Billions of dollars of property damage have been done to the southeastern United States thanks to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Despite Central Georgia being largely sparred, it’s important to have a game plan ready in case you need to file a claim on your homeowners' insurance in the near future.
When your property has been damaged by a storm, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming. But by following these steps, you can make the process more manageable and improve your chances of a successful outcome. Here's a breakdown of the key actions you should take:
1. Report Your Claim Quickly
One of the first things you should do after storm damage occurs is to contact your insurance company. The faster you report your claim, the quicker the recovery process can begin. Your coverage might fall under homeowners’ insurance, flood insurance, or even both, depending on the type of damage. Don’t delay—time is of the essence.
2. Thoroughly Document the Damage
Take clear, high-quality photos and videos of all the damage, but only if it’s safe to do so. Be thorough and make sure nothing is removed or altered before you document it. Proper documentation is crucial for your claim, serving as evidence of the damage. If you miss this step, it could delay or reduce your compensation.
3. Keep a Detailed Record of Communications
As you navigate the claims process, you’ll be in touch with many professionals, from insurance adjusters to repair contractors. It’s essential to keep a detailed log of every conversation. Record the names, companies, dates, times, and the content of your discussions. This organized record will help avoid any misunderstandings and keep your claim on track.
4. Save All Receipts for Expenses
Storm damage often results in various out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll need to keep receipts for everything, as many of these costs may be reimbursed. This includes:
Hotel and food expenses if you had to evacuate
Temporary living arrangements if your home is uninhabitable
Materials for any initial repairs to prevent further damage to your property
By maintaining a thorough record of your expenses, you can increase your chances of recovering these costs.
5. Vet Professionals Before Hiring
Once you begin the repair process, be cautious when hiring professionals. Unfortunately, post-disaster scams are common. Before hiring a contractor or assigning any of your insurance benefits, verify their references and ensure they are licensed. While local help is often a safer bet, if you must hire professionals from out of the area, thoroughly vet them before committing to anything.
Be sure to check out storm contractor and roofer fraud resources from the Georgia Department of Insurance for more tips on how to protect yourself.
6. Reach Out for Additional Support
If you encounter issues during your claims process or need further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for help. In addition to helping our clients find the right insurance at the right price, we are there to provide resources and walk with you through the claims filing process. If you haven’t made the switch to Roland, Abbott, & DeZoort yet, give our team a call and experience the difference today.
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