4 Important Questions to Ask About Property Damage

​The issue of property damage is no joke. It is a serious matter that every homeowner has to deal with if it happens to their home. The most important thing that you have to do is to get familiar with your policy and find out how it can reimburse you for the damage. You can call your agent and talk about this too. However, even before it ever happens, you have to know the questions you need to ask.

What should I do first?
If your home has been destroyed or damaged, then review your insurance policy. Understand every word, as well as your rights. Focus more on the part where you have to make claims. Read it over and over or ask your agent about it. Do that math with him and ask him all the questions you need regarding the claims for the property damage. Make sure that you know the exceptions to the claims. Although it varies for every company, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from natural disasters.

Who Should Clear the Debris on My Lot?
It is you, the homeowner, who should clear the debris from your lot. On the question of whether your policy covers the cost for the work of clearing the debris, it would depend on your policy. Thus, ask your agent first and make him direct you to the part of the policy that states the cover if there is any. If you don't have one, then your agent should have offered it as a paid rider. If a natural disaster damaged your home, you might also check with your local government if they have a program for removing debris.

Will I Get Coverage if I Need to Live Elsewhere While Repairs Happen?
If your house needs a major repair and you are forced to live in a trailer while waiting for the reconstruction to finish, you may want to negotiate with your insurer so that you can cash out your ALE, or Additional Living Expenses. This should cover the price of the trailer or motorhome using your ALE limits. That should be a better idea than using the money to rent a house. If you can negotiate a cash-out, you can have a more flexible offer that will not require you to submit paperwork and receipts to the insurance company. 

Should I Do Anything Else Before Clearing My Lot?
If there’s anything you need to do, you should take a photo of the destroyed and damaged recognizable items before the company cleaners take them away. You may encounter disagreements about the damaged items. Your insurer might argue that some items are salvageable and need not be replaced. If the cleaning costs of these items would exceed the cost of replacing them, then make a deal with the adjuster. 

Some Final Words
In any case, imagine the steps you have to take if ever you have to make a claim. Don’t just rely on your agent for everything. Read your insurance policy so that you’ll know which ones are covered and which ones aren’t. It’s better to be prepared now than to argue with your insurer later. 

At StreetSmart Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (732) 462-8343. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.