategy to help you get the highest and fairest settlement.
• You may recover more benefits than you would if you work only with the insurer.
• From start to finish, the adjuster handles every phase of preparing and filing the claim.
• You have friendly experts who are on your side and can answer all your questions.
• An adjuster keeps you informed every step of the way, works to minimize delays and provides you with valuable advice or resources.