Insurance tips after recent severe weather

Tips for filing an insurance claim

  • Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
  • Keep a list of everyone you talk to. Be ready to describe the damage.
  • Make a list of damaged property. Take pictures or video. Don’t throw away damaged items until you talk to your insurance company or adjuster.
  • Take steps to protect your home from further damage. Cover broken windows and holes to keep out rain and prevent vandalism or theft.
  • Ask about additional living expenses if you can’t live in your home due to the damage. Your insurance policy may pay for some of those expenses.
  • Save proof that you paid the deductible on the claim. A new state law makes it illegal for contractors or roofers to offer to waive a deductible or to promise a rebate for your deductible. It also allows insurance companies to request proof, such a receipt or canceled check, that you paid the deductible.

Tips to avoid Contractor scams

  • Get written estimates on company letterhead with clear contact information.
  • Get more than one bid to gauge which ones are too high or too good to be true.
  • Check references and phone numbers. Beware of contractors who only have out-of-town references or solicit door-to-door.
  • Don’t pay in full upfront and don’t make a final payment until the job is done.

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