Many insurance companies can start processing claims for homes, apartments, businesses, and cars that were lost during the storms by sending mobile units to the most affected areas.
According to Friedlander, a few of insurers have mobile catastrophe teams and also manage claims virtually. “Policyholders submit photographs, videos, and other supporting documentation to the insurer as part of the virtual claims process,” he clarified. “You can submit a claim through the mobile apps of certain insurers.”
Remember that you are your own greatest advocate, even though these quick-response teams are an important and useful service.
Although you must accept the conditions of your policy, you are not required to accept an insurer’s offer just because they give a specific amount if you don’t think it’s sufficient.
Additionally, you can go back and request reimbursement from your insurer if you continue to incur storm-related costs after your claim has been settled.
Advice for submitting your claim or claims
Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute offered the following advice on how to submit a claim:
The following inquiries should be made while speaking with your insurer: Am I protected? How much time do I have to submit a claim? What is the estimated duration required to process my claim? Will I have to get quotes for fixing structural damage?
Be careful to inquire about your coverage for Loss of Use/Additional Living Expense Coverage (ALE). This pays costs to enable you to move into a temporary residence as soon as possible and is usually standard coverage in a homeowners, condo owners, or renters policy.
Your agent or insurer will assist you in locating temporary housing, and they might even set up a direct billing of the insurance for the cost of the accommodations.
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Complete claim forms as soon as possible. Your insurance provider will provide you with the required claim forms if you decide to file a claim; they must be supplied to you within a certain amount of time as required by law. To prevent delays, send back the completed forms as soon as you can.
Have the damage examined by the insurance adjuster. Most likely, your insurance provider will schedule an adjuster to visit and examine your house.
A representative of the company who examines property damage to assess the amount that the insurance company should pay for the loss is known as an adjuster. He or she will examine the property and conduct an interview with you.
Get ready for the visit from the insurance adjuster. To maximize your time, have a list of damaged objects ready and be ready to demonstrate any structural damage to the adjuster.
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Repair your house temporarily if it can be saved. Take reasonable precautions to prevent additional harm to your property after taking pictures or recording the damage. If at all possible, wait until the adjuster has visited before discarding any damaged goods.
You will have to provide proof of your loss or losses. Make a list of everything that has been damaged or destroyed, and then provide your adjuster a copy of the list. Additionally, provide him or her with copies of the receipts for any damaged goods that are available.
If you have access to a house inventory, it will expedite this step of the claims procedure. This also applies to the price of lodging, short-term repairs, and other out-of-pocket expenditures.
Giving your insurer an inventory
Ask the insurance how to provide any electronic inventories you may have; you might be able to email them to the insurer immediately so they can begin processing your claim.
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Your claim might be placed in the queue before those who are still attempting to create a list if you act quickly.
Start creating an inventory from memory, old photographs, or undamaged receipts if you don’t already have one.
Obtain contractor bids if at all possible. To determine structural damage and obtain repair cost estimates, meet with contractors. However, until the insurance company gives its approval, don’t commit to anything.
Choose a contractor you or your neighbors know; avoid rogue contractors that visit disaster-affected areas, demand large upfront payments, and then vanish.
Seek assistance with claims issues
Find out how to fight a claim settlement with your insurance if you are having problems getting your claim reimbursed.
Additionally, many states establish expedited appeals procedures following a significant disaster, and your state insurance department can assist you with the claims process and ensure that you are receiving all benefits to which you are entitled under your policy.
For contact information, view the map of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
It could be beneficial to acquire a second opinion from a public adjuster if, after negotiating with your insurer and the state insurance department, you are still having problems getting your claim reimbursed. The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters is a good place to look for a certified public adjuster.
A portion of your payout—usually between 10% and 15% of the total amount recovered—is charged by these adjusters. Verify the adjuster’s state-issued license.
Federal resources for disasters
You might be eligible for government aid if you reside in a federal disaster area. This could include tax reductions for uninsured casualty losses, a Small Business Administration disaster loan (even if you don’t own a business), or a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Visit a FEMA disaster recovery center or DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance and find out what benefits you are eligible for.
