Five Things Insurance Companies Won’t Tell You When Filing a Hurricane Damage Claim
A hurricane leaves a devastating trail of damage in its path. Homeowners living in hurricane-prone areas need to pay for a separate hurricane damage coverage in case a hurricane happens in their area. The Hurricane Damage Policy does not cover water damage due to floods.
Property damage insurance also tends to sneak in percentage-based deductibles. There are a lot of things that insurance agents don’t explain until a natural disaster actually happens.
Here are the five things that an insurance company will not tell you about when filing a hurricane damage claim.
#1 Insurance policy covers storm cleanup
When a hurricane strikes, there is a possibility that your house may be left unscathed. Even if that happens, there’s a big chance that uprooted posts and trees will end up in your yard. These are things that you cannot clean up on your own. You will need professional assistance for that.
If this happens to you, some policies cover storm clean up. The average amount of coverage for cleanup is between $500-$1000.
#2 You need to call your insurer or damage appraiser (if you have one) to begin the process
Insurance agents don’t tell you this often, and it should be common knowledge. Once the hurricane rampage ends, you need to call the insurance company to start the process even before documenting the damage.
Contact them as soon as possible to send a representative to assess the damage and compensate you for the claim. Remember that you are not the only person who will be claiming.
When you wait too long, you end up at the bottom of the list. If you’re displaced, you will end up paying higher prices for your daily necessities.
Also, insurance policies have a “prompt notice requirement.” This is a mandate that you submit for the company to acknowledge your claim after the event.
#3 Do not “diagnose” the problems yourself
Many insurers take advantage of homeowners who diagnose damage on their own. Here is what makes it a big mistake: not all homeowners have intricate knowledge of their homes.
For example, homeowners aren’t well-versed in wirings, walls, materials, or anything related to the house and the damage’s full extent. Diagnosing the problem by yourself may force you to end up missing a lot of damage — that, or mistaking the damage for something else.
When you make mistakes about those damages, the insurance company will pay you less for reparation. You may end up dishing out more money instead of having enough money to cover the expenses.
#4 Alternative living expense
Homeowners’ policies may cover additional living expenses when your home becomes uninhabitable. These living expenses include rent, food, and other necessities. However, it is only available up to a certain amount instead of total coverage.
The alternative living expense may be the first payment the insurance company hands to you before determining the costs needed for your home’s reparation or rebuilding. Depending on the system, the insurers may give you debit cards.
Keep records and receipts to be reimbursed.
#5 You can still qualify for government assistance programs
Insurance companies do not tell you that aside from their coverage, homeowners still qualify for assistance programs. State and federal governments have special assistance programs in place for those who have suffered hurricanes, such as providing temporary shelters and giving out food, water, and clothing.
Even when you have insurance, that does not mean you are not qualified for government assistance. There is also a big chance that the government will offer short-term loans for those whose insurance will not cover the full cost of house reparation and item replacement.
When hurricanes happen, insurance companies are overwhelmed. Public adjusters are available for consultation and guidance to help you to get the best out of your insurance.
National Damage Appraisers
1 Stowell Ave.
Worcester, MA 01606
877-290-2929
774-239-0652
Info@NDA911.com
