Handling Insurance Claims On 2009’s Rough Winter Storm Damage

Many people in the US have experienced a rough winter this year, and winter storms do a lot of damage. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that winder storms caused over a billion dollars in property damage last year. Water damage and frozen pipes, alone, account for 20% of this figure, and the average homeowner will suffer $5,000 from burst pipes. In order to make sure that your insurer takes care of this year’s winter storm damages, it is important to take care when making an insurance claim.

Since winter storms do cause massive amounts of damage, and where in fact, the third largest cause of claims in the US, it pays to be prepared.

Have you done a home inventory?

You can find software to help you, but the old method of keeping a notebook with pictures will work too. Keep in mind that a file folder or notebook in your own home could be damaged or lost if your house suffers severe damage. Some internet home inventory software allows you to store your records on secure computers away from your home.

Make temporary or emergency repairs if you have to

If you need to get something fixed right now so you can live in your house or prevent further damage, do not hesitate to do it. But before and after pictures will be a big help. You may want to keep a disposable camera in your emergency pack for this. Be sure and write a description of the damage, the repairs you did, and of course, save your receipts!

Track all of your expenses, including temporary lodging

If you need to find another place to sleep while you are making repairs, make sure you document all of the money you spend.

A picture really is worth a thousand words

Most people do not document their damage with pictures, but a picture (or video) of the damage really will show an insurer you are serious about your claim. Just as a careful job on a school report earned you an A, a good job on an insurance claim will be likely to get your claim handled faster.

Make Your Case To Your Home Insurer

The more documentation you can produce to substantiate your claim, the more chance you have of being satisfied with your claim check. Detailed before and after documentation of your losses would be best. Current home inventory software can handle descriptions, pictures, and even scans of receipts. If you do not chose to use software, a physical file with this information will also work. Again, just make sure you store this file somewhere safe. You may have a safety deposit box at your local bank, and you could keep it there with your will and other important documents.

But if you have not prepared a detailed home inventory, the “after” documentation can still help you make an insurance damage claim. Just describe your damage in detail, and back that description up with pictures if that is possible. You should not have to have a “before” photo of your sofa to prove that it is not usually sitting in 6 inches of water. You may have to accept the adjuster’s valuation of it if you cannot prove the sofa cost $4,500, but you can still make your claim.

The Insurance Information Institute (iii.org) also publishes free brochures that can help you make winter storm insurance claims.

Safety First

Do not be so eager to provide your documentation that you put yourself in a dangerous situation. If you should not enter your home, you should – of course – contact your insurer anyway. Just describe your situation, and a top insurer should know how to handle it.

Is Your Homeowners Insurance Covering You Well?

If you have not been satisfied with your insurer, or really do not know what your policy covers, it may be time to do some comparison shopping. Our safe, fast, and free homeowners insurance quote forms can help you compare multiple quotes from top insurers.

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