We all know—or have a pretty good idea—of what to do before a hurricane. Water, gas, batteries, endless lines, and empty shelves. But what should you do after a hurricane to make sure that any damage done to your home or business is properly compensated?
If you’ve been affected by a hurricane and suffered damages to your property, you should keep the following in mind:
Find a place to stay if you can’t live in your home.
You may need to stay with a friend, family member, or in a hotel, while your house is being repaired.
Take precautions to protect your home from further damage.
Open windows and doors and turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves if told to do so by authorities.
Document your efforts to protect your home.
Your insurance policy requires that you prevent additional damage to your property so you should document any efforts you took immediately after the hurricane passes.
Take photos and videos before and after.
First, you should document your home and belongings before the hurricane hits. The easiest way to do this is to take lots of photos, and do a walkaround video where you show all of your home, inside and out, and your personal belongings. After the hurricane, document any and all damage, including structural issues and personal belongings destroyed or damaged by wind, rain, or flooding. Having before and after photos and videos can make a huge difference in getting you a fair amount of money for your damages.
Keep all receipts and documents.
Once you receive approval from your insurance company for repairs or replacement, save any receipts for work done, supplies purchased, and temporary housing costs. Additionally, document everything. Write down every call you make and what was said. Do the same for calls with contractors or anyone else you work with during the repair phase.
File a claim with your home insurance company right away.
Contact your home insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim for damages caused by the hurricane. This should be done asap.
Contact a Florida hurricane damage attorney.
If Hurricane Ian damages your home or business, you should contact a Florida property damage attorney as soon as possible to guide you through the claim process. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your home insurance company is on your side.
Was your home or business damaged in a hurricane?
Even if you have home insurance and haven’t missed a payment, insurance companies still deny or underpay hurricane claims.. If this is the case for you, you might be entitled to more compensation than your insurance company is offering.
Keller Melchiorre & Walsh is here to help you recover the full amount you’re owed. Call us today or contact us online.