1. Contact your insurance company and make a formal claim. If you fail to make a formal claim, then the insurance company may attempt to deny your claim. At the time you submit the claim, obtain for the claim number. If you do not have a copy of your insurance policy, ask for a copy.
2. Every time you speak to the insurance company, the insurance adjuster documents the conversation in a claim file. The policyholder should document all conversations with the insurance adjuster(s). The log should include the date, time, name of the insurance adjuster and subject matter of the conversation.
3. Any submissions to the insurance company should be sent return receipt requested or by a fax with retaining the fax confirmation page. Insurance companies may Alose@ documents submitted by their policyholder. Also, photocopy all correspondence sent to the insurance company.
4. When the insurance company inspects your home or other property, take notes of the findings and comments of the insurance adjuster. You should specifically show all damage, and verify the insurance adjuster addresses the damage. Please note, you may need to hire a licensed contractor or engineer to perform a full and complete inspection of the damaged property.
5. Secure all evidence you to support your damage claim. For example, if you recently bought a wide screen television but cannot find the receipt, call the bank for a copy of the check used to purchase or call the credit card company for a copy of the receipt if you paid by credit card. Otherwise, you may obtain comparable prices on the internet.
6. Take pictures or video the damage to your home or business.
7. Never sign a release. The insurance company has a duty to submit a policyholder any payment for damages not in dispute. The insurance company cannot force you to sign a release for an undisputed tender. The insurance adjuster may offer to provide extra money in return for a full and final release. In return, request the insurance adjuster to pay you the undisputed amount and reserve your right to file supplemental claims. If you take the extra money and sign the release, you will not be able to request additional payment for more damage to your property.
8. A policyholder may not be able to complete the repairs to his/her business or home prior to August 29, 2006. Your insurance claim prescribes after August 29, 2006. Accordingly, a policyholder is not able to assert additional claims or supplemental claims after August 29, 2006 in absence of a lawsuit. In order to preserve the right to file additional claims or supplemental after August 29, 2006, a policyholder must file a lawsuit against the applicable insurance company. The failure to file a lawsuit after August 29, 2006, will preclude a policyholder from collecting additional proceeds from the applicable insurance policy.

Hurricane Claims Questions |  Resources