As we prepare for Hurricane Isaias, here are some tips (courtesy of Cohen Law Group) to help you, as a homeowner, document any damage from the storm. Remember, if you experience storm damage to your roof from this storm or past hurricanes, contact Astro for a free roof inspection: don’t trust out of town contractors who may be here today and gone tomorrow! Trust your local roofing company, family owned and a member of this community since 1986.
Before The Storm:
- Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
- If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
- Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
- Know what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
- Have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
- Review your mold coverage.
- Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
- Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
- Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
- Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
- Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
- Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
- Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
- Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
- Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
- Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
- Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
- Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
- If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.
After The Storm:
- When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof.
- Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim.
- Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
- Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer such as Astro Roofing to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
- Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters.
- Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company.
- Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
- Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
- Check your policy coverages and sublimits.
- Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
- There have been many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.
Astro is your trusted, local roofing contractor since 1986 and can provide you with a free roof inspection before or after a storm in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Edgewater FL and surrounding areas. Don’t leave your precious family home and roof to some out of town or fly by night unlicensed contractor. Contact us today for a free quote!