Hurricane damage, whether to your home or business, is difficult and time consuming. There are a few key issues to address to ensure your insurance claim is handled promptly, and in a fair manner. These steps could also help you if you are filing an insurance claim lawsuit in the face of low-balled, delayed or denied claims.
Document everything
Taking photos or making videos of the damage is crucial. Today's meteorology gives us ample time to prepare when confronted with a hurricane. Before the storm hits, shoot a quick video of what the home looks like. Include as much as time allows. After the storm, video or take photo's of everything, starting with the outside of the house, front to back, making sure to include all four sides, and any other buildings on the property, such as a shed or garage. Try to get as much of the roof that you can in every shot. Take wide shots of the yard and then zoom in closer for more detail. Move to the inside of the house and go room by room, first video the entire room, and then move on to individual items contained in that room. Make an inventory of damaged property while doing all this.
Cover up damaged property
If your property sustained any hurricane damage, cover it up with a tarp or similar protective water-resistant material, to prevent further damage from the elements. If you do not make an effort to prevent further damage, your insurer can deny your claim. Make sure to save everything, having physical proof of your damaged property.
Keep a claims diary
Keeping a detailed log of phone calls and visitors is as important as other documents, and down the road can help you avoid lots of headaches. Don't rely on your memory at this stressful time. Document with date and time who you talked to and what was said. The more information you have at hand, the better your recollection of events will be.
File your claim promptly
Don't wait too long to file your insurance claim. Insurance companies often require policy holders to file within a certain amount of time. When filing your claim, make sure to include videos, photo's and any other documentation to help prove your claim.
For more tips and information on how to recover your damaged property, contact the professionals at Insurance Claims Consultants. With almost 40 years experience on handling property damage claims, ICC will help you get the most value from your policy and stand with you when dealing with your insurance company. Contact Jeff and the team at ICC and start recovering your damaged property today. Call toll free at 800-428-8583, or use this contact form.
ICC Public Adjusters doing business in Columbia SC
Since 1989
Even though Columbia SC is located in the center region of the state, hurricane damage can still be catastrophic.
It's obvious, Call us to assist you in planning your claims process time line.
Even if you don't hire us, we will help you get started, and offer valuable hints and insight into this complex claims process.
At ICC, we work solely on the policyholder’s behalf, so you can be sure you are getting the best independent and customer-focused service. If you don’t succeed, we don’t succeed
- Detail the full scope of property damage and estimate repair costs
- Perform content loss, personal injury and business impairment assessments
- Contract specialist to underpin and validate any claims
- Liaise directly with your insurance company, acting solely on your behalf
- Obtain the maximum pay-out possible subject to the findings of our reports
- Ensure your property is returned to its original state as soon as reasonably viable
Whether your damage is from hurricane, fire or flood, ICC insurance claim consultants are committed protecting the interest of our customers.
Also visit our 5 step loop and FAQ.
ICC knows how to get the best value out of your policy because it is of the utmost importance.
Let us remove your uncertainty and guide you through the claims process.
A little history on Columbia SC.
Columbia is the capital and second largest city of the U.S. state of South Carolina, with a population estimate of 134,309 as of 2016.The city serves as the county seat of Richland County, and a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. It is the center of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area, which had a population of 767,598 as of the 2010 United States Census, growing to 817,488 by July 1, 2016, according to 2015 U.S. Census estimates. The name Columbia is a poetic term used for the United States, originating from the name of Christopher Columbus.