Property Loss Preparation
Be Prepared for a Property Loss With the West Coast at risk for earthquakes, the East prone to snowstorms and hurricanes, and tornadoes threatening much of the Midwest, few places are immune to the fury of Mother Nature. In fact, every year, millions of people face property damage from unexpected events. Natural catastrophes can strike quickly and without warning. In the worst cases - such as Hurricane Andrew, the Oakland Firestorm, Hurricane Ivan, the Northridge Earthquake, and most recently Hurricane Katrina - many people learned the hard way how well their homes and property resisted disaster. If someone has become injured on your property or if a violent storm destroys your home, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Remember, a homeowners policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. And there are rules and procedures that you and your insurer must follow. Read your insurance policy to see what your responsibilities are. Start Preparation Today
Photographs/Videotape Documentation If possible, photograph or videotape household possessions. Pictures are helpful when an item is hard to describe on paper or if a purchase receipt cannot be obtained. Labeling each photograph with information about the item - and if a camcorder is used, providing a commentary of each item and date-stamp on the video - will be highly useful. Remember to go slowly so that each room is thoroughly covered. Protect and Update the Inventory Store a copy of the inventory in a safe-deposit box, work office or relative's house, and include copies of any important documentation or receipts. The list should be updated semi-annually to ensure an accurate recording of the home's contents. HELP! I HAVE TO FILE A CLAIM How do I file a homeowners claim? Report any crime to the police police. Get a police report and the names of all law enforcement officers that you speak with. Phone your agent or company immediately Make temporary repairs Prepare a list of lost or damaged articles If you need to relocate, keep your receipts Get claim forms Have an adjuster inspect the damage to your home Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that you be sent payment promptly. In most cases, your claim will be processed quickly. |