Hurricanes are devastating. If you’re a home or business owner whose property has been affected by a hurricane or other storm or disaster, here are some tips on how to file an insurance claim.

Make a list of damaged property

The first thing you should do is take an inventory of your home or business. On a pad of paper or your smart phone, note which parts of your property were damaged. Do the same for your valuables like your television, car, major appliances, and furniture. Taking pictures or video is a great idea. Having a visual record will help the insurance claims process move more smoothly.

If you’re able to locate receipts for any of these items easily, do so at this time.

Check your insurance policy

The scope of your coverage will determine how much of your property damage may be covered when you file a claim. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Damage covered by homeowner policies: Some damage from hurricanes may be covered by your policy, whereas other types may not. Standard homeowners insurance covers damage from a falling tree, for example. But hurricane and flooding damage can be trickier.

Many standard policies will make a distinction between the two types. Hurricane damage is usually defined as heavy rain being blown through windows or broken windows, satellite dishes, or other debris damage from high intensity hurricane winds. Flood damage, unfortunately, is often not covered as its often a separate policy. You’ll need to check your insurance documents to make certain.

Hurricane deductibles for homeowners: All insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount of money you’ll need to pay before your insurance provider starts to cover your claim. For homeowner policies, this is typically $500 or $1000. However, many companies will use a percentage based system when hurricanes are involved. Your policy should have details about this on the policy’s “declaration” page. The Insurance Information Institute has additional information about hurricane deductibles.

Auto policies: If you car was damaged by debris—such as a falling tree—or water, your auto policy may cover that damage, especially if you have more comprehensive insurance.

Don’t do too much cleaning

Though it may be tempting, note that you should not make any permanent repairs to your property. Don’t throw out damaged property. Your insurance adjuster will need to see your situation and make an offer for a payout, so making repairs or discarding ruined furniture could dramatically affect your claim.

If you do need to make repairs, make them temporary repairs and take pictures first. In other words, if you have a hole in your roof or broken windows, cover them to prevent further damage, but don’t do extensive work.

How USA Damage Response Team Can Help You After A Hurricane

Insurance companies often work on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it’s in your best interest to file an insurance claim as quickly and as accurately as you can.

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE DAMAGE CLAIM TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS
CONTACT USA DAMAGE RESPONSE TEAM TODAY