Filing an Insurance Claim After a Hurricane
America is known for devastating natural disasters, including floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes. A much-feared phenomenon, hurricanes cause severe flooding and destruction, especially when they reach Category 4 and 5 strengths.
Chances are, if a hurricane barrels down on your city or town, your home will sustain damage. Fortunately, if you have homeowners insurance, your policy can help pay for some or all of the damage.
If you live in Mississippi while trying to pick up the pieces after a hurricane, filing a flood insurance claim in Mississippi may be overwhelming and confusing.
The following guide will show you what to do in the aftermath of a hurricane and how to file a claim for damages. Following these strategies will help you get the funds to repair and restore your home and move on with your life.
Do Not Risk Your Safety
You will want to get photos and videos of the damage to support your insurance claim. However, if your neighborhood is severely affected by a hurricane, it is important to wait for official clearance.
Hurricanes leave downed power lines, weakened structures, and hazardous debris in their wake. These are just some of the risks you may encounter if you rush back home without waiting for clearance.
When you get the all-clear, you should still look for potential hazards while taking pictures. If you take photos with your smartphone, use an app that adds the date and time to each image. You should also put the phone’s GEO location on so that your insurer can see the images are valid.
Ideally, it would help if you got identifying features within the photos and videos. This includes things like the house number.
Again, put your safety first. Do not climb onto the roof to get pictures, even if it seems stable. Take pictures and video footage from a distance.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the disaster. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner the insurance processes can kick in.
Remember that hurricane claims can overwhelm insurance companies, even the bigger ones. So, even if you get your claim in fast, you may still wait a long time for your payment.
Once you have submitted your claim, your insurance company will respond within 14 days. Moreover, they typically have around 90 days to pay or deny your insurance claim.
It is crucial to note that widespread disasters often prompt insurance companies to implement special procedures for claims. If this is the case, ask your insurer about the specifics before you file your claim. You must also ensure you have all the relevant policy numbers before filing.
What to Do When Filing a Claim
If you want your claim to be successful, you must cooperate with the insurance provider. Find out which documents, information, and forms you must submit to complete your claim. It is also advisable to note each conversation or communication you have with the insurance company.
If your house is destroyed and you must arrange to live elsewhere, check your policy for coverage for additional living expenses. This will help pay for temporary accommodation.
If you need urgent temporary repairs to prevent further damage, get it done. This may include a leaking roof, broken windows, and crumbling walls. Save all the receipts and records related to these repairs.
However, do not make any permanent repairs before your insurance company has had a chance to inspect the house and assess the damage. You must also wait until you agree on how much the repairs will cost.
If the damage is severe, your claim will inevitably take longer to resolve.
When to Hire a Public Adjuster
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage done by the hurricane. The adjuster will require documentation of said damages and a list of your belongings (inside the house at the time of the disaster).
While insurance adjusters come at no cost when provided by your insurer, you may want to consider hiring a public adjuster. A public adjuster will have no ties to your insurance provider and is the better choice if you have a large claim.
You can also hire a public adjuster if you want a second opinion or another evaluation of your claim. A public adjuster can also guide you through the claims process.
However, public adjuster services do not come cheap. You will pay anything from 3% to 30% of your settlement.
Deductibles Relating to Hurricane Damage Claims
Nineteen U.S. states and the district of Columbia allow a hurricane or storm deductible. This deductible is not the same as the one from your homeowner’s policy. Also, the states that allow this deductible all have a shoreline.
The deductible is likely 1% to 5% of your home’s insured value. However, if you live in a high-risk area, like right along the coast, this percentage may increase to 10%.
Claim Payments
Your insurance company will likely be under immense pressure to pay out all claims quickly. This means you will probably get a rough estimate from the adjuster the first time they visit your property.
If you get an incomplete estimate, ask the adjuster to return and formalize the estimation. It is also possible that your insurance company will offer you an instant (on-the-spot) settlement. However, they may also pay your claim with more than one check.
If you claim for damage to your home and the loss of your belongings, you will receive two separate checks.
Also, remember that if you are still paying for your house, your mortgage lender will likely take your claim checks and deposit them in escrow until the repairs are done. The lender will also ensure the repairs are done properly before paying the contractor.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Rejected
If your insurer denies your claim, review their written explanation for the denial. The insurer will also reference the policy terms it used to deny your claim. However, you can appeal the decision with the help of a lawyer. A lawyer can help you through the appeals process and assist with any other difficulties you encounter after you claim.
