In the event your home or business is damaged consider the following:

• Promptly Report your loss to your insurance agent or the insurance company.
• Take pictures of the damage.
• Get the name of witnesses
• Start a list of items that were damaged or destroyed.
• Keep all receipts for related expenses.
• Get a copy of your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy from your agent or insurance company.
• Keep written records of any contact with your insurance company, the adjuster or the agent. Including date and summary of discussion
• Save all paperwork you receive from your insurance company, the adjuster or the agent.
• If damage is in excess of $5,000.00 consider retaining a licensed public insurance adjuster.

A public adjuster is an advocate for the policy holder in negotiating an insurance claim. Public adjusters are the only type of claims adjuster that can legally assist an insured during an insurance claim settlement

Make whatever temporary repairs you can to prevent further damage

Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction.

save the receipts for supplies and materials you buy to give copies to your insurance company.

Get a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices

When you have an insurance claim, you don't have to accept just what the insurance company offers.

Insurance companies employ trained adjusters and it is in their best interest to do so.

It is in your best interest to employ an attorney to represent you on any large, complicated or serious claim