Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best
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General Recovery Information

Return home cautiously, looking for downed power lines, gas leaks, etc.

  • Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas or areas with a lot of debris, hanging tree limbs, significant amounts of snow, ice, etc.
  • Inspect your home (interior and exterior) and yard for any damage. Take lots of photos. When entering your home, enter cautiously, using a flashlight and protective clothing/shoes if possible.
  • If you have not done so already, contact your insurance company to start the claims process if you have damage to your property.

 

Make certain that you have the following information when you call your insurance company:

  • The name of your insurance company if your agent write policies for more than one company
  • Your policy number
  • A telephone number/e-mail address whereyou can be reached (if this information changes, please update this information with your agent)
  • A designated person who can be contacted on your behalf if you cannot be easily reached

If it appears you might have plumbing or electrical problems- do NOT turn on any electrical appliances or use the sinks, toilets, or other appliances connected to a water supply. Prior to meeting with the insurance adjusters, take steps to prevent or reduce (mitigate) future loss.

 

The Insurance Information Institute has a nice video on how to file an insurance claim after a disaster:

 

 

We have created a list of questions you may want to ask your insurance company and/or insurance adjuster:

  1. What is the procedure for beginning the claims process? Who must be contacted? 
  2. Is there a time limit for filing a claim?
  3. Which losses are covered under homeowners, automobile, renters, flood, and business insurance policies?
  4. Ask specific questions about wind damage, building, contents, additional living expenses, lost revenue, business interruption insurance, etc.
  5. How will insurers distinguish between wind and flood damage when settling the claim?
  6. What information dealing with my contents (personal possessions) is needed for my claim? Do I need an inventory list of my home and/or business contents? Besides a description, age, and value of each item, what other information is needed?  Must I supply receipts? In which form should I send this list to the insurance company (electronic, paper)? Is there a limit on how much an insurance company will pay for the loss of personal possessions, such as clothes, furniture and appliances?
  7. Must I separate damage from undamaged items before the adjuster arrives?  Can I throw out damaged items (after taking photos)?  Your adjustor will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (i.e. cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your repair estimate.
  8. Are damages to trees, fences, outside structures such as a storage shed covered under any of the insurance policies and what are the limits of coverage?
  9. Is debris removal covered by my policy?
  10. How will the insurance deductibles be handled?
  11. Should I get a written estimate from a contractor for repair of damages prior to meeting with the adjuster?
  12. If I am not satisfied with the claims process, who can I speak to about this?  What type of arbitration or mediation process exists?

 

This FEMA video describes how to apply for disaster assistance:

 

 

 

 

Check out this video on how to spot a dishonest contractor:

 

 

  • Deal with licensed, well-established, contractors. Be aware of “storm chaser” contractors who come to town after a storm to make a quick buck and may not be licensed, and may take your money and run!
  • There is a lot of information on the Internet on how to avoid contractor fraud. If a contractor wants the full amount “up front” and does not give you a written contract- beware! A disaster creates a lot of opportunity for fraud. Common, unscrupulous activities include outright fraud, shoddy construction, and price gouging. Be careful who you choose to repair your property.