Hurricane Isaias Expectations

We recommend contacting licensed contractors now to obtain estimates for the damage to your home. Having estimates prepared before the insurance company’s adjuster inspects your property may help move the repair process along more efficiently.

Before hiring any contractor, be sure to obtain a copy of their contractor’s license, where required, and proof of insurance. We also recommend taking photographs and videos of all damage and keeping receipts for any temporary repairs or expenses related to protecting your property from further damage.

After the insurance company’s adjuster inspects your property, the carrier will generally provide an estimate detailing the damage they have identified and how the covered repair costs were calculated.

If you discover additional damage that was not included in the original inspection, or if a contractor’s estimate indicates that the necessary repairs will cost more than the insurance company’s estimate, you may be able to submit a supplemental claim for the additional amount.

Obtain a detailed, itemized estimate from your contractor and submit it, along with any supporting photographs or documentation, to your insurance carrier for review. The carrier will determine whether the additional damage or costs are covered under your policy. If possible, submit supplemental documentation before completing repairs that could prevent the carrier from inspecting the additional damage.

If your homeowners policy provides replacement cost coverage, your insurance company may initially withhold a portion of the covered repair cost as depreciation. This amount is commonly referred to as recoverable depreciation.

Depending on your policy and the carrier’s procedures, you may be eligible to recover the withheld amount after the covered repairs are completed and you provide the required documentation, such as paid invoices or proof of completed repairs. Be sure to review your claim estimate and ask your adjuster what documentation is required and what deadlines apply.

If you have a mortgage on your home, your insurance company may issue the claim check payable to both you and your mortgage company. This can require additional steps before the funds are available to pay contractors.

We recommend contacting your mortgage company now to learn its procedures for endorsing or releasing insurance claim funds. Some mortgage companies may require additional documentation or inspections before releasing all of the proceeds, so it is best to understand their requirements early in the process.

Keep copies of all estimates, photographs, receipts, correspondence, and other claim-related documents. Maintain communication with your insurance adjuster and respond promptly to requests for information.

Hurricane claims can take time to process, particularly when insurance companies are handling a large number of claims. Staying organized and providing requested documentation promptly and all at one time can help avoid unnecessary delays.