After the Storm - Fixing the Damage

If disaster does strike your home or vehicle:

1. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim and arrange a visit from an adjuster..  You must do this first before you file any other claim. 
   

2. Before doing any repairs to your house, photograph and make a list of the damage.

3. Protect your home from further damage by making temporary repairs only, until your insurance company can advise you further. Save any receipts for materials purchased for repairs.

4. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.

5. If necessary, rent temporary shelter. If your home is uninhabitable, most homeowners policies pay additional living expenses while your property is being repaired. Before renting temporary shelter, check with your insurance company or agent to determine what expenses will be reimbursed.

6. Unless you have extra coverage with your homeowners policy, food lost in a power outage is probably not covered. Consider purchasing an endorsement to cover food losses in the future.

7. Most damage to your home or surrounding structures resulting from fallen trees is covered by your homeowners policy. Check with your agent or company before calling the tree removal service as removal costs may also be covered.

8. Damage to your vehicles resulting from fallen trees or debris may be covered by your auto policy if you have comprehensive coverage. Check with your agent to determine whether your vehicle is covered.

9. A homeowner's policy does not cover flooding! The only way to protect your property from flood losses is to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. Policies must be in place for 30 days before coverage takes affect. Contact your agent for more information.

10. If your insurance does not adequately cover the loss of or damages to your home, you may file a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, but only AFTER you've filed your homeowner's insurance claim.
    
11. After filing with FEMA, and your loss is still greater, you may file with the Small Business Administration for a loan.

Keep in mind that none of these measures will ever restore your home to its original condition.  These steps are meant to help you get back on your feet.

Following a state emergency, the Department of Insurance will be in close contact with top insurance companies doing business in the state. They will have up-to-date consumer hotline numbers available for those who need to contact their companies.

You may reach the Department of Insurance by calling 1-800-546-5664 or go to: http://www.ncdoi.com/.

Information from the N.C. Department of Insurance

« this page last modified 05/15/07 »