Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent After a Disaster
by Ted Ricasa on Dec 17, 2013
For homeowners who lose their homes following a fire, flood, or other disaster, the first question that comes to mind is often: “What now?” After ensuring the safety of your family, you will need to contact your insurance agent. There are steps you need to take to protect your assets and those typically begin with a chat with your insurance agent. Today, we’re looking at a few questions you should ask your insurance agent after a disaster occurs.
Important Questions for Your Insurance Agent
1. What can I do to protect what remains of my home?
If a fire or flood hasn’t completely destroyed your home, it may still be exposed to the elements. Following a disaster, your insurance agent can advise in what to do to protect your home, including covering windows and open spaces and setting up a temporary fence. You may also need to hire someone to perform a thorough structural inspection.
2. Is temporary housing available?
For a variety of reasons, you may not be able to return to your home, even if the damage from a fire or flood appears minimal. You need to talk to your insurance agent right away. Some policies provide reimbursement if you need to seek temporary housing, while others only provide minimal assistance, such as the cost of food. Your insurance agent can inform you of your options.
3. My house was damaged in a flood, is that covered?
Most homeowner’s policies do not cover floods. If you don’t have a seperate policy for flood coverage, you may be forced to cover the cost yourself. However, your policy may provide coverage for items damaged within the home. Talk to your insurance agent.
4. Should I sell or rebuild my home?
The answer will depend on a number of different factors. If your insurance company doesn’t provide enough to cover repairs, or the home is in rough shape and carries no sentimental value, selling may be the preferable option. If damage is minor and covered under your policy, you may consider repairing your home. If you are considering selling, Fast Home Help can help provide you with an all-cash quote on your home.
Our real estate professionals at Fast Home Help can provide you with the information you need, when you need it the most. To learn more about the value of your property, request a free, no-obligation Property Privacy Audit™ today.