{"id":449,"date":"2011-04-26T14:07:45","date_gmt":"2011-04-26T14:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/?p=449"},"modified":"2011-04-26T14:07:45","modified_gmt":"2011-04-26T14:07:45","slug":"what-to-do-when-faced-with-storm-damage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/2011\/04\/26\/what-to-do-when-faced-with-storm-damage","title":{"rendered":"What to do when Faced with Storm Damage"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s that time of year. Spring storms have been barreling across the country leaving in its wake death and destruction. Here in Middle TN we have been hit over the last couple weeks several times, and the damage to trees and property is impressive.<\/p>\n

If you find yourself dealing with storm damage, do you know what to do? Where do you start?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a to-do list to follow when dealing with storm damage:<\/p>\n

1. Secure your property<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a very important step. You should protect your property from additional damage. If you are negligent in securing your property, your insurance company may deny additional damages occurring after the initial incident.\u00a0 Most people don\u2019t read their insurance policy and most plans state that the owner is to take prudent measures to secure the property from additional damages. \u00a0If a fallen tree creates a hole in your house and you don\u2019t cover the hole, additional damage caused by rain may not be covered.<\/p>\n

2. Assess the damage<\/strong><\/p>\n

While most folks will rush to call their insurance carrier, it\u2019s important to evaluate the damage and costs to repair before dialing your carrier.\u00a0 Remember an adjuster will not come out until a claim is filed. Even if the carrier doesn\u2019t pay a penny, the claim will still be noted in the insured\u2019s records, so repeatedly calling the adjuster out to your home may cause an increase to your insurance premium\u2026.even if no claims were actually paid.\u00a0 If the damage is large and you are sure the claim will be more than your deductible, by all means contact your carrier\u2026..that\u2019s why they are there. Just don\u2019t call them to help you with the small stuff.<\/p>\n

3. Take an inventory<\/strong><\/p>\n

Take detailed notes of what happened, when it happened, and how it happened. List what was damaged. Also save receipts for any items you had to purchase to secure your property. If you had to pay someone to secure your property, you should save those receipts as well.<\/p>\n

4. Take Pictures<\/strong><\/p>\n

A picture is worth a thousand words. You\u2019ve heard it many times, and it\u2019s true! Take pictures as soon as the property is secured and you feel it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n

While the instinctual post storm damage move is to pick up the phone and contact your insurance carrier, the call to your insurer may not be the wisest decision. If you follow the steps listed above, you may keep yourself from digging a bigger financial hole.<\/p>\n

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