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Protection of
life is first and foremost before, during and immediately following a
disaster. When re-entry has been cleared by authorities, BE CAREFUL to look
for hazards such as downed power lines, broken glass, gas leaks, holes, etc.
- You must provide as much detail as possible about damage to your
property.
- Remember to give all work and home telephone numbers where you may
be reached. This is especially important if your home is
uninhabitable. Your insurance company will need to be able to
contact you.
- People whose homes are not livable or whose business has been disrupted due
to severe structural damage will be given first priority in having
their claims handled. Those homes or businesses with less severe
structural damage will be given second priority, while those with
minor damage will be next, and so on.
If you incur losses following a storm, you may need to immediately make
temporary repairs to your residence or business
- If you
need emergency money to help you make temporary repairs, you should
contact your insurance agent or company.
- Remember
to keep all bills and receipts.
- Do not
contract for repairs, other than temporary repairs, prior to agreement
with the claim adjuster or agent.
- Do not be
rushed into signing repair contracts. It is best to deal with local,
reputable contractors. Check each contractor's credentials with your
agent or claim adjuster, Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business
Bureau. The Attorney General's Office, Department of Consumer Affairs,
can also be contacted at 1-302-577-8600. Discuss payment terms before
you sign any contract.
- First,
find out the insurance company's preference for temporary repairs.
- Board up
windows and holes in the walls or roof and either cover furnishings or
store them elsewhere.
- Plywood
and heavy-duty plastic, available from lumberyards and building supply
firms, are useful in making temporary repairs.
- If there
is a lot of water in your home or business, try to get it out and leave
the home or business well ventilated to allow for drying. Slightly raise
your windows and crack your doors.
- Clean and
dry furniture, bedding, rugs and carpet as soon as possible.
- To prevent
rust on metal objects (such as appliances and drapery rods), first dry,
then rub or spray with oil.
- Dry, but
don't oil, radios, TV sets and other electrical equipment. If it is
electrical and has been exposed to water, have it professionally
serviced before you use it.
- Remove
small valuables (such as jewelry and silverware) to a safe place.
You must keep a
record of the adjuster handling your claim. Get a name, telephone
number, social security number, driver's license number and the
company represented. If you have any questions or problems regarding
the handling of your claim, contact the company. However, if
additional assistance is needed, then contact the Consumer Services
Division, Delaware Insurance Department, at 1-302-739-6775.
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Personal Property
The claim process may begin in one of two ways. Your insurance
company may send you a claim form, known as a "proof of loss
form," to complete. Or an adjuster may visit your home or
business, before you are asked to fill out any forms. (An
adjuster is a person authorized by the State and who is
professionally trained to assess the damage.) In either case,
the more information you have about your damaged possessions - a
description of the item, date of purchase and what it would cost
to replace or repair - the faster your claim generally can be
settled.
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Make A List Of The Damaged Items
If possible, take photographs of the damage, and put together a set
of records - old receipts, bills and photographs - to help
establish the price and age of everything that needs to be
replaced or repaired. Write down brand names and model numbers
of appliances and electronic equipment. Do not forget to list
items such as clothing, sports equipment, tools, china and
linens, outside furniture, holiday decorations, business
equipment and hobby materials. Do not throw out damaged
furniture and other expensive items as the adjuster will want to
see them.
If your property was destroyed or you no longer have any records,
you will have to work from memory. Try to picture the contents
of every room and then write a description of what was there.
Try also to remember where and when you bought each piece and
about how much you paid. It may also speed up the settlement of
your claim if you find out how much it will cost to replace the
destroyed items.
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Building Damage
Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings
on your premises, like a garage, tool shed or in-ground swimming
pool. Make a list of everything you would like to show the
adjuster when he or she arrives - for example, cracks in the
walls, damage to the floor or ceiling and missing roof tiles. If
structural damage is likely even though you can't see any signs
of it, discuss this with your adjuster. In some cases, the
adjuster may recommend hiring a licensed engineer or architect
to inspect the property. You should also get the electrical
system checked. Most insurance companies pay for such
inspections.
If possible, get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors
on the repair work. The bids should include details of the
materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This
makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
Give yourself several days before the adjuster arrives to
complete your list. It will take time to assess the damage.
Although you can always notify the adjuster of any additional
items you overlooked, this may delay the settlement of your
claim. Be sure to keep copies of the list and other documents
you submit to your insurance company. Also keep copies of
whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you.
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