Hurricanes cause massive property damage. They destroy businesses and damage economies, in some events recovery lasts several years after the storm. Directly after the storm, insurance company adjusters from all over the country arrive on-scene to process claims. Quite frankly, it’s a madhouse for insurance companies, contractors, damage mitigation and cleanup companies who are all working together in a bit of orchestrated chaos.
Properly documenting your loss, preventing further damage, avoiding business interruptions and expediting the claims process all require experience and specific knowledge. A public insurance adjuster with hurricane insurance claims experience will know how to execute a thorough documentation of the loss. They will take into account the full legal value of the loss, often citing damage that can go overlooked.
If the loss is not documented properly, there is hope in disputing a claim for underpayment. Underpaid claims are more difficult to resolve, whereas a public insurance adjuster can help prevent underpayment.
As a property owner or manager, you are most likely focused on mitigating further loss. As you begin a claim, the first step will be a meeting with the insurance companies adjuster or estimators. They will be very busy managing the documentation on multiple claims. If you choose to work directly with the insurance company, we recommend a few simple steps below to be prepared.
Houstonians and those living along the Gulf Coast were not prepared in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey struck. The hundred-years flood damaged large-scale commercial complexes, small business locations and historic urban areas.
Businesses near the worst flooding near the Addicks reservoir were under repair as late as 2018. Some businesses closed their doors forever, and we can’t help but wonder if proper claim handling could have prevented closures.
From our experiences of past Hurricanes, our public insurance adjusters would ask a simple question to all property owners. Are you truly aware of your coverage and policy details in regards to hurricanes and flood damage?