When it comes to living in a storm-heavy area like Florida, homeowners need to understand, and not underestimate, the real extent that wind and water damage can have on their property.
After a natural disaster, it is crucial to immediately—once it is safe—check and inspect your home for lingering storm damage. Oftentimes this is the last thing on your mind, but when dealing with property insurance it is crucial to record any and all damage in order to prove there was actual damage. This will help when it comes to receiving a maximum policy payout.
Post-Storm Inspection Checklist
After a storm, there are some essential steps you should follow when checking the inside and outside of your home. It is recommended you contact a public adjuster to help you assess the damages within the first 48 hours of the storm so you can receive the best possible results from start to finish of your home or business loss claim.
While you are going through the checklist make sure you record the damage through pictures or video if possible. This visual documentation will greatly be to your advantage as your claim is being assessed.
These things should only be inspected if you feel it is safe to be around your home and you will not injure yourself in the process. If you do not feel safe due to your home’s damages contact Liberty Insurance Adjusters and we will do the work for you. Then we’ll manage the claims process from start to finish to make sure you get the most for your storm damage claim.
Inspect The Roof
Look for damaged or broken shingles, tiles, slate; fallen debris; water stains; and holes or gaps.
Inspect All Exterior Walls
Look for damaged or missing siding; paint chipping or removal; cracking or splitting; and dents. These seemingly small issues can lead to severe mold damage later on.
Inspect All Exterior Pipes And Gutters
Look for chipped or cracked pipes and any large debris or obstructions that may have damaged your pipes or gutters. Damage to your home’s gutters is often one of the most common issues after a storm.
Inspect All Windows
Damage to windows is extremely common after a storm that had a lot of wind force. Make sure to look for shattered or broken glass, broken windowpanes, screen damage, and window frame damage.
Inspect Crawl Spaces
If your home has a crawlspace, make sure to look for flooding and water damage. Even a little bit of moisture after a storm can bring about mold and mildew.
Inspect The Grounds
Look for any fallen trees or debris. If the tree was uprooted, look for nearby root damage. Oftentimes you may need to look closely at your driveway or walkways for cracks or disoriented gravel.
Inspect Extraneous Additions
Carefully inspect and test any porches, decks, or fences to see if there is any breaking, chipping, or cracking. If not inspected and repaired, these damages can lead to potential further damage to people if they were to walk or step in a vulnerable spot.
A public adjuster is knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to filing property claims after a storm. We know what to look for and will help you assess the lingering damage—making sure nothing is missed. Then, we handle and deal with your insurance company, help you proceed with any repairs and policy payouts, and avoid any potential mistakes that can be made if you attempt to handle the claims process on your own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Post-Storm
Time is of the essence after a storm to file your insurance property claim but that does not mean you should be reckless about it either. Remember it is best to hire a private property adjuster within the first 48 hours.
By working with Liberty Insurance Adjusters, you will avoid making these common insurance claim mistakes:
Hiring A “Storm Chaser”
After a storm hits you’ve probably heard about all the ruthless and crooked contractors that flood into town to gain repair business. While you may be desperate for a quick fix, never hire a contractor before speaking to your insurance company or an adjuster.
Make sure you hire a company that has public insurance claims adjusters and does not collect any money upfront.
Not Filing a Timely Insurance Claim
Whether your home has received immense damage or minimal damage it is just as crucial to file a claim immediately. Without filing a claim you are not entitled to any kind of payout for any broken or missing items inside or outside of your home.
Saying the WRONG Thing to Your Insurance Company
Was there a leak before? Could another storm have caused the damage? When did you first notice the issue? Your insurance company doesn’t want to pay out a lot for your loss.
One wrong answer could lead to a DENIED insurance claim. By working with an expert, we can make sure that the claim is reported correctly and know how to handle the hard questions.
The process of filing a claim can be cumbersome, but that is why an adjuster at Liberty will do the work for you to get the justice your claim deserves! We will work our hardest for you to get back on your feet and return your home or office to pre-loss condition again.
After a Storm, Let Liberty Adjusters Do the Work
The last thing you need to do after a storm has damaged your home is to worry about dealing with your insurance company. At Liberty Insurance Adjusters, we will take care of the claims process and work with your property insurance company.
We work with homeowners and business insurance property claims that have resulted from hurricane and storm damage, water leaks, and hail damage to your roof.
Ready to work with a public loss adjuster? Submit your claim online or contact us at 813-922-5129. When a storm hits home, let Liberty do the work to make things right again! We will be by your side through the entire process.