Flooding after a hurricane can provide devastating results with plenty of hardships to homeowners and business owners alike. Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage. Often, it’s difficult for people to navigate the insurance claim process on their own. It is your role to guide them through the process and the steps they must take.
Review Insurance Policies
Brokers or agents are responsible for reviewing their clients’ excess flood insurance policies. When a hurricane hits, people need full coverage for any damages. Brokers or agents are responsible for checking their clients’ excess flood insurance policies. In a hurricane or other natural disaster, make sure that your clients are completely covered.
A task of this magnitude can be extremely challenging. Your clients can attain coverage from hurricane-related losses. Some options include flood and home insurance.
It is crucial to understand how weather events like hurricanes can affect coverage. Additionally, you and your client must know what special precautions to take when working on hurricane claims.
Help Clients File Insurance Claims
Filing an insurance claim can be a complicated and time-consuming process. However, your job is to help clients navigate the process as quickly and efficiently as possible. The first step is to gather all necessary documentation. Some documents may include a police report, medical records, and receipts for any repairs or replacement items.
Once you have all of the required paperwork, you’ll need to submit it to the insurance company. The claims department will then review the information. Next, they will determine whether or not the claim is valid.
If everything is in order, they will issue a check to the policyholder. If there are any questions or concerns, they may contact you for clarification. In either case, it’s essential to keep the lines of communication open with your clients. You do this, so they know what to expect throughout the claims process.
Assist with Finding Contractors
You are a broker or agent representing an insurance company; your clients may call you. Your task is to help them find contractors to repair damage caused by events such as hurricanes. It is vital to be familiar with the different types of contractors your clients may need. In addition to that, they must understand how to select and hire them.
Generally, there are three types of contractors that may be required.
- General contractors who oversee all aspects of the repair project
- Specialty contractors who perform specific tasks such as electrical work or plumbing;
- Sub-contractors, who the general contractor hires to perform particular tasks.
The selection and hiring process generally includes obtaining bids from multiple contractors. Then, you conduct background checks. Together with your clients, you will select the most qualified contractor based on their experience, qualifications, and price. By being familiar with this process, you can assist your clients in finding the right contractor for their needs.
Advise Clients for Future Disaster
You must have a wealth of knowledge when protecting your clients’ property from the risk of damage or loss caused by hurricanes. To advise your clients most effectively, understand the different types of coverage available. Then, figure out how you can tailor the coverage to meet their needs.
One key aspect you will need to consider is the location of your client’s property. Due to its proximity to coastal waters, some areas are more vulnerable than others to hurricane damage.
It is crucial that you carefully assess any potential risks and recommend appropriate coverage options based on this information. Additionally, you will want to review a range of policies. These policies cover basic property damage. In addition to that, it covers costs such as repair fees and replacement expenses for damaged structures. It also helps fill the loss of income for businesses affected by natural disasters.
By focusing on these critical factors, you can help ensure that your clients’ properties receive complete protection against future hurricanes.
Educate Clients about Hurricane Clean Up
Alternatively, educate your clients on the proper ways of cleaning up after a hurricane. Some clients may still be troubled and freaked out after such a disaster. Any help, no matter how tiny it is, can make a difference in this period of loss.
Your clients should know what to save and throw away during the clean-up. They should know how to document the damage done to their property when you aren’t there to assist them immediately.
Keep Clients Updated on the Progress of Claims
Your role as an insurance agent is essential in the claims process. Many clients rely on you to keep them informed of the progress of their claims and to answer any questions they may have. When a client contacts you with a question about their claim, it is essential to be polite and professional.
Take the time to explain the claims process and what your client can expect. If you do not have an answer to a question, be honest with your client. Tell them that you will need to research the matter further. Subsequently, keeping your clients informed and addressing their concerns can smoothen their claims experience.
Helping Your Client
When your clients need you, you must be there to help them. You can offer essential services to help them rebound after a hurricane’s destruction.
About Snyder Specialty
Snyder Specialty, LLC is a New York-based underwriting facility that provides a range of property and liability solutions for personal and commercial lines. Specializing in coastal properties and hard-to-place risks, Snyder Specialty expands your current capabilities with proven solutions for complex risks. Find out more about the company’s range of services by calling (718) 362-8039.
