Know How To Make A Storm Claim

Know what to do before you have to make a claim because of a hurricane or heavy storm.

Storms abound in the summer months, and hurricanes or tropical storms can appear on the radar well into this time of the year. Since it's the heart of hurricane season, take precautions — if you haven't already — to protect your belongings, including boats and other vehicles, from damage caused by hurricanes or other heavy storms. Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to help you plan for an evacuation. That way, if you have to evacuate, you can focus on the safety of you and your loved ones during that time.

 Take Vehicles With You if You Can

 

Cars, motorcycles, RVs — no matter what you own, bring it with you if you have the means.

 

Not only can RVs serve as a comfortable shelter, they can accommodate several people. Don't forget to keep safety in mind while you stay in your RV: Remember to have safety accessories, such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, installed and checked first.

Boats and motorcycles can be trailered behind your car or RV, too.

Secure Your Boat, RV or Other Vehicles Staying Behind

If you're not able to bring your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or other type of vehicle with you, follow these measures to secure them:

· Park vehicles indoors when possible.

· If it's not possible to park inside, choose higher ground that's located close to a sturdy building for more protection. Make sure your vehicle is secured away from trees, poles or other large objects that could fall on it.

· Secure RV awnings so the wind won't tear them away.

· It's best to remove your boat from the water and move it inland before a storm hits. Boats left unsecured can not only be damaged by wind or flying objects from hurricane forces, but they can float away if waters rise. If it's secured properly, your boat is much more likely to survive a storm inland than on water. To secure it, have extra lines, chafe protection, fenders, anchors, port plus, duct tape and extra batteries.

 

Remember this simple tip: If you can't take it with you, make sure you secure it as safely as possible. Prepare for a claim, too regardless of whether you have a car, motorcycle or luxury RV, these tips can prepare you — and help expedite — any claims you might have to make after a hurricane or heavy storm.

· Verify what kind of insurance coverage you have.
If you've taken all the precautions but still find yourself in a situation where you have to make a claim after a storm, it’s vital that you have Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage covers damages resulting from high winds, flooding or other weather-related factors. With this coverage, you'll likely have to pay a deductible out of pocket, but deductibles often start as low as $50.

 

· Don't just take important documents with you. Waterproof them, too.
If you have to evacuate, you should take documents — including your insurance papers — with you in a waterproof bag or container. Even if you don't have to evacuate, it’s a good idea to keep these documents in a waterproof container, to help minimize time spent on the phone or working through a claim if you have to make one after the storm. With select insurance companies, you can also access important documents online. So, if you don't have your papers on hand, you can find them online by logging in to your policy any time.

 

· Report damage as soon as possible.
If any of your vehicles are damaged, report the damage as soon as you can. The sooner your insurance company knows about it, the sooner it can begin resolving your claim. Some insurance companies offer 24-hour claims reporting by phone or online, so you can access your company and your claim at any time. If you're not sure whether your company has 24/7 service, make sure you have a phone number for your agent or your company on hand to report the claim during business hours.

 

· Take pictures of everything.
Pictures can help your insurance company identify and find your vehicles if they've floated or flow away during a storm. They also can provide insight on items attached to your vehicle that may have been lost or damaged during a hurricane or heavy storm.

 

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Your safety should always be your major concern when preparing for and evacuating because of a hurricane. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to implement your evacuation plan, and make sure your family members or others who plan to leave with you also know the drill. You may even want to practice a couple of times to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.

Following these tips well before a storm hits your area can help you stay calm during an evacuation. Plus, knowing you've done what you can to prepare for a storm, as well as for any claims you might have to make afterward, can provide much-needed peace of mind during turbulent times.