Hurricane Preparedness: What Do You Need to Know?
We live in Florida, and we all understand that, along with this great privilege, come hurricanes. While there is no predicting what a hurricane will do, there are things you can do to help prepare for whatever comes your way – including helping to ensure you do what you need to do to protect your insurance claim. If your home’s been damaged by a hurricane, it’s time to connect with an experienced hurricane damage attorney.
Take Pictures
One of the most important steps you can take to help protect your interest in your home and possessions in the event of a powerful hurricane is to keep a pictorial inventory of your possessions. This means taking pictures and videos of your valuables because it is difficult to be compensated for your losses if you can’t pinpoint what they are. Once you have a complete inventory of your belongings, it makes demonstrating the losses you’ve experienced far more accurate and far less difficult.
Flooding and Wind Damage
The most destructive elements of hurricanes are flooding and wind damage, which makes it important to visually capture those parts of your house that are most likely to be affected by flooding (such as your basement or lower floor) or by wind damage (such as your home’s exterior). If you are able to stay in your home during the storm, record any damage that you witness occurring in real time, and if the storm forces you out, record the damage as soon as you are able to return. Be very thorough – you won’t be able to go back and claim greater damage after the fact. The difference between your before and after pictures will go a long way toward supporting your claim.
Immediately Open a Claim with Your Insurance Provider
As soon after the storm as possible, it’s time to open a claim with your insurance provider. Keep the following in mind:
- Explain your situation
- Share your before and after photos
- Discuss where your repair estimates should come from
Once you have an estimate from a certified, licensed contractor, you’ll get the information to your insurer and will request complete reimbursement. Make sure to keep a careful record of every interaction you have with the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim – this can be instrumental to ensuring that you are compensated justly.
How You’ll Know if You Need an Attorney
If your insurance company is not on board with paying every cent of your complete range of damages, it’s time to consult with an attorney. If your insurer is not willing to compensate you fully, don’t sign anything – instead, reach out to a hurricane damage attorney.
You Need an Experienced Tampa Hurricane Damage Attorney
If your property has suffered hurricane damage, Tragos, Sartes & Tragos in Tampa can connect you with the proven hurricane damage attorneys we work with. Obtaining just compensation is too important to leave to chance, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 today.