Hurricane Helene left behind a trail of destruction, affecting homes and vehicles across the regions she hit. In case your property has been damaged, knowing how to file a claim with your insurance provider becomes very important for recovery. This article summarizes steps you may take depending on the nature of the damage you have experienced.
Know your coverage
First, know what your insurance policy covers. Homeowners’ policies usually provide coverage for damage due to wind from hurricanes, but damage from flooding generally requires a separate flood insurance policy. If your car was damaged, you would need to look to your comprehensive auto coverage for repairs related to flooding or storm debris.
Types of damage
- Wind damage: High winds can break the windows, damage the roofs, or knock down trees.
- Flood damage: The main causes of this flood damage are storm surges and heavy rainfall. This generally requires flooding insurance.
- Vehicle damage: During hurricanes, there may be flooding, wind damage, and impacts from debris.
Steps to file an insurance claim
- Document the damage: Immediately after the storm has passed, and it is safe to do so, begin documentation of damages by doing the following:
- Take photos and videos: Take clear photos and videos of all areas of your home that have been damaged and any vehicles. Make sure to get close-up shots of specific damages and take wide shots for context.
- Create a list: Write down in inventory all items that have been damaged, including their estimated value and the date purchased.
- Contact your insurance company: The sooner you contact your insurance provider to report the damage, the better.
- File as soon as possible: Most insurers require you to notify them of a loss within a specific number of days—usually within 30 days.
- Make sure the insurer acknowledges your claim: By law, the insurer must acknowledge in writing the receipt of your claim within 14 days.
Determining damage types and homeowners insurance claims
Read your policy to understand limitations of coverage and what is excluded.
Wind insurance claims
If winds cause damage to your property you can :
- Take temporary repairs, if necessary to make your home secure, such as boarding up broken windows, but first document the original damage.
- Keep all receipts for temporary repairs as these may be reimbursable under your policy.
Flood insurance claims
If flooding occurred:
- First check to see if you have a separate flood insurance policy as standard homeowners coverage does not cover flood-related damages.
- Document the extent of flooding and any resulting damages thoroughly.
Auto insurance claims
If there is damage to your vehicle(s):
- Inform your auto insurance company about the flooding or storm damage
- Prepare all your documents, in case it is considered a total loss due to enormous flooding or structural damage that cannot be renovated or repaired.
Filing a claim
After informing your insurer, you will have to do the following;
- Fill the Proof of Loss Form: This is a form explaining the occurrence of the damage and loss. Fill it out completely with all items and states they are in.
- Insurance adjuster assessment: The insurance adjuster will come on your site for assessment of damages himself. Present at the time of his visit to give him background and information about the damages.
- Submit repair estimates: Get estimates from contractors that prove the repairs needed by your property. This will help in quick settlement of your claim.
Addressing issues
When your claim has a problem:
- Follow up regularly: Take record of all the contacts between you and the insurance company, along with date, name of the concerned people, and information shared in the conversation.
- Engage an attorney: In the case of disputes in settlement amounts or denial of claims, seek the services of an attorney who handles insurance claims.
Additional resources
In addition to filing insurance claims:
- Uninsured and underinsured individuals can check for federal assistance programs through FEMA.
- Communicate with local authorities to know the newest recovery resources available in your area.
Or you can read about federal assistance programs Here
