Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect immediately after the storm (initial recovery)?
- Do not drive in storm damaged areas unless it is absolutely necessary. Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
- Only use your telephone for emergency calls.
- Enter your home or business with extreme caution. Be on the lookout for insects, snakes and animals that may have been driven to higher ground by flood water. Be on the lookout for downed or dangling power lines. (Report them immediately to your local power company, police or fire department).
- Do not walk in water where you suspect there may be electricity. Never touch any electrical outlet or your fuse box (main circuit breaker) while standing in water; call an electrician.
- If you notice any sparks or broken or frayed wires, immediately turn off the electricity (at the main breaker).
- Do you hear a hissing noise and/or do you smell gas? If you do, quickly open a window or door and leave the premises immediately (call the gas company ASAP).
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
- Check your refrigerator and freezer for spoiled food.
- If water pipes were damaged, contact your water company and avoid contact with tap water.
- Boil all water before using or drinking.
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What do I need to do to file an insurance claim?
- Do not return to your home/business until the authorities have advised it is safe to do so.
- Document your loss in detail; take pictures of damage to the structure and its contents.
- Document proof of ownership (what was damaged/lost and what it was worth?). As soon as it is safe to do so, make a list of items that were damaged or destroyed.
- Locate your insurance policy or request a copy from your agent or from the insurance company directly.
- Notify your insurance company of your loss immediately; by telephone, in writing or in person (in writing is preferred).
- Be sure to save all documents received from your insurance company, the adjuster or your insurance agent.
- Keep all receipts for hurricane related expenses.
- Keep a record of all communications between you and your insurance company, including the date of the contact, the name of the person with whom you spoke and a brief note on the substance of your conversations, particularly anything you are told about coverages or the causes of your loss. Document (in writing) all contact with your insurance company, adjuster or agent.
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What can I expect from my insurance company?
- If you are not able to live in your home (due to the hurricane), your insurance company should reimburse you for reasonable living expenses.
- Your insurance company may pay for food that was ruined when your electricity was interrupted due to the storm.
- Your insurance company may pay for tree and debris removal.
- If someone else’s property damages your home or property, your insurance should pay the cost of repair.
- Your auto insurance policy should cover damage to your car
- If you replace your damaged property (i.e., television, computer, etc.) your insurance should pay the full cost of replacement.
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Can I repair my home or business immediately following the storm or should I wait for the insurance adjuster?
You can make temporary repairs if necessary, such as boarding up broken windows and covering damaged roofs/walls to prevent further water intrusion or damage. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for any and all supplies and/or materials you purchased. You will need to give copies of these receipts to your insurance company when you file your claim. Your insurance company should reimburse you for reasonable expenses.
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What does my insurance company need from me?
You will want to obtain a detailed estimate (from a reliable contractor), itemizing the costs to make necessary and permanent repairs to your home. This estimate (which will be given to your insurance adjuster) should include the proposed repairs, what those repairs will cost, and list replacement prices.
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Is it OK to hire a contractor who does not have workers' compensation insurance?
Absolutely NOT! If your contractor or any workers are injured while on your property, you could be held liable for their injuries. If the contractor does not have workers' compensation insurance DO NOT HIRE THEM.
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What is needed to document "proof of ownership" for common household items, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.?
It is best to have an itemized inventory of all of your possessions (prior to the storm). The more documentation you can provide the better. In addition to receipts, photographs and video taken just prior to the storm can be very helpful in documenting actual loss. If you did not have an itemized inventory of your possessions prior to the storm, you will now have to create one from memory. This is the least desirable position for you. If you do not have any receipts or other evidence of ownership, it will be difficult to be fully compensated for your loss. It is a good idea to have a separate insurance policy (rider) for expensive, unique or valuable items, such as works of art expensive jewelry, furs, guns, antiques, etc. All appraisals and receipts for such items should be stored in a safe deposit box.
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