5 Essential Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies and Disasters

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Disasters can occur at any time but being prepared can help you deal with your insurance company. Water damages, fires, and storm damages can cause severe damages to your home and cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Filing claims through your insurance company can add to the stress, but we have some tips that will make filing claims a little easier and less stressful. Below we will discuss some dos and don’ts when dealing with insurance companies and disasters.

Never Touch Anything

Never try to clean any of the damaged areas. Your insurance company will want pictures and professional documentation when filing claims. If you touch anything, it can cause problems with getting the most from your insurance company. Always wait for the professionals to arrive and talk with them about the next steps.

Know Ways to Talk to Your Insurance Company

Knowing how to word things during your conversation is essential. Flooding and water damage are two different words on your policy. If you are unsure what should be said, talk to your disaster cleanup company. Most times, they will handle your insurance claims. They will know what you should tell your insurance company, a wrong word could end with challenges and cause you to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed at a later date.

Enlist the Help of Your Disaster Cleanup Company

Communicate with your disaster cleanup company. This may go without saying, but they can really help you during your time of need. They deal with insurance companies on a daily basis, meaning they know what needs to be dealt with. If you are unsure what you need to do, ask them. They will be happy to help. Many companies file the insurance claims, making your need to call your insurance company very slim.

Know Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Knowing your homeowner’s insurance policy is crucial. Read over your policy to see what benefits you have and what is covered. Some policies pay for hotels and meals. This can be a lifesaver if you are in the middle of a home disaster. If you have questions about your policy, call your insurance company before a disaster strikes. You never want to be in the middle of a disaster and have problems.

Document Any Damages Done by Others

If damages are caused by a company that is providing your home service, document it. This can happen if someone drives over a pipe and it breaks, or if damages were caused as they were completing repairs. Take pictures, document the company name, and ask for the name of the employees who damaged your property. It is better to have more information than not enough.