Hurricanes are unpredictable, powerful forces of nature with the potential to cause catastrophic levels of damage. The aftermath of a hurricane is often filled with fear and destruction. Our hope is for this article to help give you peace of mind when filing an insurance claim for your hurricane damage.
Tip #1
Call your insurance company immediately after the storm has passed.
Safety should be your first priority. Make sure you and your loved ones are safe before calling the insurance company.
Hurricanes leave tons of damage in their wake. At times like this, insurance companies work with those hardest hit first. Be sure to let your insurance company know the extent of your damage and whether or not your property is habitable.
Tip #2
Do not be afraid to ask a public adjuster for help.
Choosing to work with a public adjuster is a great way to help increase the payout the insurance company gives you while also freeing up your time. Your public adjuster will deal with the back-and-forth communication with the insurance company.
Public adjusters are third-party entities who do not work for the insurance company. A public adjuster represents you during the claim process and fights to get you paid as much as possible.
Tip #3
Document your losses. Pictures and videos become evidence.
Having pictures before your property was damaged is a great way to strengthen your claim. Even if you did not actively take pictures of your home before the damage occurred, scroll through your photos app on your phone. You may have a picture or selfie that shows areas of your home in the condition they were in prior to the hurricane’s arrival.
Documenting your losses is a critical step in the hurricane property damage claim process because insurance companies place the burden of proving how your home was damaged on your shoulders. This means you or your public adjuster needs to find enough evidence to build a strong case for the insurance company to approve your claim and give you the money you need to move forward with any repairs or replacements in your property.
Tip #4
Keep a detailed record of every interaction with the insurance company.
We call this step – claim journaling.
Keep a record of who you spoke to, what they told you, and when they said it. If the insurance company decides to deny or delay your claim, this journal will help your public adjuster fight to get you paid.
Tip #5
Read your policy. What does it say is covered under your policy?
Understanding the compensation you are entitled to can help you move forward during the claim process with awareness as to what constitutes a good deal. At the end of the day, insurance companies are not on your side. Knowing what you are entitled to protects you from accepting a less-than-fair outcome.
Filing an insurance claim for your hurricane damage can be confusing and stressful. Triumph Consulting can help.
Call 954-669-4935 now for a free claim review, or go to WeGetYouPaid.com