What To Do Immediately After Storm Damage.
A storm can be over in minutes, but the damage it leaves behind can take weeks or even months to fix. Storms can cause serious damage to homes, cars, and personal belongings. After a storm, it is important to stay calm and take the proper steps to protect yourself and your property. Knowing how to work with your insurance company can make the recovery process easier and help you receive the coverage you deserve.
Stay Safe First
After a storm, your first priority should always be safety. Stay away from downed power lines, broken glass, unstable structures, and areas with flooding. If your home is unsafe, leave the property and wait until it has been inspected. Do not put yourself in danger just to check for damage.
Document the Damage
Once it is safe, take pictures and videos of everything that was damaged. Photograph your roof, windows, walls, floors, furniture, appliances, vehicles, and other belongings. Try to take pictures before cleaning up or making major repairs because your insurance company may need to see the damage.
You should also make a list of damaged or destroyed items. Save receipts for anything you purchase because of the storm, including temporary repairs or emergency supplies.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After documenting the damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the claim. Give them as much information as you can and ask for your claim number and the contact information for your insurance adjuster.
Your insurance policy will determine what types of storm damage are covered. It is important to understand your deductible and any limits or exclusions in your policy.
Prevent More Damage
While waiting for your insurance company, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. For example, you may need to cover a broken window or place a temporary tarp over part of a damaged roof. Keep receipts for these emergency repairs because they may be important for your claim.
However, avoid making major permanent repairs until your insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect the damage, unless the repairs are necessary for safety.
Conclusion
Storm damage can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can make the recovery process easier. The most important things to remember are to stay safe, document the damage, contact your insurance company, keep your receipts and records, and carefully choose contractors. By staying informed and organized, homeowners can protect themselves and work toward getting their property back to normal.
You can experience the benefits of being a part of a full-service Independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency, Inc. if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Blog post written by: David Stefanoski
