Have You Had A Loss On Your Property? Plano Homeowners Take Action!
Your home has suffered damage from smoke and fire, tornado or any other type of loss. Now what do you do? Knowing what to do beforehand can help you navigate your way through the claims process more smoothly. Here are some tips for homeowners:
Contact your agent as soon as is feasible and report the damage. Your agent will file a claim on your behalf or instruct you about what you need to do. If at all possible, it is a good idea to follow up with a written request, especially if many homeowners sustained damage at the same time, such as following a hailstorm or tornado. Keep a copy for your records.
Make temporary repairs. If your roof is leaking, do what you can do to keep damage at a minimum. If you purchase any supplies while making temporary repairs, be sure and keep your receipts. The insurance company will compensate you for these items.
Do not make permanent repairs. The insurance company may refuse to make a claims payment if they have not had the opportunity to survey the extent of the damage.
Did I mention you should keep all receipts related to protecting your home from further damage following a loss?
Take pictures of all damage. For instance, if a tree falls on your roof, take pictures showing the tree on the roof and as much damage as possible. You may then remove the tree (keep your receipt if you have it done professionally) from the roof and make temporary repairs, like a blue tarp (keep your receipt), to minimize further damage. Do not make any permanent repairs until an adjuster comes to see your damage.
Do not throw away damaged items. If your carpet has been ruined because of roof damage, you can remove the carpeting from the house to reduce the smell after you have taken pictures of the damage. But keep the carpet in your garage or other covered area for the adjuster to inspect.
If you have other questions about what to do following a loss, contact us right away!
Take A Home Inventory
Following a loss, especially if it is a total loss, homeowners often have difficulty remembering the extent of their contents. That is why we suggest taking a home inventory and filing it with your insurance agent or a trusted friend or relative. The home inventory should include the model numbers and the year the contents were purchased, if possible.
I know what you are thinking, “Who has time for all that?” If time is short, we recommend that at the very least you make a video or take pictures of the contents in every room of your home. Don’t forget about possessions in the garage and attic. Then record the model numbers and the year purchased on your most valuable items.
Do you need a home inventory template? Call now and we’ll get one right out to you.
Tri-Star Insurance Agents Provide Top-Notch Service
We are fully committed to serving all your insurance needs whether you have a claim or not. Our agents have more than sixty years of combined insurance experience working in the state of Texas. That translates into action that will put your mind at ease.
Let us handle your claims so you can handle the needs of your loved ones.
TriStar Insurance Professionals, based in Plano, TX, is a full-service insurance agency owned and operated by Roger Harkins. Specializing in consumer insurance programs inluding homeowners, auto, boat, and life insurance they also specialize in commercial insurance offerings for small to medium sized businesses. Low cost is always important, but far more critical in both the personal and business coverage arenas is making sure that there are no gaps in your coverage. Find out today simply by calling Roger Harkins or John Coyle at 469-464-5790 . The call and any quotes you request are always confidential and free!
