Hurricane Preparedness Week: Safety and Claims

First make sure you review your insurance policies yearly, before the storm hits. Be sure to talk with your insurance agent, and learn your appropriate limits, deductibles, and flood insurance benefits.

Put your safety first! Make sure to follow the advice of the local authorities including Police and Law Enforcement during and after a storm. If you decide to leave your home, do not return until it is safe to do so.

If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent/company to file a claim. Make temporary repairs (if possible) to avoid future damage. Be sure to keep all receipts for anything you purchase associated with the loss, and make a list of damage items. If you are able to take photos of the damage, do so until you are able to meet with a claims adjuster.

If you are forced out of your home, Additional Living Expense provisions of your policy will enable you to secure temporary housing. Save all of your receipts from restaurants, hotels, etc. as you may be eligible for additional living expenses in your policy.

Be patient, as the claims process can sometimes be a lengthy one. In a matter of minutes a hurricane can wipe out an entire town/city, but it might take a while for the claims process to bring you and your family back to normal.