Get Familiar With Your Policy
This is a good time to review what you need to know if a tornado, or other natural disaster, damages or destroys your property. The decisions you’ll face concerning emergency repairs, temporary shelter, and costs of repair or replacement of your property can be overwhelming. It is important to know what to do, whether you are faced with a disaster or relatively routine claim.
Your agent is the first link with your insurance company. If your agent is not available, contact the claim office listed in your phone book, or the home office. Most agents provide an 800 number for claims reporting on their voice mail if they are not available.
The length of time it takes to be contacted by a claim adjuster depends on how widespread the damage. As soon as your claim is reported, begin to list all damaged items and, as accurately as possible, try to remember when or where you bought each item, how much you paid for it, and how much it will cost to replace.
Your insurance policy instructs you to protect your property from further damage by making necessary temporary repairs, such as boarding windows, and patching holes in walls and roofs as soon as possible—even before you talk to an adjuster. If damaged in a Spring storm, move property to a protected area and start cleaning and drying items damaged by water. Do not dispose of any items that may be a complete loss until the adjuster examines them.
Your homeowners policy includes coverage for loss of use, which pays for additional living expenses you incur in excess of your normal living expenses. Some policies have a limit on coverage while others may pay the excess costs for up to 12 months.
The best way to minimize the affect a destructive claim has on you and your family is to be informed of your homeowner coverage, be prepared for claim possibilities, and keep in touch with your agent. TPW
Your agent is the first link with your insurance company. If your agent is not available, contact the claim office listed in your phone book, or the home office. Most agents provide an 800 number for claims reporting on their voice mail if they are not available.
The length of time it takes to be contacted by a claim adjuster depends on how widespread the damage. As soon as your claim is reported, begin to list all damaged items and, as accurately as possible, try to remember when or where you bought each item, how much you paid for it, and how much it will cost to replace.
Your insurance policy instructs you to protect your property from further damage by making necessary temporary repairs, such as boarding windows, and patching holes in walls and roofs as soon as possible—even before you talk to an adjuster. If damaged in a Spring storm, move property to a protected area and start cleaning and drying items damaged by water. Do not dispose of any items that may be a complete loss until the adjuster examines them.
Your homeowners policy includes coverage for loss of use, which pays for additional living expenses you incur in excess of your normal living expenses. Some policies have a limit on coverage while others may pay the excess costs for up to 12 months.
The best way to minimize the affect a destructive claim has on you and your family is to be informed of your homeowner coverage, be prepared for claim possibilities, and keep in touch with your agent. TPW