Emergency Preparedness and Recovery
Steps to Take To Repair Damages
Step 1. Make family safety your first priority.
If your home suffered structural damage from the disaster, for example you
have a partially collapsed roof, you may need to relocate until repairs are
made.
If temporary living costs are partially covered by your insurance policy,
work out these arrangements with the agent or claims adjuster. If you don't have
insurance, contact the Arkansas Emergency Services group while they are in the
area working the disaster to see if you qualify for state assistance.
Step 2. Report the damage to your insurance company.
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible. Leave word where you can be
contacted. The sooner you talk to your agent, the sooner your claim will be
filed and an adjuster can be scheduled to inspect your damage. In times of total
disaster, help the adjuster find your home by spray painting the house number
where the agent can see it. Hardship cases are a first priority, so if damages
are slight you may have to wait.
The amount and type of coverage you have will affect how much of the loss
will be covered by insurance. Don't assume your settlement will be the same as
your neighbor's.
Step 3. Make needed repairs.
Get your agent's advice about your policy's coverage and how best to get
reimbursed for the repairs.
If you must make temporary repairs before an insurance adjuster's visit, talk
with your agent about how to get reimbursement. If possible, take your own
photographs or make a videotape of the damage. If there are disputes later, the
pictures will serve as evidence.
Don't be in a hurry to settle your insurance claim. Instead, keep your agent
current on repair estimates, repair progress and repair costs. Additional damage
may be discovered after the repairs are underway. Be sure that you have all
water damage, foundation and structural damage covered on the repair estimates.
If the work has been completed to your satisfaction, use the final billing to
get the insurance repayment, if possible.
If the claims adjuster works directly with the contractor, make sure you
understand what repairs are being done before signing an agreement.
Keep copies of insurance adjustments, claims, receipts and photographs in a
safe deposit box or other secure place until all claims are settled. If you have
out-of- pocket expenses for deductibles or costs not covered by insurance, you
may be eligible for a casualty write-off on your income tax return. If so, the
records used to justify your tax deductions should be kept for at least three
years after you file your return.
Judith R. Urich, Ph.D., CFP
Retired
Family Resource Management Specialist
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