If a hurricane strikes your entire house (and your life) may be in chaos. Paperwork is likely to be the most important thing you think of. Unfortunately, supplying the proper documents is crucial to getting your life back on track when you file a hurricane damage claim.
This is why it’s important to have everything in place before the storm hits, to ensure you’re ready if a catastrophe should strike.
Make Your “Before the Storm” To-Do List
A lot of homeowners view getting insurance as a way that they can check off their list of things to do, but don’t have a good understanding of their policy. Everyone has a busy schedule. However, this could be a mistake and cause you to be in a bad position if you need to make claims.
For you to be prepared for the eventuality of a hurricane-related property damage claim, we suggest these:
- Check the policy to learn the coverage for damages and what aren’t. In many instances it is possible to amend your policy to ensure that you’re protected in the event of a storm.
- Save your policies on hand. Put it in a plastic bag and keep it in with the other important documents you’ll be carrying in the case that you need to evacuate.
It’s equally important to note the condition of your house prior to the time of repair, as it’s tough to establish the extent of the damage when the house is in chaos. To protect yourself it is recommended to do these things:
- Film your home both inside and outside – to record its condition
- Make sure you take detailed photographs and videos of everything valuable
- Maintain receipts and invoices for the most valuable things
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of the contents
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an insurance attorney. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your individual situation.
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