When a winter storm causes damage to your property, there’s no time to waste. You can save yourself time, money, and stress by understanding how to navigate seasonal homeowners or renters claims efficiently. Follow these tips to expedite your claim:
1. Assess and Document the Damage
Once you’ve ensured that your people are safe, take a thorough inventory of the damage on your property. Take photos or video footage of the damage, being sure to capture any structural damage, broken appliances, ruined personal possessions, and other issues.
2. Don’t Wait, Prevent Further Damage
If you’re worried that a temporary repair might inhibit your claim, don’t worry anymore! Insurance policies often require homeowners and renters to protect their property from further damage after the storm. This could include covering broken windows, tarping leaking roofs, moving undamaged belongings to a safer location, and so on.
Be sure to keep your receipts for temporary repairs—these may be reimbursed by your insurer.
3. Contact Your Insurance Agent Promptly
The sooner you report a claim, the better. Submit all of that footage you captured along with any necessary documentation and keep track of your claim number and communications with your agent, who will guide you through the process for an efficient outcome.
4. Keep an Inventory of Damaged Belongings
Before you start tossing damaged goods, make a list of the items that have been lost or damaged, including their estimated value and dates of purchase.
Bonus Tip: Complete a home inventory now, before there’s ever an issue, to save yourself time and energy in the event of an emergency.
5. Work with Trusted Contractors
Damaging storms are often followed by a flurry of contractors knocking on your door. These folks might offer you a quick fix that may ultimately cost you more than you bargained for. Consult with your insurer to make sure that you’re working with properly credentialed contractors.
6. Understand What Your Policy Covers
Different types of damage may be covered by different policies, so it’s important to understand what your policy covers now (and when an issue arises later). Typically, winter-related damages like roof collapse from snow, burst pipes, and wind damage are covered, but floods from melting snow or ice may require separate flood insurance.
Familiarize yourself with your homeowners or renters policy and contact your local, independent Wichert agent to make any adjustments in case you feel your coverage is not adequate.
7. Review Deductibles and Coverage Limits
Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean that any and all damage will be fully covered—your coverage depends upon the policy. Policies also have limits on certain types of damage. Familiarize yourself with your policy’s coverage limits and deductible, which is the amount that you’ll need to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
8. Follow Up on Your Claim with Your Wichert Agent
Stay in touch with your Wichert agent or claims adjuster during the claims process. They can give you an estimate on how long the claim will take to process and will help you make sure that all of the required documentation is submitted properly so that there aren’t any avoidable processing delays.
Prepare for Winter Weather with Your Wichert Agent
Every area faces unique winter weather challenges that impact the kind of coverage you might need. Connect with your local, independent Wichert agent today to review your policy, understand what is and isn’t covered, and secure some peace of mind ahead of the winter season. We look forward to customizing a plan to meet your family’s needs.