The aftermath of flooding includes the nuisances of cleaning up, assessing damage, and filing flood insurance claims. If your clients have Commercial Excess Flood Insurance New York, they should know how to file their claims and the factors needed to ensure payment.
Step 1: Assess the Extent of Flood Damage
Most of the time, your client’s first step might be to clean up when the flood subsides. However, this is a mistake they should avoid.
Before cleaning up, your client should assess first the flood damage. They should take the time to segregate undamaged furniture, appliances, and other personal properties from the damaged ones.
Your client should have a list of all their possessions. Your client should know the value of each property, damaged or not. If they have saved the receipts of purchases, the process of assessing the damage is much easier.
Tips:
- Encourage potential clients to keep receipts of purchases for several years or while they are still in possession of the personal properties they buy.
- Your client should remove the damaged personal properties and place them outside while waiting for the process of claims process to be complete.
Step 2: Report the Loss
Your client should immediately report the loss to the insurance agent. Sometimes, this step could go first before assessment or is simultaneously done with the first step.
Regardless, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your client. The adjuster works closely with your client during the claims process. He or she would also assess the value of damaged goods, especially if your client isn’t knowledgeable on this aspect.
Tips:
- Inspection is part of the process, so your client should ready all necessary information to hasten the process.
- Your client should follow up after several days when an adjuster doesn’t show up.
Step 3: Document the Damage and Loss
Proper documentation is critical during the claims process. Thus, your client should take photos and videos of the damaged personal properties, including the house. The photos and videos should show the model, brand, and serial numbers of appliances.
Your client’s documentation may also include receipts and warranty cards, among others. They should substantiate everything with videos and photos.
Tips:
- Your client should keep all flood-damaged properties that don’t pose health risks.
- Throw out consumables such as food immediately because these items can rot and are possible sources of health risks and diseases.
Step 4: Send the Paperwork
Your client should send their claims to the insurance within 60 days after the flood. The paperwork includes filling up a form (Proof of Loss) that details all claims.
All information should be accurate, and values should be correctly determined. If your client needs to change address during the process, they should inform the insurance about it.
Tips:
- Patience is essential during a claim process, especially if the flood had affected many people who are also claiming insurance.
- Your client should also organize everything. When the adjuster or the insurance asks for information, they should give it immediately.
Step 5: Clean Up Thoroughly
While waiting for the insurance adjuster to visit, your client should start clean-up. The goal is to prevent the spread of mold and the growth of harmful bacteria causing diseases.
Thus, your client should do all their best to clean everything up. They should use proper cleaning agents. Bulk buying of cleaning products could reduce the costs.
Your client should also use disinfectants. These products could eliminate bacteria, virus, or whatever harmful unseen organisms.
Tips:
- Your client should return if it is already safe to do so.
- Shut off main switches for electricity and gas before cleaning up for precautionary measures.
Step 6: Meet with the Adjuster
Within the next few days, an adjuster should visit the house of your client. First, your client should ask for identification as proof that the adjuster is really from the insurance company.
Fraudsters will take this opportunity to get valuable information from your clients. Thus, make sure to check on your clients occasionally to ensure they’re doing the process correctly.
Tips:
- Your client should never shell out money during the assessment period.
- The insurance adjuster doesn’t ask or collect money or service fees.
Step 7: Receive Payment
Your client receives payment based on the documents provided and the policy limit. Thus, the accuracy of information is important. If the flood damage is more than the coverage limit, your client can use their Excessive Flood Insurance.
Tips:
- Your client should also get estimates from experts who specialize in underwriting properties that don’t fit typical underwriting requirements.
Conclusion
Insurance claims due to floods can take a while. So, your clients should ensure they’re providing accurate information to avoid delays. They should always remain organized so they can retrieve essential data related to claims.
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.
