Understanding the Ins and Outs of Filing Disaster Insurance Claims

You never know when a disaster is going to strike. An unexpected flash flood, a hurricane or a fire all have the potential to cause extensive damage to your North Carolina home. No matter the disaster, you need to be prepared, especially when it is time to file a disaster insurance claim.

Filing A Disaster Insurance Claim

Every insurance company has different steps for filing a disaster claim. However, the following guidelines will help make the process easier and more streamlined.

1. Complete A Home Inventory Checklist —Every North Carolina homeowner should keep a detailed inventory of their home’s possessions. This inventory should include images, purchase records, and a brief description of the items. If your home suffers from a disaster, you will need to reference this list when filing a claim. In fact, the first step in filing your claim will be to compare before and after images of your home and its contents, so that you can be reimbursed for your losses.

2. Assess Immediate Needs — Unless damaged property is hazardous to your health, do not throw it out. Your insurance adjuster will often need to assess the damage in person. However, in the meantime you will need to assess your immediate needs. For example, are your appliances damaged? Does your home need doors or windows to prevent further damage? During this portion of the claim, communicate clearly and effectively with your insurance provider. Keep detailed records, including time and date stamped videos and photos of the damage, so that your immediate needs can be addressed quickly.

3. Contact Your Insurer Immediately After the Event. — Be sure to ask for both your claim number and the agent’s contact information. During this stage, you will be faced with a vast amount of paperwork. Make sure that you read everything carefully, keep meticulous records, and submit the necessary photographic (and potentially video) evidence of the damage that your home suffered. Remember that an insurance claim is only payable after you and the insurer agree on the damages, and you sign a “Proof of Loss” statement.

Leave the Heavy Lifting to The Restoration Experts

This may all sound like a lot to handle, especially in the aftermath of a disaster. Luckily for North Carolina homeowners, the experts at ServiceMaster of Buncombe County can walk with you through each step and handle the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. After you file the disaster claim with your insurance provider, the process of cleaning and restoring your home will begin. To assist with this process, ServiceMaster of Buncombe County will complete a thorough home inventory and contents pack out, assess your immediate needs and offer disaster restoration services that will effectively restore your home from water, flood, fire, and smoke damage. To learn more about how the experts at ServiceMaster of Buncombe County can assist during the restoration period of a disaster insurance claim, contact a team member today.