Even though Hurricane season is winding down

There is no better time for a refresher on some storm damage tips. As we know, storms can occur at any time.  The best possible thing you can do is be prepared for the worst and be grateful when the worst does not happen.

What to do In the event of a claim

In the event that a storm or flood claim occurs the following steps are a good guideline for the steps to take. Stay calm and make sure that everyone is safe.

1. Survey the Damage to your home.
2. Call your insurance agent to discuss the damage and how to proceed with filing a claim.
3. Prevent further Damage. Your agent can assist you with this depending on the damage to your home. If needed, your Agent will offer to send a restoration company out to extract water, remove wet flooring and sheet rock, tarp the roof and so on.
4. Remember to take photos of any damage before moving anything or making temporary repairs, as the adjuster will need this for their report.
5. Save any receipts for tarps or other items needed to secure your home from further damage.
6. Make sure to pay attention to your voicemails left by unfamiliar numbers and answer calls from long distance numbers as adjusters may have out of state numbers. If adjusters are left waiting for additional information from you this can slow the processing of your claim.

Some additional tips for protecting your home and belongings are as follows:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors
• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.*tips from http://www.servprocentraleastbatonrougeparish.com/water-damage-tips

Dealing with your Adjuster

• When it comes to dealing with the adjuster, please remember that your claim is not the only claim that they are working. They are working diligently to get claims processed for many people. Following a few things that will help an adjuster be able to process your storm or water damage claim.

1. Have your photos of the damage readily accessible so that you can email them to your adjuster.
2. Take photos or scan any receipts so that you can quickly email them to the adjuster.
3. Make a detailed list of any belongings that were damaged to provide to the adjuster
4. Stay close to your phone and answers calls so that the adjuster is not waiting on you. Since they are working with so many people, if you miss their call, it is very likely that you will be shortly engaging in a game of phone tag.

In these moments where tensions are running high and you feel like things are out of control. It is important to remember and old saying, “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Remember it is not the insurance companies or the adjuster’s fault that the damage occurred. They are just the means to restoration. Try work with them instead of taking your frustrations out on them.

The Insurance Company, your adjuster and your agent are there to help you. Communicate with them, ask them questions and talk to them. Open communication will help you along the road of the claims process.