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Optimizing Your Tornado Damage Property Claim
1. Quickly contact your insurance agent or company. Document all your communications with the company and be ready to provide details about the severity and extent of the damage.
2. Record the damage incurred. Compile a list of all items affected by the tornado. Whenever possible, capture photographs or video footage of the damage. Retain all damaged property until your insurance adjuster has had a chance to inspect it.
3. Conduct temporary repairs. To avert additional harm to your home, carry out reasonable and essential temporary repairs. Avoid making any permanent repairs until you receive approval from your insurance company. Retain all receipts and record all expenses incurred.
4. Examine your insurance policy. Unfortunately, inadequate tornado insurance coverage is becoming more frequent, leaving homeowners unable to cover repair costs. Determine the type of policy you hold and the coverage amount you have purchased.
5. Arrange for permanent repairs. While it's important to wait for a damage assessment before proceeding with permanent repairs, book them promptly since appointments often get booked up fast.
6. Be cautious of scams related to storm repairs. Don't depend only on your insurance company to shield you from tornado-repair frauds. Hire local contractors who are licensed, bonded, and insured. Verify their references, obtain written agreements, and avoid making upfront payments.
7. Avoid anticipating complimentary upgrades. Generally, insurance companies will replace damaged items and materials with ones of similar type and quality. Trying to substitute fiberglass with costly slate tile at no extra cost will only delay your claims process.
8. Attend the inspection. Make an effort to be there when the insurance adjuster evaluates the damage to your property.
9. Ask about discounts. Check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify for discounts, additional living expenses (ALE), disaster tax deductions, or other types of financial aid due to the tornado.
10. Speak with a claims professional. Do not let a contractor or insurance adjuster interpret YOUR insurance policy. For additional guidance, consult a public adjuster. Call The Shelley Group, Inc. Working for YOU, not the Insurance Company.
