Preparing for Emergencies & Filing Claims – Whitford Insurance Network

We all know that sometimes things often go wrong without warning, a natural disaster can strike at any time. Instead of worrying about an unpredictable event which is out of our control, focus on what you can control. Being prepared for an emergency is not only financially smart, it also gives you piece of mind. Make sure to discuss potential disasters, especially those that are known to occur frequently in your region, with your insurance agent. Are you covered in all potential areas of risk? Are there steps you can take in advance to protect yourself and your home or business from damage and higher costs? Answering these questions with the help of your agent could save you a great deal of money and time in the future. When a disaster does happen, the I.I.I. (Insurance Information Institute) offers the following claims filing tips:

1.     Be prepared to give your agent or insurance company representative a description of the damage. Your agent will report the loss to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you about making an appointment to inspect the damage. If you have to evacuate, make sure to give your agent or insurer a telephone number where you can be reached. 2.     Take photos of the damaged areas. These will assist the adjuster in the investigation and help with the claims process.  3.     If you do not already have one, prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Be sure to make two copies, one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at the time of purchase and estimated replacement cost, if you are able to provide that figure.  4.     Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the damaged or destroyed property.  5.     Make whatever temporary repairs are needed to protect your home from further damage and from causing injury to you and others. Do not make extensive permanent repairs until after the claims adjuster has been to your home and assessed the damage. 6.     Save receipts for any supplies or materials purchased, and make copies of bills for your records. Your insurance company will reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred in making temporary repairs. Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, costs and replacement prices. 7.     The contractor's bid should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. 8.     Be sure to keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you.

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