Violent wind and swirling storms characterize a hurricane, making it a dangerous weather condition that can destroy properties, cause injuries, and loss of life.
Studies have revealed a hurricane experience can worsen the condition of people with existing disorders and, in some cases, trigger a new illness.
Mental stress resulting from destroyed properties and injuries can be ameliorated with monetary compensation. Insurance claims can be used to fix your homes and replace lost items.
According to The Chopin Law Firm LLC, a hurricane attorney Louisiana law firm with an office in New Orleans, filing a hurricane claim can be a lengthy process. If not done right, the insurance claim may be denied, making the experience more devastating.
Before you read on, it is essential to note that in the event of a hurricane, ensuring your safety and that of your family should be a priority.
Here are some tips:
Before hurricane
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommended the following:
- Trim trees around your home to make them more wind resistant.
- Cover your windows with hurricane shutters.
- Clear clogged gutters.
- Ensure your roof is well fastened to the frame structure.
- Check if your land is flood prone.
During hurricane
- Turn off main energy sources
- Close curtains and blinds.
- Stay indoors and away from windows and doors after ensuring they are closed.
- Retreat to your closet or interior room.
- Lie under a table.
How to File a Winning Insurance Claim After a Hurricane
Understand your insurance policy
Different insurance policies can help you mitigate the damages caused by a hurricane. What they cover differs; sometimes, their coverage depends on your location.
Homeowners’ insurance
Homeowners’ insurance typically covers wind damages to home structure, interior and exterior, and personal properties. It may also cover injuries that occur while on the property.
Residents in states prone to hurricanes, such as Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, and Texas, may need to pay hurricane deductibles.
Hurricane deductibles are expenses you must cover out of your pocket for home repairs after hurricane damage. It is usually between 1 to 5% of your home value.
Flood insurance
Hurricanes can cause flood damage to your home structure and personal assets.
If your homeowner insurance policy does not cover such damages, especially if you live in states with shorelines, you will need flood insurance.
Windstorm insurance
This is a special type of property-casualty insurance designed for natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and gales.
It may be included in your homeowners’ insurance or purchased separately.
Sewer backup insurance
Floods caused by a hurricane can overwhelm the water systems, leading to overflow sewers.
Sewer backup insurance covers your home and personal property in case of water damage caused by sewer overflow or backup.
Contact your insurance provider
Contact your insurance company to inform them of the incident and the damages caused. Give a detailed description of the damages.
Some insurance companies may send their adjusters to areas affected by the hurricane. If not, contact your insurance agent or check the contract document for phone numbers.
You may also check their website to see if they have an online claim form you can fill out.
The insurance company will send an adjuster to your place to assess your situation.
Gather evidence ahead of the insurance adjuster’s visit
Confirm the date the insurance adjuster will be visiting your home. While waiting for the insurance adjuster, make a list of all your properties that were damaged by the hurricane.
Take photos and record videos of the damages. This is important as some repairs might be urgent, and you may need to fix them yourself.
Compile the receipts of the items damaged as of the time they were purchased. Some companies may request for them.
Also, do not dispose of any items. You will need to show them to the adjuster. If you need to clean them, find a place to keep them.
Keep a record of your conversation with the insurance company
Keep a record of your conversation with the insurance company starting from the day you contact them to inform them about the hurricane incident.
Note the dates, names of the people who attended to you, and conversation details.
If allowed, take pictures of the adjuster while inspecting the damages. Make sure to inform the adjuster before doing this.
This will be helpful whenever you need to recall any specific claim details.
Beware of fraudulent contractors
In case you need to repair some damages in your home before the approval of your claim by the insurance company, avoid hiring fraudulent contractors.
Some contractors may take advantage of your desperation and inflate the repair cost.
Get estimates from different certified contractors to choose the best.
Settlement
If your insurance policy covers the damages, the adjuster will prepare an estimate and offer a settlement for the claim.
A check will afterward be sent for the agreed amount. You can use the received money to complete the repair of your home.
It usually takes a few weeks for a claim to be settled.
Get a lawyer if you think your claim was unjustly denied or the insurance company underpays you for the damages.