How Do I Prepare for an Insurance Adjuster After a Hurricane?
If your home is damaged by a hurricane, getting things fixed as soon as possible is likely a priority. That’s where your hurricane insurance policy can help, but before you can get the money you need to pay for repairs, you’ll need to file a claim and meet with the insurance adjuster. While a Florida and Louisiana hurricane insurance claims attorney may help if your settlement is too low or your claim gets denied, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success from the beginning. Here are a few key things to help you prepare for your insurance adjuster’s visit.
Document Everything You Can
Before the adjuster arrives, take at least a day to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the exterior of your property, documenting any damage done to permanent structures, play equipment, fencing, and your home. Inside your home, go room-by-room and take pictures of everything that’s damaged, no matter how minor the damage is.
It’s also a good idea to write down descriptions of the damage to accompany the photos. The more information you can provide, the better off you’ll be.
Read Up on Your Policy
Before the adjuster’s visit, review your insurance policy in detail. Familiarize yourself with the things it does and doesn’t cover, the coverage limits, and the details of your policy. This will help you explain things to the adjuster and make it easier for you to point out items that you know are covered based on your policy’s terms.
Inventory Your Damaged Items
Inventory your damaged items by writing down the approximate value of each item that’s no longer usable or in need of repairs. If you have the original purchase receipts for some items, be sure to keep track of them. You can use those receipts to contest settlement amounts if needed.
Get Bids in Writing for Repairs
After a hurricane, it’s likely that you’ll need to work with at least one contractor to take care of the repairs. Get bids from several contractors and get those bids in writing whenever possible. You can show these bids to the adjuster and submit them to your insurance company if needed to document the severity of the damage. These bids may help you get a larger settlement as they show the insurance provider how much even basic repairs are likely to cost in the current market.
Make Only Temporary Repairs
Though it’s tempting to make repairs immediately, try not to. Instead, only make temporary repairs sufficient to protect your belongings or to make the home livable. Remember, the adjuster needs to see the full extent of the damage to provide an accurate assessment. If you repair damage, they may think the storm didn’t damage your home or damaged it only slightly. The more you can showcase the original damage, the more likely you are to get a better settlement.
Plan to Be There During the Walkthrough
Though it’s not required, it’s a good idea to be present during the walkthrough. This gives you a chance to point out damage the adjuster may otherwise miss. If you’re working, try to get the day of the appointment off so you can be there during the entire walkthrough. If you can’t be there in person, consider asking a family member or trusted friend to go in your stead.
Speak With a Hurricane Insurance Claims Attorney
Though insurance adjusters will do their best to represent the damage accurately, they still work for the insurance company, not you. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with a Florida and Louisiana hurricane insurance claims attorney. They’ll be able to review your settlement offer and help you appeal the decision if needed.
Need help contesting a settlement or a claim denial? Contact Parrish Law today to schedule a consultation.