Tips on dealing with insurance companies after a storm

 PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County officials are offering advice on the best way to file an insurance claim for storm repairs.

“In cases of flooding, it is better to err on the side of caution and check your wells also…”stated Pender County Emergency Management Director, Tom Collins.

According to the N.C. Department of Insurance and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, the following steps should be taken to file an insurance claim for damage to your home.

1. Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible and ask for instructions on what to do.

2. Prepare an inventory of personal property damaged or destroyed and take pictures of the damaged property.

3. Protect your property from further damage by making minor and temporary repairs (such as placing tarp, removing excess water, etc.).  Keep all receipts for anything you purchase and use.

For repairs; you homeowners insurance policy will cover reasonable costs of making such repairs.

4. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property   and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.

5. If necessary, rent temporary shelter.  If your home is inhabitable, most homeowner’s policies will pay additional living expenses while your property is being repaired.  Before renting temporary shelter, check with your insurance company or agent to determine what is covered and under what circumstances.

6. Review the settlement steps outlined in your policy. If you are dissatisfied with the proposed settlement offer, explain your position.  If there is a significant difference between what the insurance company offers and what you believe you are entitled to, you may wish to submit the dispute to arbitration.

7. If you do not have insurance, or your insurance does not cover the damage, the Emergency Management Office needs this information for assessment purposes.

If you have questions about this process or need assistance, you can call the Consumer Services Division of the Department of Insurance at 1-800-546-5664 or Pender County Cooperative Extension at 910-259-1235.  If you need assistance call the EM office at 910- 259-1210.