Are you prepared to deal with tornado season? While most of the conversation around tornado preparation revolves around physical safety, it’s important not to forget to be prepared to document the impact and submit your claim in case of damage to your home or business. Do you know what steps to take to make sure your damage is covered? Here are nine things you can do in the aftermath of a tornado to ensure that your claim is handled appropriately:
1. If you have damage, the first thing you should do is retain a qualified expert public adjuster, like Brandon Lewis and the team at Strategic Claim Consultants, to help determine what your immediate next steps are in filing your claim and what mitigation steps need to be taken.
2. Have your licensed public adjuster contact your insurance company if you haven’t already done so.
3. There is plenty of time to settle your insurance claim – do not panic or rush.
4. Beware of an Assignment of Benefits provision in any contract presented to you – DO NOT SIGN!
5. Beware of contractors asking for money up front. You should not have to pay cash for services that will be billed to the insurance company!
6. Obtain a certified copy, both electronic and hard copy, of your insurance policy if you have not already done so.
7. Take photos and video of the damages.
8. Mitigate any damages with temporary repairs as quickly as possible.
9. Wait to dispose of damage.