Insurance Claims: What You Need to Do

The immediate aftermath of a devastating storm can leave homeowners feeling dazed. Dr. Bernice Wilson, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System Resource Management Specialist, Urban Programs, says that you can regain some control by working with your insurance agent.

“Once you’ve contacted your agent, start taking pictures of the damage and listing what’s gone or damaged. It doesn’t sound very productive, but it will help the insurance claim process and will help you begin to order your life again,” she says.

The following steps from “The Disaster Handbook” available through the Extension Disaster Education Network offer timely suggestions for making insurance claims.

Contact Your Insurance Agent. Give your name, address, policy number, and the date and time of your loss. The agent will need to know how to reach you, especially if you cannot remain in your home. He or she will arrange for an adjustor to visit your property to assess the damage.

Make a Record of Damages. Next, look for and record all damage, including roof and structural damage. If you are able to enter and move through your house, videotape or photograph the damage room by room. Check with your agent before throwing away damaged property you plan to list on the insurance claim. Try to document the value of each lost or damaged item. If you can find them, use bills of sale, canceled checks, and charge account records for documentation. If your records no longer exist, estimate the value and provide the purchase place and date of purchase. Record serial numbers and model numbers of appliances and household equipment. Include the information with your list of damages. You may also list cleaning and repair bills. If you must live elsewhere temporarily, keep all receipts. You may be able to claim some or all of the living expenses while your home is being repaired.

Protect Your Property From Additional Damage. If damage to your home includes roof damage, broken windows or holes, take steps to prevent further damage. Patch roofs temporarily, repair or cover broken windows, board up holes, and cover leaks. Throw out food and medicines that may have come in contact with floodwater. Discard refrigerated or frozen foods that have not been held at safe temperatures. Dry out water-damaged furnishings and clothing as soon as possible.

Work With Your Insurance Adjustor. Your insurance agent will arrange for an adjustor to visit your property to assess the damage. The adjustor should be properly licensed. You or someone you trust should be present when the adjustor visits the site. The adjustor will work with you to calculate the value of the items on your list and prepare a repair estimate of damage to the property. Come to an agreement with the adjustor on the scope of damage (what needs to be repaired or replaced). Make sure you know what needs to be done to follow up on the agreement. It is okay to ask for written instructions.

Take Your Time to Settle Your Claim. You may settle personal property and structural claims separately. Filing separately allows you to take the time needed to determine the full extent of your losses. Take your time. Damages overlooked in an early estimate may become obvious later. If you are dissatisfied with the settlement offer, talk things over with your agent and adjustor. If you cannot reach a settlement, you may obtain mediation through the state Department of Insurance.

Repair Your Home. If you choose to contract to have your damage repaired, be sure the contractor holds a proper license. If you have a question about the contractor’s license, call (334) 242-2839 or visit the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Contact the contractor to request a written estimate for repairs. Be sure to ask if there is a charge for the estimate. Your insurance company may pay you the total amount, unless you request minimal repairs.

(Source: The Disaster Handbook, national edition. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Section 4.31, revised 5/03. )

Posted by lawremc at February 19, 2008 02:27 PM | TrackBack