By Amber Lester Kennedy
Monday, August 29, 2011
Be sure to take photos of hurricane-related damages before clearing debris in order to file insurance claims. Photo by Will Armbruster.
Most residents of the Historic Triangle have begun clearing debris from Hurricane Irene, but are just starting to navigate the insurance claims process. We’ve gathered some tips on filing claims, and protecting property from further damage.
Check your insurance card for information on filing claims with your insurance provider. Standard homeowners’ insurance will cover wind damage, but not flooding. Take pictures of damage and be sure to provide descriptive detail when filing your claim. Try to remember the year you bought specific items, along with the approximate price at the time of purchase.
The Insurance Information Institute also recommends homeowners keep track of expenses for temporary repairs and costs incurred while seeking temporary housing. Generally speaking, those expenses are often reimbursed, says Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president of public affairs with the Institute.
The Institute offers the following suggestions on preparing for a visit from an insurance adjuster:
- Make sure your insurance company knows how to reach you, by cell phone and with back-up contacts. If at all possible, try to meet your adjuster at your property.
- Complete a proof of loss form in advance and bring home inventory documents.
- Photograph debris or destroyed items and ask your insurer if debris can be removed.
- Know that the first claims check you receive is often an advance, not a final settlement. You may receive three separate checks: one for damage to the structure; one for losses of personal belongings; and one for living expenses incurred while home is being repaired.
After water damage has occurred, the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial to prevent additional damage, according to Ken Escoe, Nationwide Insurance’s director of catastrophe claims operations.
“Many of the initial claims we have received were caused by strong wind and excessive rain,” Escoe said. “Claims may also involve water or sewage back-up in basements. If the waste system becomes blocked, overflow can be forced back through toilets and floor drains in the low points of your home.”
Nationwide recommends taking the following steps to protect your property from further damages:
- Make sure your electric source adjacent to the damaged area is disconnected.
- If water is flowing into the home, shut off the water supply.
- Only use an appliance designed to remove standing water, such as a wet vac.
- To prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew, immediately place all moist materials in a dry location.
- Separate items, such as upholstery, fabrics or other colored items to prevent color bleeding. Blot or wipe wood furniture to remove excess moisture.
- If items are too heavy to remove, place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpeting. Open furniture doors and draws to quicken the drying.
- Place large buckets or pans underneath sagging ceilings. If possible, punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water.
- Use fans to circulate air and assist with drying after removing standing water and establishing it is safe to reconnect electricity. In the summer months, use an air conditioner and dehumidifier if available.
- Keep your thermostat set at or below 70 degrees — increasing the temperature could promote growth of bacteria and mildew.
- Retain damaged items to allow for proper evaluation.
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