Dover – As Delaware prepares for Tropical Storm Hanna to arrive over the weekend, Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn offered insurance tips to anyone whose property is damaged.

“The first thing I want Delawareans to know is they can call the Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611 with any questions they have about insurance coverage or if they have any problems with their insurance companies,” Denn said. “I hope there is not serious damage from this storm in Delaware, but here are the insurance-related steps property owners should take if their property is damaged.”

• Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company.  Ask what documents, forms, and data you'll need to file a claim. Keep a diary of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors, or relief agencies.
  
  
• Take photographs or video of the damage.
  
  
• Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Don’t have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
  
  
• Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.
  
  
• If your home is damaged to the extent that you can’t live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses.
  
  
• Be wary of contractors who demand upfront payment before work is initiated or payment in full before work is completed.  If the contractor needs payment to buy supplies, go with the contractor and pay the supplier directly.
  
  
• Get more than one bid.  Ask for at least three references. Check with the Better Business Bureau about the contractor.  Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance, and bonding. Record the license plate number and driver’s license number of the contractor.
  
  
• Contact your creditors; if you can’t cover all of your expenses, try to negotiate a payment plan.
  
  
• Contact the Delaware Insurance Commissioner's Office at 1-800-282-8611 if you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement.

These storm tips, as well as more information about homeowners insurance and an online complaint form, are available on Commissioner Denn’s website at www.delawareinsurance.gov.

 

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