What to Do If You Have Damage From a Hurricane
Hurricanes can leave a trail of damage that last long after it’s gone. If your home was affected, there are things you should do to make sure you and your loved ones are safe. Here are immediate steps to take:
- Make sure there are no lingering hazards that could cause additional injury or damage.
- Avoid flood water
- Boil water until instructed that it’s safe
- Discard food spoiled from power outages or flooding
Once you are out of the woods, it’s time to start preparing for your insurance claim. If you must make immediate, temporary repairs to your property, make sure you document everything and keep all your receipts. These will factor into your claim.
Consider getting help to support your claim
It’s important to take photos of all the damage before any repairs or clean-up is done to support your claim. If you’ve had to complete minor repairs, like getting the water out of the basement, etc., make sure you let the claims specialist know. Any actions done to mitigate further damage are not only a priority but will be part of the claim.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be stressful. While you’re attempting to have all the documentation in place, it’s easy to let something slip through the cracks. You may have multiple insurance policies that cover your items. With tons of confusing paperwork to complete, having a second set of experienced eyes makes sense.
Public adjusters can assist. While insurance companies send their own adjusters out, it’s not unheard of for them to present a lower settlement offer. Public adjusters work on your behalf to make sure you are fairly compensated for your losses. Who wants to deal with getting low-balled or having to jump through hoops when you’ve already lost so much?
How can a public adjuster help me?
Consider them your right-hand. You need to let them know what you expect from them and can answer any questions they have. Here’s what you should expect:
- Review and examination of your claim
Public adjusters can determine if there are errors or omissions in your claim and help fix them. - Damage survey and evaluation to the property
You may have more damage than you realized. A public adjuster is trained to see the things you may have missed. - Assistance with documentation
A public adjuster will be able to assist with getting your documentation together in addition to helping fill in the gaps. - Presentation and mediation (if necessary)
If the insurance company is causing you problems, the adjuster can step in on your behalf to mediate. - Getting the most from your settlement
Public adjusters can help you get the maximum for your losses. - Watching your timeline
A public adjuster watches the timeline to make sure you don’t miss any dates.
When a hurricane turns your world upside down, a public adjuster makes sure you’re protected. Working with a team can be one of the best decisions you make.
