Damage from Hurricane Ian is still being assessed, but in the meantime we wanted to provide you with information on any potential claims you may need to file.
Property Claims Instructions
- Take photographs and/or videos of the damage.
- Arrange to cover any exposed areas to avoid further loss and possible injury.
- Make emergency repairs in order to mitigate damages and protect property from further damage.
- Do not make permanent repairs until an adjuster had inspected the damage.
- Separate damaged from undamaged property.
- Do not discard any damaged or destroyed property until an insurance adjuster has the opportunity to inspect.
- Retain any items that caused the damage such as a frozen pipe or sprinkler head, if applicable.
- Contact a remediation company to extract water and bring in drying equipment (dehumidifiers, air blowers, etc.) to dry out affected areas.
- Notify local authorities in case of theft, robbery or vandalism and request a copy of the report.
- An adjuster may request additional information.
Documents Needed for a Claim
- Copy of emergency services invoices.
- Obtain and submit detailed itemized repair estimates for the damages sustained to building property.
- Obtain and submit detailed itemized repair or replacement estimates for damaged or destroyed personal property.
- Keep a spreadsheet or accounting of all claim-related expenses and list items damaged or destroyed, quantity, description and cost.
- Attach bills, receipts, estimates, proposals and related documents to substantiate costs.
- A copy of the bylaws/proprietary lease/rental agreement if for a condominium, cooperative or rental.
If there is a business interruption loss, here are some of the required documents that may be needed to substantiate a business income Loss:
- P&L’s (Profit and Loss statements)
- Sales and Production Records
- Purchase Orders
- Invoices
- Payment Records – credit card statements, cancelled checks
- Payroll Records
- Budgets and Historical Information
- Tax Returns
- Leases
- Rent rolls
- Contracts and Agreements
- Mitigation Costs
- Extra Expenses
Adjustment Process
- An insurance adjuster reaches out once the claim is set up and assigned. This usually happens within 2 business days or sooner.
- Please note the adjusters name, contact information and claim number.
- An adjuster makes arrangements to inspect damages.
- If the damages are substantial, an adjuster may assign a building consultant to prepare a scope of damages and cost analysis estimate.
- The repair or replacement proposals along with any bills, invoices and receipts will be submitted to the adjuster for their review.
- Be prepared to provide additional information as requested by an insurance company adjuster or representative.
- If the damages are significant, a request for an advance can be made to the insurance carrier once coverage is confirmed.
- If there is a discrepancy between the estimates, the variances can be identified and discussed in an attempt to get an agreed price for repairs.
- An adjuster will present a settlement offer, net of your deductible.
- The insurance carrier may require a proof of loss form to be signed, notarized and returned prior to issuing settlement checks.
Our property & casualty and employee benefits team are here to support you with any questions or concerns.