As survivors of Hurricane Sandy survey the damage and try to put things back to normal, one of their first calls will no doubt be to an insurance company.
They’ll need to act quickly to document the damage and record all of their losses in order to protect their assets and file a claim.
“Save all of your receipts from hotels and restaurants if you have been asked to evacuate to a safe area. You may be eligible for reimbursement from your insurer if your home experiences damage,” Chris Hackett, director of personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, said in a statement. “Once the local authorities say it is safe to return home, inspect your property for storm damage and if you’re home has damage, contact your insurer immediately.”
The insurance company will be sending teams of inspectors to storm-damaged areas to assist homeowners and survey the damage. PCI offers the following tips in the initial steps homeowners should take:
• Immediately contact the insurance agent or company representative
• Inspect property and cars for damage
• Inventory losses and photograph damage, and save related receipts to assist with claims handling
• Secure property from further damage or theft
• Check the background and legitimacy of repair contractors. Ask the insurance company for assistance in locating a reputable contractor.
• Business owners should keep detailed records of business activity and extra expenses during the interruption period and prepare records to show the income from the business both before and after the loss.
The Insurance Information Institute notes that standard homeowners policies cover wind damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes and severe weather. Homeowners insurance policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses that policyholders will need to finance temporary housing costs and other daily necessities.
Damage and flooding to vehicles is covered under the comprehensive section of standard auto insurance policies, which is optional.
To make it easier for homeowners to reach their insurance company, the I.I.I. has a list of phone numbers for the nation’s insurance providers, available here. Those with flood insurance can contact their insurance agent directly or by calling the National Flood Insurance Program at (888-379-9531) and provide their name, state and zip code.
There are also steps homeowners can take to make the settlement process faster and easier. The I.I.I. offers the following advice to facilitate the insurance claims filing and settlement process:
• Be prepared to give the agent or insurance company representative a description of the property damage. The agent will report the loss immediately to the insurance company or to a qualified adjuster, who will contact you as soon as possible in order to arrange an inspection of the damage. Make sure to give the agent a telephone number where you can be reached.
• If it is safe to access the area, take photographs of the damaged property. Visual documentation will help with the claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.
• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Make two copies—one for yourself and one for the adjuster. The list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.
• Make whatever temporary repairs are possible without causing a personal risk. Cover broken windows and damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save the receipts for any supplies and materials that are purchased, as the insurance company will reimburse for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to the home or business from a licensed contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.
• If a home is severely damaged and there’s a need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep a record of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts.
• If you purchased flood insurance offered by the National Flood Insurance Program, call the insurance agent or insurance company and provide them with your flood insurance policy number and a telephone number/email address where you can be reached. They will begin to process your NFIP policy claim.
