Should You Wait for an Adjuster After Storm Damage?

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding Can Cause Damage After a Severe Storm

Flooding can cause damage after a severe storm

After a severe storm or flooding in Alexandria, MN, you may wonder whether to wait for a flood insurance adjuster before trying to mitigate flood damage. Here are three reasons not to wait before documenting damage and taking steps to limit the extent of secondary damage to your home.

1. Documentation Is All You Need to File a Claim An insurance adjuster does not need to witness damage firsthand to process a claim, but you do need to document the damage. Take extensive dated photographic or video evidence. Keep records of possessions, as well as their condition and value, and locate receipts for high-value items if possible. Footage and itemized records should be enough to prove your home and possessions sustained the damage you claim.

2. Adjusters Are Likely To Be Backlogged Depending on the extent of a flood or storm and how many homes and businesses were affected, it may take adjusters a while to follow up on your flood insurance claims. It is better to document and immediately take steps to mitigate damage to keep conditions in your home from worsening. As a matter of fact, your insurance may not provide as much of a payout if you cannot prove you did everything in your power to limit damage in a timely manner.

3. Secondary Damage Can Start In Hours The longer water damage sits, the more likely it is that building materials and contents will need to be replaced rather than restored. Mold damage can start to emerge within only 24 to 48 hours following a flood. You should take steps to eliminate the presence of water and moisture in your home as soon as possible. Don't wait for a flood insurance adjuster following adverse weather or flooding in Alexandria, MN. Contact water and storm damage specialists if you need assistance with flood damage mitigation or restoration.

Call SERVPRO of Douglas & Otter Tail Counties at (320) 219-6505.