Buzz
After a disaster, particularly one that has severely impacted your property and community, handling your homeowners insurance might feel like a daunting task.
However, once you and your loved ones are safe, it's important to contact your insurance provider without hesitation to prevent delays in claim approval, processing, payout, and the reconstruction of your home (especially if another storm is looming).
Here’s how to kickstart the process and get things moving.
Protect your home from further harm.
If you ride out the storm at home or manage to return safely and quickly, take immediate action to prevent further significant damage to your property, such as boarding up broken windows or covering exposed roof sections with a tarp. Your homeowners insurance likely requires you to take "reasonable" steps to minimize additional losses to qualify for coverage.
Remember to keep receipts for any temporary or emergency repairs, which may be eligible for reimbursement, including materials used to prevent additional damage (though purchases made before the storm might not be covered). These repairs will be factored into your final settlement. The Insurance Information Institute (III) advises against paying large amounts to contractors for extensive repairs immediately after a disaster before your insurer assesses the damage.
Contact your insurance provider right away.
As soon as possible—ideally within the first few days of the event—reach out to your property insurance agent or company. While it’s possible to file a claim online, it’s best to start by calling. If you’ve evacuated, you can initiate this process from anywhere, as long as you know that your home has sustained significant damage. Be prepared to give your insurer some initial details, and note that a formal inspection will be conducted later. Have your policy number ready when you call if possible.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a detailed guide for post-disaster claims, advising you to discuss the following when you call:
How long you have to file your claim
What your policy covers
Your deductible amount
The timeline for meeting a claims adjuster
If your policy covers additional living expenses, such as food or lodging
If you need to provide repair estimates
The expected duration of the claims process
What steps come next
Be sure to note down the names, phone numbers, and any claim or reference numbers from everyone you speak with.
Keep thorough documentation.
Whenever you're dealing with any type of insurance, accurate documentation is essential:
Make sure to keep all receipts for any expenses related to the disaster, such as hotel stays and dining bills if you're unable to stay at home due to the damage, as well as any emergency repairs.
Go through your personal property inventory and record any items that have been damaged or destroyed, using both written descriptions and photos. If you don't have an inventory, refer to your photos and check your email for receipts to recreate it as best as possible.
Take detailed notes of any structural damage to your property and list all affected areas to share with your claims adjuster. You may need professional inspections, which are often covered by insurance, and quotes from licensed contractors to back up your claim.
Documenting the damage thoroughly and promptly, and contacting your insurance company as soon as possible, is crucial, especially when your home could face further harm from consecutive storms. Insurers may question your claim if they can't clearly identify the cause of the damage.
