Insurance tips for storm damage

7/26/2016 (Permalink)

Insurance tips for storm damage

If your home or business has experienced storm damage and you are unsure on how to actually seek help in this sort of process or you are unsure if you are even covered for such loss, please remain calm. We understand this process may be frightening at first, but there are several professionals that can and will assist you during this process. If you need immediate help, please contact SERVPRO of Manahawkin, by calling 609-549-0379. We are willing to help you through this process, but for general tips and best practices, please follow the outline below provided by United Policy Holders and what they tell their clients during the process of storm aftermath.

What to do before and during a severe storm:

• If you live on or at the foot of a hillside, place sandbags around the perimeter of your home.
• Place rolled up towels along the inside of exterior doors to prevent water from getting in.
• Do your best to keep your gutters clear but stay safe throughout the storm. 
• Move valuables and items up from lower levels and away from doors and windows.
• Find a copy of your insurance policy.  Check the wording on water damage and the amount of your deductible
• Use the free UPHelp Home Inventory App to photo document key features of your home that could be damaged (windows, siding, roof and interior) and your possessions.

What to do after the storm:

• If your home was damaged, focus on creating a scope of everything that was damaged and what it will cost to repair or replace. 
• To keep a clean record and avoid premium increases, don't file a claim until you review your policy and you think your loss will exceed your deductible and be covered.  Read: To claim or not to claim...
• If the damage was sudden and accidental and triggered by the storm, don't accept a claim denial argument from your insurer or agent that it was due to faulty construction or maintenance.  The insurer cashed your premium checks and insured your property "as is".    
• If you file a claim and your insurer rejects it, make sure you get a clear and detailed explanation of their position.  Read: www.uphelp.org/speakUP.  Claim and coverage disputes are rarely as clear cut as your insurer makes them out to be.
• The answer to whether your town or city will pay to repair flooding damage to your home is..."it depends."

Source: (http://www.uphelp.org/pubs/insurance-tips-storm-damage)