Homeowners Guide to Navigating the Claims Process After a Hurricane

While any natural disaster can cause severe damage, hurricanes are extremely destructive due to both the high winds and torrential rain they bring. Hurricanes' devastation is often widespread across a large area and affects entire communities. If you experience hurricane damage at your home in Georgia, you must understand how to navigate the insurance claims process. When you know the process for making an insurance claim, you have a better chance of getting the results and payout you expect. If you are a homeowner who has experienced hurricane damage, consider these helpful tips for navigating the claims process after the storm.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Your current homeowner's insurance policy is the best source of information regarding your coverage. It will tell you exactly what coverage you have for your home and what damages your insurance provider will cover. Reviewing your policy carefully before you make the claim will be helpful when deciphering what to expect from the process. In most cases, your standard homeowner's policy won't cover flood damage. You'll need to have a separate flood insurance policy to cover damages caused by flooding. This includes mold, shifts in the foundation, and issues with your septic system or well.

Damage to your personal belongings may fall under your homeowner's insurance, though. Wind damage may also be covered unless you live near the coast, in areas such as Savannah or Brunswick. Many insurance companies require homeowners who live in high-risk areas to have additional coverage for things like wind damage that may normally be covered in other non-coastal areas.

Assess the Damages

After experiencing hurricane destruction to your home, carefully assess the damages. This will likely require you to take notes on the condition of your home and what you lost. It can be very difficult to think about the extent of what you've lost immediately following a hurricane, but it's crucial that you include as many details as you can for the best outcome when making your claim. Document information about damages to your possessions, the state of your home, outbuildings, and yard once the storm is over. 

Taking photographs of your property can assist in providing the proof you need for an insurance claim. If you have receipts or financial statements that show you bought items you've lost or paid for home repairs, these can also be helpful in making your case.

Know Your Deductible

A deductible is the amount your insurance company requires you to pay toward repairs and replacement of property and possessions before they will provide any compensation. Your deductible amount depends on your insurance contract. When you purchase a homeowner's insurance policy in Georgia, you set a deductible amount. The higher the deductible you choose, the less you pay each month for insurance and vice versa. Most homeowner's insurance deductibles range from $500 to $2,000, but this can vary depending on the provider and type of coverage you have. Know your deductible amount ahead of time and try to keep that money set aside in case of emergencies such as this.

File a Claim Immediately

The sooner you can file your insurance claim after a hurricane, the better off you'll be. Most insurance companies require you to make your claim promptly, and failure to do so could result in a denial. Your insurance company will want to know about damages to your home right away. This is because the longer issues are left unattended, the more problems they can create. Quickly making a claim also means you can take care of repairs promptly. Typically, you can begin the claims process by calling your insurance agent, but some companies will even allow you to file your claim online.

Talk to an Insurance Agent

Your insurance agent will guide you through the claims process, and are an invaluable source of information. Although you can likely file your claim online, it may benefit you to discuss your situation with an agent. They can help you gather the information you need for your claim to make sure nothing is missed. Have your policy number ready, and if you have policies through multiple companies, you'll have to contact each one. Try to provide as much information as possible when you initially talk to your insurance agent. The more information you give them, the easier it is for them to help you.

Keep Your Communications Private and Professional

It's important to keep your communication with your insurance company private and professional. Your insurance provider can access your emails and other means of communication regarding your claim, so the fewer people you discuss your case with, the less chance you have of running into issues. Always maintain professionalism throughout the claims process. 

It can take time for your insurance agent to sift through the information you provide and make a decision on your payout based on the facts provided. This can be frustrating after dealing with hurricane damage, but, remember that the insurance company is likely working with many people who are experiencing similar loss.

Maintain Records and Documentation

Maintaining records and documenting everything helps you keep track of your claim data. Every time you speak with your insurance agent or a representative, take notes. Include the date and time as well as the name of who you speak with, starting with your initial call to start the claims process. Keep notes of what you discuss and the documentation you provide as well as any requests they make. This will help you remember important details and track the timeline of the process. When the claims adjuster comes to your property, make notes about the interaction in case they are needed for future reference.

Appeal the Decision if Necessary

Once your insurance provider makes you an offer, you have the option to appeal the decision. This might be necessary if the payout doesn't cover your loss or you feel the amount is less than it should be. If it comes to this, you may want to consult a lawyer.

Hurricane damage in Georgia isn't as common as in other states like Florida and Texas, but regardless, it never hurts to be prepared. Knowing how to navigate the insurance claims process after a hurricane is the best way to protect yourself and ensure you know how to deal with your insurance company if your home suffers damage.

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