Hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes can strike without any warning, leaving your home and possessions ruined. The best time to prepare for an emergency and become familiar with the homeowners insurance claims process is before one of these disasters ravages your home. The insurance agents at Town and Country Insurance, located in Waynesboro, VA, discuss how to file a insurance claim after a natural disaster.

4 Steps to Take When Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

1. Contact Your Insurer

Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible after a disaster strikes. You can reach out to your insurer via phone or internet to begin the claims process. Provide your policy number if you have it available, and leave a phone number where you can be reached by an insurance adjuster.

2. Prepare an Inventory of Losses

Begin a list of destroyed items to show the insurance adjuster and save any damaged items until after the visit. You should also document any structural damage to your home that you notice, such as cracks in the walls or missing roof tiles to show the adjuster. It’s also a good idea to take photos or videos of the damage to substantiate your loss.

3. Make Temporary Repairs & Secure Your Property

Take steps to prevent further damage to your property and reduce the time it may take to restore it. For example, you may need to put a waterproof tarp on your roof to prevent more water infiltration. Insurers may deny a claim if they can’t determine what was damaged during the disaster and what was damaged after it.

4. Keep Track of Paperwork

Keep copies of any lists you create and other documents you share with your insurance company. You should also put copies of any paperwork your insurer gives you in a safe place. Make sure to record the names and phone numbers of every person you speak to as well.

The team at Town and Country Insurance Agency makes the process of submitting a homeowners insurance claim as smooth as possible so you can begin repairing or rebuilding your home. Give them a call at (540) 221-2465 to speak to an insurance agent today. You can also visit them online to learn more about their insurance agency, and connect with their team on Facebook.