How to file an insurance claim after storm damage

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AUGUSTA, Ga. - Any homeowners who sustain storm damage from Helene are recommended to file their claims as soon as possible, according to the Georgia Office of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner.

“You want to get that filed as soon as possible because everyone is filing claims,” said Jo Anne Oni, the officer’s director of consumer services. “You want to make sure you’re at the top of the list in getting some assistance.”

The agency suggests the public follow these four steps after storm damage:

• Call your insurance company after assessing the damage.
• Take pictures and videos.
• Save your receipts if you need to pay for something immediately.
• Protect your property, like using a tarp if there is a hole in your roof. It’s actually required because it’s a part of your insurance contract.

“It only takes hours or days for mold to start forming, and you want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Oni.

Insurance companies are required by law to respond in a timely manner. If companies don’t, there is a process that can help compel them to move.

The agency has set up a special phone number for the public to use if they believe their insurance company is responding appropriately. That phone number is 800-656-2298.

Oni said agency staff will make a courtesy call to the insurance company on your behalf to get to the bottom of the delays. If that doesn’t work, homeowners can file a formal complaint with the agency.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in the United States between 1997 to 2016, events involving tornadoes, including other wind, hail and flood losses associated with tornadoes made up 39.9% of total catastrophe insured losses, adjusted for inflation.

Insurance companies are typically required to pay for damage caused by a tree that fell from a neighbor’s yard, but only if the homeowner has put their neighbor on noticed that they believe the tree was previously damaged or diseased.

Oni suggests documenting that notice by email or letter. “Just having a verbal conversation is not enough because of course the neighbor could deny it,” said Oni.

Insurance claim tips from the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire:

• First, know your policy — know what’s covered, what’s excluded and what the deductibles are.
• If you have to file a claim, do so as soon as possible. Don’t let the bills or receipts pile up. Call your agent or your company’s claims hotline; your policy might require that you make the notification within a certain time frame.
• Provide complete, correct information. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim.
• Keep copies of all correspondence. Write down information about your telephone and in-person s, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. Also, keep a record of your time and expenses.
• Ask questions. If there is a disagreement about the claim settlement, ask the company for the specific language in the policy that is in the question. Find out if the disagreement is because you and the insurance company interpret your policy differently. If this disagreement results in a claim denial, make sure you obtain a written letter explaining the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which the claim is being denied.
• Don’t rush into a settlement. If the first offer made by an insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate to get a fair settlement. If you have any questions regarding the fairness of your settlement, seek professional advice
• Auto and homeowners policies might require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy should cover the cost of these temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. Also, maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photographs or video of the damage before making temporary repairs.
• While temporary repairs are a good idea, don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected.
• If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster. Provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made to your property. Ask the claims adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
• For accident and health claims, ask your physician to provide your insurance company with details about your treatment, medical conditions and prognosis.
• If you suspect a provider is overcharging, ask the insurance company to audit the bill and whether the provider used the proper billing procedure.

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