In a way, living in St. Petersburg, Florida, comes with sunshine and coastal views; it also comes with storm preparedness and floods, which can cause homes to undergo damage at unexpected times. The first thing that comes to mind is filing a homeowner’s insurance claim; before doing that, however, there are some critical steps you can take to ensure that your claim will be as successful as possible.
Here Is What Every St. Pete Homeowner Should Do Before Filing a Claim
Safety First
Make sure that the house is structurally sound before entering it to assess any damage. Check whether there are risks for gas or electrical hazards, or if the house was contaminated by floodwater. If the damage is extensive, wait for professional clearance. Safety always comes first.
Prevent Further Damage
Homeowners are usually expected to take precautionary measures to avert any further damage after the initial incident, as most insurance policies require. If your roof is leaking, cover it with a tarp. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water supply. Such steps reveal to your insurance company that you were being responsible after what happened.
Document Everything Thoroughly
Start assembling evidence. Get clear, date-stamped shots and videos of all the visible damage both inside and outside your house. Use wide-angle, long shots, and up-close ones. Do not throw anything out before it has been documented.
Tip: It would also be great to come up with a written list of items that became damaged, with brand names and models, and possible estimated values, stress-free.
Polish Insurance Policy
Review your homeowners policy so you know what is covered before contacting your insurance company. The policy also may contain most exclusions that apply to flooding, hurricanes, or water damage. Knowing your deductible and limits ahead of time would help manage expectations and give better chances to prepare claims.
Keep All Receipts
If it becomes necessary to purchase materials to prevent further damage, such as tarps, sandbags, or for temporary repairs, keep all receipts for the purchase. Most policies will reimburse expenses reasonably incurred during emergencies.
Contact a Reputable Contractor (If Necessary)
If the task of fixing things is going beyond your capability, consider hiring a licensed contractor or damage restoration specialist to show up and survey the damage. Their opinion may be limited by low payouts from your insurance measures.
Consider Talking to a Public Adjuster
You may want to talk to a public adjuster before filing your claim; one who works for you, not the insurance company. They would help you to assess your damage with policy interpretation to maximize your payout.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an Insurance claims attorney St Petersburg, FL. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision that should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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