Tips for Dealing with Storm Damage
WHY 10 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STORM DAMAGE IN FLORIDA?
Dealing with storm damage is challenging and scary. Coastal DKI’s 10 tips can help lessen your stress.
Even in the best of scenarios, sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. Dealing with the aftermath can feel discouraging and even terrifying. At Coastal DKI, we know we can’t make storm damage repairs enjoyable, but we can make them less stressful. As homeowners who have experienced a natural disaster, you’ve had enough stress to last you a lifetime. The highly-trained technicians at Coastal DKI can take some of that burden off you with our storm damage restoration services. If a storm has recently damaged your home, check out our 10 tips for handling the aftermath.
STORM DAMAGE REPAIR & CLEANUP HOTLINE!
1. Storm Damage – Safety First
Severe storms and hurricanes can be terrifying. You may be tempted to rush into the storm damage to find what you can salvage. Before you do anything else, though, you’ll want to check for safety hazards. Storms can leave broken glass, chipped wood, and other debris, so it’s important to look for anything dangerous when checking your property.
2. Check for Structural Damage
Making sure all buildings and roofs are stable should be your next course of action. Look for holes, missing or broken shingles, leaks, or dents in your roof. All could be signs of more extensive structural damage. Check walls, windows, and doors for any structural damage. Remove debris only if you can do so safely.
3. Take Photos of Damage
As you’re checking for structural damage, it’s a good idea to take photos of any broken windows, roof leaks, or other damage caused by the storm. Don’t assume you’ll remember where you saw the broken tiles or the crack in the window. It’s best to keep a record of damage you find for both your benefit and that of the insurance adjuster.
4. Call Your Insurance Provider
If you have flood insurance or a homeowner’s policy, your storm damage repairs may be covered. Notify your providers as soon as possible or within 60 days to make your claim. Typical homeowner’s policies might cover tornado damage, roof and water damage, hotel expenses for evacuees, and food spoilage. If you are not insured by these types of policies, the federal government may still offer you help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
5. Only Repair the Essentials
When assessing storm damage, it can be tempting to make repairs right away. However, we advise only making essential and temporary repairs until the insurance company does their walkthrough. Don’t throw away any receipts for repair costs, either. At Coastal DKI, we want you to get the most out of your insurance coverage. After the insurance adjuster completes their inspection, then begin looking at storm damage repair services.
6. Know Your Adjuster and Understand How Claims Work
Don’t assume that your insurance adjuster is an employee of your insurance company. While that could very well be the case, it isn’t uncommon to encounter other types of insurance adjusters. It is possible to encounter independent adjusters who are contracted by your insurance company. They perform their services for the insurance company, but they are not employed by them. Public adjusters, on the other hand, are not affiliated with an insurance company. They work, first and foremost, for you. They’ll help you negotiate your claims, but their services do come with a fee and they can’t give legal advice or help with reconstruction.
7. Participate in Your Inspection
When your adjuster inspects the storm damage, make sure to walk along with them. Point out any damage they might miss. This will ensure you’ll get coverage for all the damage that occurred, not just what the adjuster observed. The photos come in handy here as well. You can use them as a reference for what damages to claim.
8. Be Familiar with Your Insurance Company’s Timeline
At Coastal DKI, we know you want to start repairs on storm damage as soon as possible. However, it’s crucial to work with your insurance company and understand their timeline. The following is a general timeline an insurance company uses. However, you should be aware that deadlines can change after natural disasters. Your company must respond to your claim within 14 days, and they may ask for more information or a proof-of-loss form. Once your company has all the information, they’ll accept or reject your claim. This part of the process can take up to 30 days. After your claim is accepted, the company has 90 days to send your check. Now that you know what to expect from your insurance company, it’s time to contact Coastal DKI for storm damage repair at your Florida property.
9. Learn About the Federal Disaster Loan Program
Check with the United States Small Business Administration to find out if you’re eligible for a disaster assistance loan. These are low-interest loans the government makes to businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters. Homeowners may use up to $200,000 to repair or replace their home or reinforce its structure.
10. Call in Storm Damage Professionals
As soon as possible after storm damage, property owners should call in experienced professionals in storm damage restoration. Waiting too long after the storm can cause secondary damage as your home’s structure continues to fall apart. Mold can begin growing in wet areas as well. Prompt repairs are our specialty at Coastal DKI. We want you to get your home back as soon as possible. Our highly-trained technicians are fully equipped to repair structural damage, fix leaking roofs, and remove dangerous mold. For storm damage repair in your Florida home, there’s no one better to call than Coastal DKI. If your home or other property needs storm damage repair, contact us today.