Filing an Insurance Claim After a Hurricane

After a hurricane hits, there can be a large variation in damage to property across a region. Some areas may be completely devastated while others have minimal damage. Although it is a scary and emotional process dealing with post hurricane damage, having flood insurance means you can feel more comfortable that your claim will be handled with care and diligence. Despite the fact that you and your insurance company will work as a team to get you back to where you were before the storm, there are steps that can be taken to make this process go smoothly.

Stay Safe

The most import part of dealing with a hurricane and its damage is that above all you and your family stays safe. This means if there is evacuation order you leave with enough time to get out safely. This also means that when you return you take care to avoid what can often be a dangerous scene if there is extensive damage. Power lines may be down, sharp objects may be hidden among debris and floodwater, and chemicals may have spilled. Always take care of yourself first before worrying about your property.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurance company and let them know that you have hurricane damage. They will send out an adjuster to evaluate the losses. This may take longer than usual due to the fact that many people will be making this same request. If your home is unlivable your policy may include payment for a temporary living arrangement.

Document Damage

Once you are able to get back to your property it is important that you document all of the damage. Take photographs of any damage that you see no matter how small or large. An adjuster will also be sent out to the property to document damage, but you know what everything looked like before, and what is missing more than the representative.

Start The Clean-up Process

After you have filed your claim with your insurance company you can begin the clean up process. This will prevent further damage from occurring. Again always do this in the safest way possible, and keep any receipts of repairs that you make. It can be an emotionally draining and frustrating situation, but remember that your insurance company is there to help get you back up and running. Call us today for the help you need. We’re here for you.

Note: Coverage examples and descriptions are not absolute and are for informational are sample purposes only. Please refer to your policy for specific coverages and exclusions.