Preparing for Hurricane Season on the Gulf Coast
Strong storms and hurricanes can strike the Gulf Coast at any time, putting homeowners at risk of property damage from high winds, flying debris, flooding, and storm surges. To protect yourself and be prepared in case you need to file an insurance claim, it’s important to take proactive steps before, during, and after a storm.
How to Document Your Home and Property Before a Storm
Photograph Your Home and Additional Structures
- Take photographs of your home from every angle that you can, including the roof, if safely possible;
- Take photographs of any additional structures, including sheds, fences, detached garages, etc.
Inventory Your Home’s Contents
- Take an inventory of the contents of your home and take all photos of all items—not just items that you believe are very valuable.
In the event of catastrophic loss, the smaller things may account for a more sizeable portion of your loss than you imagine;
Preserve Vital Records
- Preserve all vital records by scanning or photographing them and storing the originals in a way that they will be protected;
- It is a good idea to keep a copy of vital documents with your attorney or in a safety deposit box;
Review Your Insurance Policies and Prepare for Evacuation
- Take note of your insurance policies, homeowner’s, flood, etc., and familiarize yourself with the coverages and exclusions therein;
- In the event that evacuation is necessary, be sure to keep receipts of all of your expenses, including, but not limited to travel costs, fuel costs, hotel and/or lodging costs, and for any other costs that you are pertinent to your evacuation, or costs that you would not have otherwise incurred if you had not evacuated;
Steps to Take After the Storm
Document Damages
- After the danger has passed, again photograph your home, additional structures, and contents.
Report Your Claim Promptly
- You should report any damages to your insurer(s) as soon as possible after your loss.
Hire Experts to Assess Damage
- Be aware that you have the right to have a contractor or other expert evaluate any damages to value them according to the current local market.
Understand Your Claim Rights
- If your insurer(s) make a payment on your claim, that does not necessarily mean that you cannot pursue additional funds;
Insurance Claim HQ is available to help you in this troubling time, even if it is just to talk you through the claims procedure.
Contact Our New Orleans Property Insurance Attorneys
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As proud members of Super Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and with a 10.0 rating on Avvo, we are pleased that we have been able to triumphantly carry out our only mission: protecting our clients from bad faith insurance practices.
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