Tag: homeowners insurance

Preparing for a Storm

09.09.2024

Fortunately, the 2024 hurricane season has been relatively calm. We previously blogged about steps that can be taken after your property is damaged by a hurricane or other natural disaster. (Click here to access our prior blog). With a Tropical Storm, and potential Hurricane, threatening our coast, here are some steps to consider taking to prepare before a storm arrives in the event you must make a property insurance claim for damages after the storm:

  • DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT – The best way to prove the condition of your property before damage is caused is to document it. Take pictures and videos of the interior and exterior of your home or business. Create an inventory of your contents. Narrate the video to provide better descriptions. If your property is damaged, this documentation will be used to verify its condition and make it easier for your insurer to adjust and pay your claim.
  • INSPECT YOUR PROPERTY – As you are making your preparations, you may consider taking a walk around your property to notice any prior damage to your property. Identify any issues that could affect a potential insurance claim.
  • KNOW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGES – Make sure you are aware of the coverages that your insurance policy provides. The Declarations Page to your policy should provide much of this information – the coverage limits, types of coverage provided, deductible, etc. While your insurance agent likely maintains this for you, it is good practice to maintain and know this information, which lets you know what will or will not be covered.
  • MITIGATE YOUR DAMAGES – You can take steps to prevent damage to your property during the storm. You can pick up items around the property that could become airborne and take whatever precautions you can to prevent damage to your property, particularly the exterior. If your property is damaged, you can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage until your insurance company can get to you (like placing a tarp on the roof).

What to do if your Home or Business is Damaged by Flood or Storm

05.18.2021

Unfortunately, recent flooding and storm events have again affected our area in Louisiana.  Many people experienced flooding and storm damage to their homes and businesses.  If you experienced flood or storm damage, please consider following these steps to ensure your damage claim is properly documented and submitted:

  • DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT – Once you are able, make sure to document the damages to your home and contents.  Whether for a homeowners or flood insurance policy or to obtain government assistance, take plenty of photos and video of the damage.  Make a list of the items that were damaged or destroyed.  One way to organize this list is to group items from each room together, approximate its age, where it was purchased, and its value when purchased.  It will be more difficult to document your claim once the cleanup or rebuilding begins.
  • OBTAIN MULTIPLE ESTIMATES -To the extent you are able, obtain multiple estimates for the work needed on your home.  Pay for the estimate if necessary.  If you have three estimates and the amounts are close, they are much more credible.  Also, try and get as much detail as possible in each estimate, including specific materials to be used, dimensions, and finishes.
  • NOTIFY YOUR INSURER – Whether a homeowners or flood policy claim, or other insurance claim related to your business, promptly notify your insurer of your damage.  Your insurer will send someone to inspect the damage and start your claim.  Provide as much information as possible to make their job as easy as possible.  That will likely quicken the pace of your claim.
  • FLOOD CLAIMS – If you have flood insurance, it is likely provided by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  There are specific rules for submitting your claim through the NFIP.  YOU MUST SUBMIT FEMA FORM 086-0-11 (NOTICE OF LOSS) WITHIN 120 DAYS OF YOUR DAMAGE.  You can find this form here.