Seven Tips for Rebuilding Soon after a Disaster

12/1/2011

Tags: emergencies | fire damage | flooding | insurance | storms | tips | water damage

Have you been ravaged by flooding after a river exceeded its banks? Did a thunderstorm release flash floods where you live and work? Did levees surrounding your town give way?

If so, you’ll want to begin repairing and rebuilding your property quickly. But to begin, you need to file a claim. Filing correctly, the Insurance Information Institute says, can save you time and money, and lead to a quality rebuilding process.

Tips to Expedite Claims Filing after a Disaster

1. Prepare a description of the damage.
2. Take photos of the damaged areas.
3. Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. For each item, include its description, date of purchase (or approximate age), purchase price and, if possible, its estimated replacement cost.
4. Canceled checks, invoices, and receipts can assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the damaged or destroyed property.
5. Make whatever temporary repairs are needed to prevent further damage or personal injury. Wait until the claims adjuster has been to your home and assessed the damage before making extensive permanent repairs.
6. If you make any temporary repairs, save receipts for supplies and materials purchased. Your insurance company will reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred.
7. For permanent repairs, get an estimate from a contractor that details proposed repairs, costs and replacement prices. It should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis.

Keep copies of any documents you submit to your insurance company.

For more information, see “Prepare For Disasters Before They Happen; Know The Claims Filing Process” by the Insurance Information Institute.