Every homeowner and business owner dreads the unlikely but occasional disaster that destroys a building. Whether the cause was accidental or otherwise it can be devastating and traumatic. But understanding how to deal with the insurance company can make all the difference in the results. Read on to learn a step by step approach that will mean you at least follow protocol to ensure best results.

How to deal with the insurance company after a disaster

Home or business disasters can be very distressing and may cause many inconveniences for you and your family. It may take a long time for you to recover financially, but with the help of a full settlement from your insurance, the time can be shortened. What you will need to do is work with your insurance company to receive compensation based on your property damage.

Experienced a building disaster – what are the next steps?

Working with insurance companies can be confusing. Their insurance policies are full of jargon that is hard to understand. Take into consideration compensation beyond just physical damage for your settlement so that you can get the full amount you deserve.

To check – Before you decide how to deal with the insurance company?

Insurance policies are very detailed in outlining what is included in your coverage. However, the language isn’t always easy to interpret. In general, most insurance companies include the following for property damage:

For disasters at home:

• Dwelling protection
• Other detached structures
• Personal property
• Liability for injuries

For disasters in businesses:

• Business equipment
• Business records
• Employees injured on the premises
• Loss of income due to damaged property
• Data loss coverage
• Automobile accidents
• Flood insurance

Business insurance is not limited to these items. In contrast, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t typically include floods or earthquakes. Most damages are covered if the wreckage at your home is caused by hail, lightning, hurricanes, fires, and heavy rainstorms. However, insurance policies also include additional terms, so you have to speak with your insurance company to figure this out.

Decide how to deal with the insurance company before taking action

When you first experience property damage after a disaster, let your insurance company know. To help bring you some clarity, ask them about their policy coverage and what can be included in your compensation. They may send out an adjuster to survey your property, but don’t settle on this amount. Insurance companies often give you a smaller amount than you are due to help save their company some funds. You can get a second opinion from an adjuster not associated with your insurance company.

Speak to a public adjuster

When you work with a public adjuster, it is their job to assess the damage and give you a more accurate estimate of the total amount of settlement money you are due. They will walk through the property with you and analyze the environment. Highly professional, these individuals have a background in construction or other technical industry with gives them insight into the price of replacing or rebuilding the property. They also use advanced technology to calculate these damages. Public adjusters provide their services for free upfront, but once you decide to submit your claim, they take a percentage of the cost.

Submit your claim

Go through your checklist of items that you need to be compensated for. After you have reviewed your options and decided what are your next steps, you can submit your claim. If you choose the help of a public adjuster, this professional will submit a claim on your behalf and provide a higher success rate for the total settlement amount you deserve.

Learn more about public adjusters

If you are ready to begin an insurance claim whether you are a homeowner or business owner seek help. Don’t be afraid to find expert advice, it will only support your claim.

You can seek help from experts to guide you on the next steps. According to Hope Public Adjusters, you can receive a higher settlement with the help of professional advice.

For more information on how to deal with the insurance company check the following link references:

• Investopedia
• III.org
• Nerdwallet 

FURTHER READING ON MANAGING AND MITIGATING HOME DISASTERS

Avoiding DIY disasters – What to do

Prepare your home for natural disaster

Best home DIY maintenance practice – Top Tips