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- Contact your insurance agent or company immediately and report the
damage. Give your name, address, policy number, and the date and time
of loss.
- Take pictures of the damage, if possible, before beginning repairs.
If you repair small items, such as TV antennas, window coverings, or
fences before the adjustor arrives, it may be difficult to prove the
damage. Pictures can also be used as evidence for tax deductions.
- Protect your property from further damage or theft. Patch roofs temporarily.
Cover broken windows with boards or plastic. If household furnishings
are exposed to weather, move them to a safe location for storage. Save
receipts for what you spend, and submit them to your insurance company
for reimbursement.
- Dry out water-damaged furnishings and clothing as soon as possible
to prevent fading and deterioration. You may wish to take some items
to a reliable dry cleaner.
- Keep accurate records of the following: Cleaning and repair bills,
including materials, cost of rental equipment, and depreciation of purchase
equipment. Additional living expenses you incur if your home is so
severely damaged that you have to find other accommodations while repairs
are being made, including motel and restaurant bills, home rental, and
car rental. Actual losses, including furniture, appliances, clothing,
paintings, collectibles, valuables, foods, and equipment, regardless
of your intent to replace the objects. Photographs of ruined homes or
objects are excellent evidence for later documentation. Try to document
the value of each object lost. Bills of sale, canceled checks, charge
account records, and insurance evaluations are good evidence. If you
have no such records, estimate the value, and give purchase place and
date of purchase. Include this information with your list.
- Contact a reputable firm to have your damage repaired. Beware of door-to-door
salesmen. Sometimes undependable workers enter a damaged area, make
cheap repairs, and leave before the residents discover that the repairs
are inadequate. If your local contractor cannot do the work, ask him
or her to recommend someone. Be sure the contractor is licensed.
- Don’t be in a hurry to settle your claim. Although you may want to
have your damage claim settled as quickly as possible, it is sometimes
advisable to wait until all damage is discovered. Damages overlooked
in an early estimate may become apparent later. If you are dissatisfied
with the settlement offer, talk things over with your agent and adjuster.
Check your policy to see what settlement steps are outlined.
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