Disaster and loss can happen at any moment and can leave you feeling helpless if you are unprepared. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help minimize damage and have your insurance claims process run a little smoother. Here are a few preparation tips to help you prepare.
Take Inventory
Start your preparation by keeping a current and detailed checklist of your property and personal belongings. To help give you an idea of what to document, here is a list from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: http://www.floir.com/siteDocuments/InventoryChecklist_6-26-08.pdf. Along with the written inventory, record the serial numbers of any electronic equipment. Keep a copy of your insurance policy and take photos and videos of everything to show your insurer. Finally, store all of the information in a safe and easily accessible spot. Following these steps will help prepare you for any potential losses and help your claims process run more efficiently and effectively.
Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers
Make sure you have smoke alarms installed on your property and test them once a month. This will help you keep on top of low or dead batteries. Also, keep a properly maintained fire extinguisher on your property. An alarm can give you an early warning, and the extinguisher will help you control the fire, stopping it from spreading further. It is better to have one area that has been burned, than losing your entire property to the flames. Taking these small precautions could minimize property damage and save lives.
Protect Your Property
To keep your home or business protected from burglary or home invasion, examine the locks on all your doors. If you do not already have them, install deadbolt locks. This will make it more difficult for someone to force their way in. Put window locks on basement or first-floor windows as well as any windows that open onto a fire escape. This can greatly reduce the risk of someone breaking into your home.
Storm Preparation
Florida residents have to prepare for and deal with severe storms quite frequently. If you live in an area that is often prone to hurricanes, it is important for you to prepare your property in advance for the storm. One way to help fortify your home or business is to install hurricane shutters or hurricane-resistant laminated glass windows and doors. In fact, insurance companies are required by law to give property owners a discount on their policy if they have these installed. Be sure to check with your insurance provider about taking advantage of this preparation discount.
Flood Insurance
Most homeowners do not know that a typical insurance policy will cover water damage, but not damage caused by flooding. They are two separate insurance policies because they are caused by different incidents. For example, water damage is caused by leaking roofs, broken pipes, etc. whereas flood damage happens from occurrences like a storm surge. If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, you may want to purchase flood insurance.
Even with the best preparation, catastrophe can still strike. If you have experienced any loss or damage to your property and need to file an insurance claim, call Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting LLC. Our team can help make things easier for you during your time of crisis.
