If you are having someone or a company install a tarp, simply ask them to take photos of your damaged roof by handing your camera to them and have them photograph the roof prior to tarping. Claims Adjusters do not remove tarps.
At this time, you should answer all calls even if you do not recognize the phone number. Adjusters come in from all parts of the country. Their phone numbers are from different area codes.
If there are trees or debris blocking a damaged part of a covered structure, please remove the tree and debris in order for the adjuster to properly document your damage. Please be sure to take pictures of the items that caused the damage, and keep all receipts related to these expenses. Present the photos and receipts to your Adjuster.
Be sure to have all of your mitigation invoices and receipts for tree removal, tarping, hotels, drying equipment rental, etc. together at the time of inspection. These will need to be presented to the Adjuster during the inspection.
Start working on an in-depth list of contents damage. Any and all personal property items that were damaged from Hurricane Ida, whether inside or outside the house, should be listed on a form. Your damaged content inventory should include the age of the damaged item, where it can be purchased, and the current value of the item. Content inventory forms can be found by clicking here
The estimate that will be provided to you from the insurance company’s adjuster is based on current market prices, and what the adjuster is able to observe at the time of inspection. Material pricing can fluctuate wildly especially in times of a disaster. It is normal to have “supplements” or revisions issued for both estimates and payments. Please communicate any differences in pricing and additional damages found post inspection with your Adjuster prior to agreeing to any contracts for repairs.
Be sure to have your Contractor provide you with detailed and itemized estimates. You will be required to submit these itemized invoices, estimates, receipts, etc. to your Adjuster over the next several months. If possible, start requesting Contractor estimates at your earliest convenience.
There are a number of contractors in our area that we are not familiar with. Before signing any contracts, please ask the contractor for verification of contractor licenses as well as proof current liability and worker’s comp insurance. Ask for and check with the references. Please read and understand all terms and conditions of documents that you are signing and agreeing to.
Most claims are initially settled and paid based off of ACV (actual cash value). The recoverable depreciation is withheld from the initial damage payment less your deductible. Once the repairs are completed and the damaged contents are replaced, provide the paid invoices and receipts to your Adjuster to be eligible for a recoverable depreciation payment.
If you have a mortgage on your home or property, please contact your mortgage company to discuss their claims process as claim payments on dwellings will include the mortgage company as payee in addition to the policyholder. Do not endorse the claim check until guidance is received from your mortgage company.
If your vehicle was damaged from flying debris, a tree falling, blown out windows, water, or any other physical damage from Hurricane Ida, you will need to file a claim under your comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Your vehicle will not be covered under your homeowner insurance.
