Unfortunately, natural disasters can strike at any time. Whether your property is damaged by a storm, flood, wildfire, hurricane, or another natural event, it is important that you get yourself and your family to safety as soon as possible. Once the disaster has passed, you can focus on clearing up the aftermath and filing a claim with your insurer. To help you be prepared, here is a look at how to handle property damage claims after natural disaster has struck.
Contact a Lawyer
Even when you are insured for property damage caused by a natural disaster, unfortunately, insurance companies do not always payout, even when you hold a valid policy. So, as well as contacting your insurer after being affected by a natural disaster, you should contact a law firm that has experience in dealing with property damage claims. Law firms like Sibley Dolman Gipe in Florida know how to deal with insurance companies to help you get the money and protection you require after facing an awful natural disaster.
Contact Your Insurer
If your home insurance policy covers things like damage caused by floods, hurricanes, and fires, you will be able to make a claim. You should contact your insurer as soon as possible – never leave it for more than sixty days. Your policy may cover things like hotel expenses if you are evacuated from your home, as well as financial compensation for the damage to your property. If you are not insured, it is best to get insured. But, if you are uninsured when disaster strikes, you may be able to still get help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Take Photos of the Damage
When it is safe to do so, you should check for structural damage to your home. As you inspect your property, it is a good idea to take photos as you go along. Photograph things like broken windows, roof leaks, and any other significant damage caused by the natural disaster. That way, you have a good record to show your insurance company.
Accompany Your Insurer During the Property Inspection
When the insurer arrives to inspect the damage to your property, it is important you walk alongside them during the inspection so that you can point out anything that the inspector may miss. This ensures that you get coverage for all damage to your property, not just what was observed by the insurance inspector.
Only Repair Essentials
Once the natural disaster has passed, you will probably want to make repairs straight away. However, you should wait until your insurance company has inspected the property. It is fine to do essential repairs to make the property stable. But, your insurer needs to know exactly what damage was caused and view it first-hand. So, wait to complete repairs until after the insurance inspection. You should also keep receipts for any repairs that have been made.
Know the Timeline of Your Insurance Claim
It is important you understand your insurer’s timeline so that you are not left waiting around. Beware that insurer deadlines can change after natural disasters, but your insurance company is obliged to respond to your claim within fourteen days. At that point, your insurance company could ask for more information about the damage or require you to fill out a proof-of-loss form. The next step involves the insurer reviewing your claim. It can be accepted or rejected, which is why it is a good idea to contact a lawyer early on. The review process typically takes up to thirty days. If your claim is accepted, the insurance company usually has ninety days to send you the compensation.
When dealing with property damage claims after a natural disaster, it is essential to have an experienced property damage lawyer by your side.
