Practical Tips for Dealing with Disasters

Dealing With Damaged Property and Other Losses

(1) Inspect your property for damage.

Look all around your house and other structures, both inside and outside. Things to look for include: lost shingles, exposed decking, fallen trees, and water damage.

(2) Document the damage.

Use a camera - video, digital or regular camera - to photograph the damage. Also, make and inventory of lost or damaged items. Do not throw away or destroy any damaged items without documenting the damage with a camera.

(3) Make a written inventory.

This is required by all insurance companies. You must identify each item including the approximate year of purchase, age, purchase price, model number, receipt for purchase, etc. Please see the website: www.texaswatch.org which contains a page by page inventory sheet broken down by room and per item.

(4) Mitigate your damages.

Protect your property from further loss, this includes making temporary repairs such as putting a tarp on your roof or covering your broken or blown out windows. Also, remove any wet items from your home to prevent mold from spreading.

5) Keep receipts during your evacuation.

It is important to keep receipts, or at least use a credit card, debit card or check, so you can have records of the expenses for either FEMA reimbursement or a claim with your insurance company.

Dealing with Your Insurance Company

(1) Notify your insurance company.

Call your insurance company, preferably your local agent, and inform them of your loss. You have an obligation to report your loss within a reasonable time.

(2) Keep a log of your communications with the insurance company.

Keep notes documented when you contacted your insurance carrier, who you spoke with, the address of your insurance company and who you spoke with. If an adjuster tells you that something is going to be covered, make a note of it.

(3) Send written correspondence when possible.

Written correspondence produces a greater effect than phone calls. This will be your proof.

(4) Be careful what you sign.

Your insurance carrier may ask you to sign a document that states this is your final payment when you may be entitled to more.

(5) Be present when the adjuster inspects the property.

Demonstrate to the adjuster all of the damage that you have documented. Ask the adjuster if he sees any additional damage that you have not demonstrated. Ask the adjuster to inspect the attic regardless if you do not see outside roof damage. The high winds from the storm could have caused decking and rafters to shift.

Dealing with Contractors

(1) Use local contractors if possible.

It may be more difficult to verify the credentials of out of state contractors.

(2) Verify that the contractor you choose is reputable and insured.

Contact your local Better Business Bureau to determine if they know anything about the contractor. Ask the contractor to show you a copy of his insurance policy. Make sure the insurance is valid in Texas.

(3) Do not pay cash.

Keep a record of any repairs that are made by paying by credit cards, personal check, money orders or cashiers checks. Always make sure you get an invoice or receipt for money you pay to the contractor.

(4) Do not pay up front.

If the contractor needs money to purchase materials, go with him to the hardware store and pay for the materials yourself. Make sure they are delivered to your home.

(5) Be careful what you sign.

There may be additional charges other than what the contractor outlines in a bid for repairs. Be aware.