By Sterling Scott, Owner of Trust Public Adjusting Group
When severe weather is on the horizon, preparing your property can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your investment. While storms can be unpredictable, there are critical steps homeowners should take to safeguard their homes and ease the process of filing insurance claims afterward. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare before and after the storm strikes.
Before the Storm: Preparation is Key
- Photograph Your Property: Take comprehensive photos of your home, including the interior, exterior, roof, pool, fencing, trees, front yard, and back yard. These images will serve as essential evidence should any damage occur.
- Document Your Belongings: Beyond structural damage, you may be able to recover the cost of lost home contents and personal property if you have the right documentation. Items to consider include furniture, antiques, electronics, etc.
- Understand Your Insurance Policy: Make sure you are familiar with the specifics of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Know what is covered and what isn’t. Call Trust Public Adjusting Group for free policy reviews and property inspections. But it is good to know your hurricane deductible as soon as possible.
- Plan for Evacuation: Have a plan in place to evacuate yourself and your family, especially for those with special needs.
- Stay Informed: Keep a portable radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio to monitor storm updates and emergency information.
- Prepare for Water Supply Disruptions: Homeowners who rely on well water should have an emergency water supply.
- Get Cash and Fully Charge Devices: Have cash or travelers’ checks on hand in case banks or ATMs are down. Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged.
- Gather Important Documents: Place important paperwork, such as insurance policies, deeds, and identification, in a waterproof container for safekeeping.
- Prepare your Pets: Create a plan for your pets, as not all emergency shelters will accommodate animals.
- Locate Emergency Shelters: Know the location of the nearest shelter and how to get there.
- Fuel Up: Make sure your vehicle’s tank is full or your electric vehicle is fully charged before the storm hits.
- Learn to Use Your Emergency Power Source: If you have a generator or backup power source, familiarize yourself with how it works and use it safely.
After the Storm: Navigating the Claims Process
After the storm passes, it’s crucial to assess damage and start the claims process. Begin by taking clear photos of your property’s interior, exterior, and roof when it’s safe. Consider consulting a public insurance adjuster before providing statements to your insurer to protect your interests. Report your claim promptly and have a qualified contractor inspect your home for potential damage. Keep detailed records of all interactions with adjusters, and review your policy for any co-insurance penalties. Safeguard your insurance policy, understand your coverage and sub-limits, and assess all potential damage, even if it’s not immediately visible. Time is critical, so act quickly to avoid claim denials.
By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of a storm on your home or business and ensure that you are well-prepared to file a claim and recover from any damages. Remember, it is highly advised to get Trust Public Adjusting Group involved in your claim as soon as possible, but you can contact us throughout any time of the claim process – even after payments have been made or you have received a denial.
For more information on insurance claims and how we can assist, please call (386) 256-3885 or visit our website at: TrustPublicAdjustingGroup.com.
TRUST PUBLIC ADJUSTING GROUP
Serving Volusia County
Sterling Scott | License #W333253
Call: 386-456-6885 | Text: 850-708-2582
trustpublicadjustinggroup.com
claims@TrustPublicAdjusting.com