In St. Petersburg, FL, you can enjoy the beauty of coastal living, but also the danger of storm surges, heavy rains, and flooding. When your home has suffered some sort of water or storm damage, your first instinct would be to file a homeowners’ insurance claim right away.
A Few Critical Preventive Steps Will Have to Be Taken to Protect Your Home, Claim, and Peace of Mind
1. Ensure Safety First
If your house is flooded or structurally damaged, ensure that it is safe to enter. In cases of standing water, the electricity should be turned off at the main breaker, and protective gear must be worn while inspecting your home. Risking injury to assess damage is never acceptable.
2. Stop Further Damage
Insurance policies generally require a homeowner to protect against further loss in a claim. If safe to do so, take any reasonable, temporary steps to prevent further loss, such as tarping roof leaks, boarding windows, or shutting off water valves. Retain receipts for any emergency supplies purchased, as they may be reimbursed by your insurer.
3. Document Everything
Before removing any debris or commencing cleanup activities, take photographs and record videos of all damage in detail. Document areas of concern along with damaged furniture or appliances, flooring, and any damage to the outside of your home. This type of visual proof will be very important for substantiating your claim should there be any disputes with the adjusters later on.
4. Review Your Insurance Policy
A flood loss may not be covered in certain policies unless flood insurance is purchased separately. Always take a few minutes to skim through your policy and understand what is included and excluded from coverage. This way, you can manage your expectations and will be asking the right questions when dealing with your insurance company.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
After securing your home and documenting the loss, you will need to call your insurance company to report the loss. Document a clear account of the loss, provide the company with all your documentation, and inquire about the next steps. For the most part, after a loss has been reported, the insurance provider will have an adjuster assess the damage before honoring a claim.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an Insurance claims attorney St Petersburg FL. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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