Hurricane Irene left many people along the east coast without a home and many more facing high costs for repair and rebuilding of their homes. Before a storm people tend to focus on boarding up windows and gathering belongings, but many people neglect to check their
Preparation Is Key
In general, many people go months or years without ever checking their
Inspection and maintenance before a storm can protect the
Routine Inspections. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your
*Always have your
*Obtain a copy of the inspection report to show your insurance company, in the event you need to file a claim.
Get in touch with your insurance company. Many homeowners do not know the specifics of what is and is not covered in their policies. It is a good idea to contact your insurance company before a major storm to ask about your coverage. You may be able to purchase additional coverage or get advice on how to protect your home during a storm.
* Ask your insurance provider about any maintenance requirements or exclusionary clauses prior to filing a claim
* Find out what documentation will be needed in order to process any potential claims.
Take pictures. Whenever you are dealing with an insurance company, the more proof you have the smoother the claims process. Paperwork that documents any
* Always keep copies of repair work, inspection reports and
* Take before and after pictures of your
Don’t be left empty handed after a storm, get the most from your insurance company by being prepared. When unfortunate events devastate our neighborhood, there is no reason to end up in debt over repair costs. Homeowners insurance is a helpful resource for home protection, but you have to ensure you have done your part to protect your home and family.