{"id":1368,"date":"2022-12-09T14:29:30","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T14:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advantageamerica.net\/?p=1368"},"modified":"2023-05-03T18:24:14","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T18:24:14","slug":"learn-how-to-file-a-homeowners-insurance-claim-after-a-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advantageamerica.net\/es\/learn-how-to-file-a-homeowners-insurance-claim-after-a-storm\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn how to file a Homeowners Insurance Claim after a storm"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0Did you know that California is the top state for natural disaster-related insurance claims in the U.S.? With its earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides and extreme weather related to climate change – homeowners may have become all too familiar with filing insurance claims. If a storm has recently caused damage to your home or property, it’s important to learn how to file a claim so you can get the help you need and protect your family from further destruction and financial hardship. In this blog post, we’ll provide helpful information on what to do when filing a homeowners insurance claim after a storm.<\/p>\n

Steps to file a claim<\/h2>\n

Contact Your Insurer<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Your first move: Reach out to your homeowners insurance agent<\/a>. Your policy requires you to file a claim in a timely manner<\/strong>, and that starts with contacting the insurer. But that contact can also help you get financial help right away, beyond the assistance offered by nongovernmental agencies, your state, or the federal government<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many displaced victims of Hurricane Ian, for instance, could get money from their\u00a0homeowners insurance<\/a>\u00a0companies immediately\u2014without the usual paperwork\u2014to help with the cost of living elsewhere. That coverage, standard in most homeowners\u2019 and renters\u2019 policies, is called additional living expenses (ALE) insurance. After recent major disasters, most homeowners insurance companies haven\u2019t been requiring documentation of home damage before sending initial checks to policyholders, says Michael Barry, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, an industry group.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome insurers may ask for proof that a home is not inhabitable, but they are in the minority based on what I have seen,\u201d Barry says.<\/p>\n

You will eventually have to document the damage, but in the interim, ALE can help you cover costs like temporary housing, restaurant meals, laundry, extra commuting expenses, and pet boarding. It can also help with expenses when you\u2019re dislocated because of mandatory evacuation orders\u2014even if your own home is accessible and fine to live in.<\/p>\n

Aside from ALE, you\u2019ll typically need to document your property damage to initiate a visit from an adjuster (the professional who assesses the costs of repairing, restoring, or rebuilding). If you can\u2019t access your property, it might be worth contacting your insurer to see whether it\u2019s using drones to conduct initial damage assessments. That could help expedite the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Do the Stopgap Work<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The insurer can advise you about what repairs you should make right away to make your home habitable or to prevent further damage.<\/p>\n

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For example, if you need a plumber to close off water lines, check your state\u2019s licensing board to find one who\u2019s licensed.<\/p>\n

Regardless of where the plumber is from, check the Better Business Bureau from that region for complaints and other information. You also may find testimonials on local review sites for consumer services.<\/p>\n

Even if the insurer sends you a check right away for that emergency work, you may have to pay the bill yourself first. Either way, keep receipts that you can later file with your claim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Get Your Coverage Details<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When you contact your agent<\/a> or insurance company, find out what\u2019s covered in your policy. You can also probably find it on your account page on the insurer\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers damage to the home\u2019s structure as well as personal property, minus a deductible. The amount you\u2019re paid will depend on the kind of coverage you have. \u201cReplacement cost\u201d coverage should pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your home and any lost or damaged items\u00a0at today\u2019s prices\u2014without accounting for the original items\u2019 depreciation. \u201cActual cash value\u201d coverage will pay you the value of your home and the damaged items inside, after depreciation has been taken into account.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n