Posted by: Elite Restoration LLC on May 15, 2023

How to Work with Your Insurance After a Disaster

If there has been a disaster in your area, working with your insurance company to get the money you need can be a complex and challenging process. Not only are you emotionally drained from the impact it had on you and your loved ones, but you also need financial support from your insurance company to keep your family happy, healthy, and cared for.

Here are some steps you can take after a disaster to work seamlessly with your insurance:

  1. Contact your insurance company: As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to report the damage and initiate the claims process. Be prepared to provide details about the extent of the damage and any personal injuries.

  1.  Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage to your property and personal belongings. This documentation can help support your insurance claim and ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation.

  1. Work with your adjuster: Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive. Be sure to provide the adjuster with all of the necessary documentation and answer any questions they may have.

  1. Keep track of expenses: Keep a detailed record of any expenses related to the disaster, such as temporary housing, food, and clothing. This documentation can help support your claim and ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation.

  1. Be patient: The claims process can take time, especially if there has been a large-scale disaster in your area. Be patient and persistent in following up with your insurance company to ensure that your claim is processed as quickly and accurately as possible.

  1. Seek professional assistance: If you are having difficulty working with your insurance company or navigating the claims process, consider hiring a public adjuster or attorney who specializes in insurance claims. They can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Working with your insurance company to get the money you need after a disaster can be a complicated process. Be prepared to document the damage, work with your adjuster, keep track of expenses, be patient, and seek professional assistance if necessary.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few different methods of achieving this, the most common is in part with re-roofing the mobile home after blowing insulation into the attic cavity.

Most homeowner's policies cover most water damages, but not all water damages are created equal. There can be a lot of exceptions to coverage depending on the intricacies of your policy. This is why it's a good idea to be familiar with your policy and call your agent right away when damage occurs.

As with all insurance related questions, the answer is that it depends on your coverage. Usually, though, the answer is yes. While there are some types of water damages that aren't covered by standard policies or reasons your policy might not cover the damage, if the water damage is covered by your policy the drying process will also be covered.

A good portion of water damage can be prevented by proper household maintenance. Routine plumbing maintenance, as well as sump pump and appliance maintenance, are effective ways to avoid preventable damages. If you live in a cold climate, preparing your home for the winter can also help avoid damage. Finally, it's a good idea to regularly check the exterior of your home, particularly your roof, for damage to ensure water isn't unexpectedly leaking into your home.

DIY soot removal is not recommended. Commercially available products can actually cause permanent damage to surfaces. Soot itself is primarily oil-based, but that residue also contains toxic, possibly biohazard contaminants.

Identifying the source of the water damage is one of the first steps in both the insurance claim process and before beginning to dry out and repair the damaged areas. After all, if you replace a sagging, wet ceiling that was caused by a roof leak but don't fix the roof, too, the next rainstorm will start the cycle all over again. The buckling to your hardwood floor could be caused by a leaking pipe. We will pinpoint the exact cause of your water damage and make sure the source is repaired. We make sure your restoration job is done right the first time.

We utilize a state-of-the-art blower door system that depressurizes the home and helps us track down exactly where the leaks are specifically in location. They are not where you usually think they are. Many leaks are present in the crawlspace and the attic (HVAC system included). These are the main focus areas in a weatherization job.

It's never a quick fix, though we've gathered together a multi-disciplined team of contractors and technicians to work in tandem to complete the work as soon as possible. From structural repairs to sand/soda-blasting to odor removal to contents cleaning, our fire damage restoration crew begins as soon as the project scope is determined, and we don't stop until the job is done and both you and the insurance company are satisfied with the results.

That depends on the types of materials that were affected by water. Drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors will take longer to dry than other materials in the space. We use moisture meters throughout the process and in many different locations to gauge the moisture levels and will continue to adjust our fans and dehumidifiers to achieve an efficient but effective dry time. The bare minimum of "three days to dry" may only produce a surface dry, but can still leave behind moisture levels that create an ideal environment for mold to grow.

The length of time for proper restoration to occur is dependent on the type and size of the damage. A typical water damage project usually takes 5-7 days for drying and removal of any unsalvageable materials. Keep in mind, these are estimates and they're only for the mitigation portion of the job. The rebuilding portion of the job, where everything is put back into place, has its own separate process and timeline.


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