Building Damage Claims

If your home or place of business is damaged, you will need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Claim settlements are based on a variety of factors, and there are some important things every policyholder should know about making building damage claims.

 

• Read your insurance policy declarations to find out what is covered. Most policies will cover the home itself as well as any outbuildings like a shed, or separate garage.

• When you receive insurance claim settlements, make sure you document anything inside your home or business that was damaged. Most insurance policies will also compensate you for the cost required to replace damaged furniture, clothing, and other personal belongings.

• If you need to vacate your home while it is being repaired, find out if you are eligible for additional living expenses, or ALE. This coverage will pay for you to stay in a hotel or rent an apartment of your choosing temporarily. Some policies also give you a per diem that you can use for food and other daily living costs.

• Most building damage claims are settled within a few weeks after processing, but it could take as long as 6 -12 months depending on the extent of the damage. Prepare to be patient while you wait for your home to be repaired. Finding a qualified and available GC is difficult after a large storm.

• In most cases, you will be responsible for preventing further damage by covering up exposed items or roof tent and by removing any debris around your home. This includes downed trees, branches, and other items that could’ve become loose in a storm. You can remove the debris yourself or pay for someone to do so out of pocket and the insurance company will reimburse you. However, it is usually best to let professionals handle removal of damaged property or debris. It is critical to keep a record of who did what and all receipts in order to get reimbursed. Also keep pictures showing before and after.

• Take photographs of all damage after a storm or other event. You may need to refer to these photos later in order to provide specific items or structures that were damaged. Don’t forget to check on your storage shed, workshop, or other outbuildings if it has also become damaged.

• Large loss damages resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, or passing sudden storms are the types of claims which insurance companies most often underpaid since they have so many claims to settle in a short period of time. This makes it more important that you hire US to represent you and put your claim ahead of the line so to speak!! So be sure to call us and let us provide you with superior claim experience and get you a fair settlement! 

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