Bad things happen to the best of people; if you suffer a loss here are a few tips
to navigate through this process and help you get on the road to recovery.
Immediately
- Look out for the safety of your family.
- Do not enter your home unless you’re sure it’s safe. Depending on the type of
disaster, there may be exposed electrical wires, standing water or even structual
damage. If you have any concerns about the structural or environmental safety of
your home, do not enter. - Contact your insurance company by phone as soon as possible. You can also follow up with us for any questions you many have regarding your claim.
- When reporting your claim have your policy number handy and be prepared to provide
your contact information so your adjuster can reach you throughout the claim process.
It’s important that you provide all your phone numbers and email info.
Once the Claims Process Has Begun
- Take account of your loss and separate the damaged from the undamaged property.
- If available, provide your adjuster with photos or video recordings of the loss site prior to the event. This will assist your adjuster with the damage evaluation process.
- If necessary, have a qualified repair service or contractor make temporary repairs to prevent additional loss. Be sure to obtain a bill or invoice for this service so you can present it to your adjuster for consideration of reimbursement.
- If your home is uninhabitable, check with your agent or check your policy to determine if you have coverage for Additional Living Expenses.
- Save all receipts to document your increase in living expenses while your home is uninhabitable.
- Contact the utility companies to discontinue service if your home is uninhabitable or destroyed.
Financial Concerns
- Investigate the availability of special loans and/or grants via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross, local government agencies, private lenders and philanthropic organizations.
- Call to apply for federal disaster aid at 1-800-462-9029 (or 1-800-462-7585 for TDD Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or online at FEMA. You’ll be required to provide your social security number, insurance information and the extent of the damage to your property. Be sure to obtain a control number that is assigned to your application.
