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Home » Consumer Information » Hurricanes » Property Damage

Insurance Claims

A comprehensive insurance policy is essential any home owner, especially for people who live in an area that is subject to natural disasters such as hurricanes. People who do live in areas that commonly have hurricanes, such as near the Atlantic Ocean, should take extra time to review their policy and make sure they have all the coverage they might need for an emergency situation. Home owners near the Atlantic should also purchase flood insurance since most home policies do not cover the water damage from flooding.

Anyone who does suffer property damage due to a hurricane can plan ahead and take a few steps to get through the insurance claim filing process:

Prepare for the call.

Before you call your insurance company, thoroughly survey the damage to your home and belongings so you can accurately describe your losses to an agent. Make a list of everything that is destroyed or missing and be prepared to answer questions about the extent of the damage. Collect any receipts you may have for brand new or expensive items you intend to include in the claim. You may want to take pictures or even a video of the damage before you call, so you can provide visual proof if they request it.

File immediately.

Chances are good that many people will be filing insurance claims following a hurricane. Begin your claim as quickly as possible to get the process started right away. There may also be a limitation on how long you can wait before you file a claim, and you will not want to miss that deadline. When you do call, be sure to have your account number ready so the agent can locate your information right away.

Make specific requests.

Let the agent know exactly what you are claiming and requesting. Be clear about the damage to your home and the property that has been lost or destroyed. Request to be reimbursed for the costs of cleaning up debris from the yard, the removal of trees and plants that were knocked down and even for any money that was spent on hotels while you were unable to occupy your home because of the storm.

Keep up with the claim.

Any time you call your insurance company, make a note about it for your personal records. Include the date that you called, what was discussed and whom you spoke with. While on the phone, be sure to ask the person you are talking to for their name, and repeat it to them so they realize you are keeping track. This may help to encourage them to process your claim as quickly as possible. Ask for the claim number, and be sure to keep it accessible at any time in case you need to speak with an insurance agent again. Having that number will allow them to find your case and review the history of your claim so you won't have to explain every detail multiple times.

File disaster claims.

When the President declares a storm area to be a Federal Disaster, you may be eligible to file a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This purpose of this agency is to help victims of disasters with federal aid. Contact the FEMA office at (800) 621-3362 if your city is eligible for this type of disaster relief.

Home owners should keep a copy of all their insurance policies in a safe place where they can easily be found. Know your policy numbers, or keep them with you in case you need to file a claim after a hurricane. When you do have to file, be prepared and call as quickly as possible so you can get started with your insurance claim right away.