As Francine continues to make its way through Mississippi, now as a lesser tropical depression, state officials are asking those impacted by the storm to report damage their homes or businesses sustained.
Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney reminds residents to keep their insurance companies informed about the damage to any property they own while expounding upon the extent of the harm caused by the weather.
“Let your insurance company know the extent of the damage,” Chaney said. “After tornadoes and other disasters, insurance companies will reach out to those with the worst losses first. If you are not staying on the property, make sure your insurance representative knows where and how to contact you.”
Francine made landfall in the Magnolia State as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, leaving thousands without power. As things stand, no injuries have been reported as a result of the storms.
Chaney’s office offers the following tips when one begins to file an insurance claim:
- Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.
- File your claim as soon as possible. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time period.
- Be aware that if a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures.
- Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms, and data you will need to file a claim. Keep a record of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors, or relief agencies.
- If your home is damaged to the extent that you can’t live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses.
- Take photographs/video of the damage. Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process.
- Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs, and damaged walls).
- Don’t have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made before the damage.
- Maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect.
- Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
- Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer.
- Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.
Those who have sustained damage from the inclement weather are also urged to submit a report to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Reports can be filled out here and will be used to gather information. MEMA reminds the public that the agency needs to see the damage done to one’s home or business before taking action and that the self-report is not an application for financial assistance.
