Filing an insurance claim after a storm? Here are the 10 essential steps to follow when submitting storm damage insurance claims.
1. Move to Safety
If your home is unlivable, move somewhere safe. Your insurance policy may pay for you to stay in a hotel while awaiting repairs.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you and your family are safe, call your homeowners’ insurance company to start the claims process. Tell the adjuster about your storm damage and follow their instructions. They will likely have you submit photos of the damage.
3. Document the Damage
If you can safely do so, walk throughout your property and make a list of all of the damage sustained during the storm. Take photos and videos of the damage. The better your documentation of damage, the more likely you are to gain an adequate payout.
4. Review Your Policy
Request a copy of your homeowners’ policy from your insurance company and review it closely. Specifically, look for these elements:
- Deductibles and limits: A deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay before your insurance covers the rest. Your policy limit is the maximum your insurer will pay you.
- Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage: If your policy includes coverage for additional living expenses (ALE), your insurer will pay for you to stay in a hotel.
- Flood insurance: Do you have a separate flood insurance policy? If not, your insurer likely will not cover flooding.
- Exclusions: Check whether your policy excludes certain types of storm or wind damage.
5. Make Temporary Repairs, Where Applicable
Do what you can to avoid further damage, but don’t repair something that will be your insurer’s responsibility. For example, you may want to place a tarp over roof damage or use a shop vac to remove excess water from the home.
6. Meet With the Adjuster
Your insurance adjuster will come to your property to assess the damage. Be present while they are conducting their investigation so you can answer any questions or clarify any details. If you spent any money on temporary repairs, give the adjuster the receipts at this time.
7. Seek Updates Regularly
Storm damage insurance claims can be slow-moving, but you have a right to regular updates about your claim. Don’t be afraid to contact your adjuster every few days for updates. This can help speed up your claims process.
8. Review Your Payout
If your insurer approves your claim, they will provide a payout offer based on their assessment of your damages. Review this offer closely to ensure it fully covers your expenses.
Insurance companies calculate damages based on the replacement cost value or the actual cash value of your damaged items. Your insurer may also send you multiple checks to cover different expenses — for example, you might see a check for temporary repairs followed by subsequent checks that cover additional repair work.
9. Understand Your Rights To Dispute an Insurance Offer
You don’t have to accept the first payout offer your insurance adjuster gives you. If you feel the offer is too low, you have the right to dispute the offer and negotiate a higher one.
10. Get a FREE Second Opinion – Claim Check Your Insurance Company!
Not sure if your insurance payout is fair? Don’t leave money on the table! Contact us at The Moore Law Firm for a free claim check. We’ll review your case to ensure the insurance company is treating your claim right. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve – call us today to protect your rights and get the full compensation you need to restore your property!
Contact the Moore Law Firm for Help With Storm Damage Insurance Claims Today
Need help navigating storm damage insurance claims? Want to dispute a claim denial or negotiate a higher offer? The Moore Law Firm can provide legal advice and guidance. Contact us today at 956-400-000 for a free case evaluation.