Legal Hurricane prep is important for your largest investment

By Atty Chris Lim

Your insurance company has not forgotten about the damages paid out in previous years. Policy owners in effected coastal and hurricane zone areas have seen rate increases year after year to pay for past losses and payouts for property damages. As a result, now is the time for home and property owners to evaluate their property casualty insurance to assure that they are covered in case of storm damage loss. Historically The worst storms form from August through October.

Images are of your property are important. Take pictures and video of you personal property and Real Estate. Make sure the insurance company can see the condition of your house before the storm.

Maintain trees and shrubbery and other outside objects in a safe location - trees and shrubbery branches often become trajectories during a storm, and uprooted trees can actually impale both your home and that of neighbors.

Take photos immediately after the storm of damages - Again, a photograph or even a short video is worth a thousand words. If you end up in an eventual dispute with your insurance company regarding damages the photos and videos you take right after the storm are normally your best evidence to show that damages occurred.

Keep your important documents and records in a safe place - A small lock box, or hand held file carrier can be transported easily and is a safe way to transport records and documents with you if you are required to evacuate your house.

If you lose power, save all receipts for food, hotels, and other expenses - If you are forced to evacuate your home quickly by authorities as a result of a pending storm; make sure you save your out of pocket expenses for spoiled food, hotel stays, and other expenses for having to leave your home.

Contact your insurance company immediately after the storm - Don't wait to contact your insurance company to see if you have damages, more then likely the insurance company will be swamped with calls for damages; get inline and contact your insurance carrier to assess your damages.

Keep time for how long it takes you to clean-up. It may reimbursable. - Take notes on all the hours and expenditures you have for your clean-up efforts.

Record the name and date of the insurance adjuster that visited your home. - It is critical when an insurance adjuster visits your home that they have the correct licenses and general liability coverages required for your state.

Make sure the insurance company gives you a claim number - Once you contact your insurance company ask them for a claim number and note the time and date of your call and if possible the person you spoke with on the phone. Keep track of every conversation and keep notes.

Do not sign any contracts or documents that say 'release' - If your insurance company ask you to sign a release with a check- don't do it ! Damages can sometimes manifest themselves months after your loss. It is important you realize that you may have latent damages to your home that may not be outwardly visible in the hours and days right after the storm.

If you feel you have been underpaid on your claim contact an attorney that specializes in first party contract claims. Insurance companies are in business because they take in more then they pay out, and the first pass of reimbursement for damages may not amount to what you are due under the policy for final damages as a result of your loss.

If you receive a check, go ahead and deposit it as long as you do not sign any releases on your claim. - 23211

About the Author:

Do you have hurricane damage call Counselor at Law Chris Lim at (800) 979-1937 or visit the website at orlando abogado You can also contact Orlando Florida Lawyers Laws vary by state please consult a local attorney. Small Business SEO by Net Advertising Group