Monthly Archives: August 2011

1.     Give immediate notice to your insurance company of your home insurance claim. Call your independent agent (C.H. Edwards, Inc.) to file a claim for any damages that may have incurred. C.H. Edwards, Inc. will give you information on what steps to take next for your particular policy. It is best to keep your C.H. Edwards’ phone number and policy number in your wallet so you will have the information if it is not accessible in your home. Also, keep track of all communication by you and your C.H. Edwards regarding your homeowner’s insurance claim.

       2.     Document and assess the damage to your property. Try to document damage by using a video camera and/or digital camera along with written documentation of all damage you immediately notice and keep those documentation items handy for any future damage you discover.

3.     Make any temporary repairs you can. You are responsible for preventing future damage, so try to make any immediate repairs you can such as putting a tarp over a leaky roof. Also, make sure you save the receipts for supplies that were used so you can be reimbursed for these expenses (make sure the expenses are reasonable to avoid a denial in reimbursement).

4.     Compile a list of items you suspect are damaged or missing. Go one room at a time and have the whole family there to help remember everything that was previously in the room. If you have replacement cost coverage on your personal property items, many of your items should be replaced new, even if their current value is below that cost (ex: a new couch will replace an old couch that may have been only worth a few dollars) so it is important to remember everything that was damaged. This step is much easier if previously an inventory list of items that was already compiled and kept in a safe place away from the home.

5.     Wait patiently. If your area has just been through a severe disaster, people with more severe damage will most likely be handled first. Keep in touch with C.H. Edwards during your waiting period to get updates on how your homeowner’s insurance claim is coming along. If you feel you are not being treated fairly or your claim is being handled inappropriately, you can contact your state insurance commissioner to file a complaint. Do not forget your loss of use coverage usually available in your homeowner’s insurance policy, which will cover reasonable living expenses if you cannot live in your home during repairs or have been denied access by a government order.

As always, our professional customer service representatives at C.H. Edwards are here to help you with any questions or concerns should the need arise.

New York Homeowners insurance usually does not cover “hurricanes” per se, instead, the coverage or exclusion is based upon which element of a hurricane (such as wind or flooding) directly caused the damage.

These issues are not easily resolved and many legal contests continue over who is responsible for certain losses during Hurricane Katrina and many other storms. For example: a house was flooded by a storm surge and the New York homeowner claims that since the surge was produced by wind that the damage should be covered. The insurance company maintains that they do not pay for flood damage. Many of these types of cases – based upon definitions and impacts – remain unresolved.

Persons who buy New York properties in areas that might experience hurricanes should learn about the types of hazards that come with these storms and how they impact the specific location where they will live. History is often a very good teacher. For example: if a location was inundated by storm surge in the past then a future inundation will probably occur. Detailed guidance can be found at the websites listed at right.

Your independent insurance agent as well as your insurance company provides an adjuster for no charge to you. Adjusters who have no relationship with your insurance company and charge a fee for their services also may contact you. These are public adjusters. You may use a public adjuster to help you in settling your claim.

Public adjusters may charge you as much as 15 percent of the total value of your settlement for their services. The fee isn’t covered by your insurance policy. Sometimes after a disaster, your state’s insurance department sets the percentage that public adjusters may charge.

If you decide to use a public adjuster, first check his or her qualifications by calling your state insurance department. Ask your independent insurance agent, a lawyer or friends and associates for the name of a professional adjuster they can recommend. Avoid individuals who go from door-to-door after a major disaster, unless you are sure they are qualified.