Evacuate if necessary and avoid entering a damaged home until it's deemed safe.
Take care of immediate safety concerns, like turning off electricity or gas if there is damage.
Notify your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. Most insurance companies have a 24/7 claims line.
Be ready to provide: Your policy number, A general description of the damage, Date of the hurricane event
Photograph and/or videotape everything. Take clear pictures of damaged areas, including the exterior and interior.
Create an inventory of damaged personal property, including furniture, electronics, and other valuables. Write down item details like the make, model, and approximate value.
If possible, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. For example, you might use tarps to cover a damaged roof or board up broken windows.
Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or expenses like boarding up windows, purchasing tarps, or staying in temporary housing.
When the adjuster arrives: Be present if possible to answer questions and provide evidence of the damage.- Walk through the house and point out everything that was damaged. Provide the adjuster with your photos, videos, and inventory of damaged items. Provide a detailed estimate, photos, and Sworn Proof of Loss to the insurance company in a timely manner.
Review your policy to know what’s covered and the deductibles, especially if it includes special clauses for hurricane, flood, or wind damage.
Some policies have different deductibles for hurricane-related damage, often based on a percentage of your homes insured value.
- If you're unhappy with the settlement offer or the speed of the claim processing, hire a public adjuster who works on your behalf. Typically you will receive any where from 300%-700% more.
If the hurricane has caused widespread damage, your area may be declared a disaster zone by the federal government. In that case, you may be eligible for additional assistance from FEMA
Document everything, Take a lot of photos, email the insurance company to keep a paper trail, Follow up regularly with your insurance company to ensure they are processing your claim.