Read this Information to Help You Through These Difficult Times After a Disaster
1. Don't Rush: You will be presented with life changing decisions you never thought about before. Even most lawyers don't know insurance law, nor do most insurance agents know about large homeowner's claims. Insurance companies may put pressure on you to make quick settlements. There is no required time frame for you to make decisions. Take your time. Do not let anyone rush you. Stop and learn.
2.Know your insurance policy. Read your insurance policy until you get an understanding as to how you are covered. Don't be afraid to ask questions. A lawyer familiar with homeowner's policies may be considered.
3. Get Organized: Get a notebook and start writing everything down. This is especially helpful for your insurance claims. After a disaster most people have so many things to remember, it's hard to remember them all. Forgetfulness is normal. Notebooks and other information will be helpful when going through the process. Document every contact you make including the date, time, person's name, phone number and what was discuss. 4. Look for independent expert advise: Right after a disaster, everyone wants to "help". Many of them also want to get paid. First look for non-profit organizations who are truly there to help before resorting to paying someone. There are even non-profit insurance education organizations who can help.
5. In an insurance claim, hire your own experts: Anyone hired by the insurance company is being paid by them to back up their point of view. Find your own experts to give you an unbiased opinion. This includes getting a Scope of Loss by someone who is independent of you and your insurance company.
6. Trust, but verify: For example, just because someone tells you they're licensed, doesn't mean they are. All licensing agencies have ways to check the status of a license. Use these and other sources.
7. Know your limits: For example, starting a large construction project without knowing your budget or signing an open ended contract instead of a fixed price contract, or giving your contractor too much money up front are all open ended deals that can prove disastrous.
8. Know your expert: Do not take advise of someone who is an expert in a different field than the advice you are seeking. For example, don't ask a business attorney about a homeowner's insurance claim.
9. Do not sign a release: You are not required to sign a release for money that is rightfully yours under an insurance policy. If you are being asked to sign a release, ask an attorney who is familar with insurance claims to review it.
10. Take the money: If anyone wants to give you money with no release attached, take it! Put large sums of money in an interest bearing account. The interest will add up quickly.
11. Grieve for your loss: It might not be the loss of a loved one but don't let that stop you from realizing that a big part of your life is gone. Your life will never be the same. Pick up the pieces and begin to move on.