Steps to Take After Property Damage

As you’re sitting at your dinner table, drinking your coffee, and eating your breakfast, you open up Facebook, and all you see are photos, videos, and news articles about the hail storm that swept through your neighborhood. You see that one of your friends posted a picture of a golf ball-sized hail near one of the office buildings you own. You realize there is a VERY good chance your building has damage. What do you do? Do you know how to navigate the claims process after property damage?

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after property damage:

1. Mitigate Further Damage

First and foremost, prioritize your own safety and that of others. If the damage poses any immediate danger, take necessary steps to mitigate further impact or loss to your property. This could involve actions like boarding up windows, covering exposed areas, or shutting off utilities if necessary. Safety should always be the top priority.

2. Document the Damage

Capture thorough photographic and video evidence of all damage. This documentation is crucial as it serves as tangible proof of the extent of the damage for your insurance claim. Take pictures and videos from multiple angles, including close-up shots and wider views, to capture the full scope of the damage.

Focus on Exterior Components: Inspect and document any damage to the roof, siding, windows, and surrounding landscape features such as foliage. Look for signs of dents, punctures, missing shingles or tiles, and debris accumulation.
Immediate Assistance: If you cannot immediately document the damage yourself, contact our team promptly. We can dispatch someone to conduct a thorough damage assessment and gather the necessary information for your claim.

3. Contact Our Team for Guidance

Reach out to our team as soon as possible for professional assistance. Premier Claims specializes in navigating the complexities of insurance claims and can provide invaluable guidance from the outset.

Assessment and Documentation: Our team will conduct an on-site inspection to gather comprehensive evidence of all recoverable damage under your insurance policy.
Detailed Damage List: We’ll help you create a detailed list of all damage, impacted areas, and any structural issues. This includes a summary of the date, time, and severity of the event that caused the damage.
Compile Records: Gather any relevant records related to your property, such as maintenance records, previous inspection reports, repair receipts, and prior photographs. These documents strengthen your claim by providing a history of the property’s condition.

4. Initiate the Claims Process

After reviewing the evidence and records, if we determine there is sufficient damage covered under your policy, we will initiate the claims process on your behalf.

Notification to Insurance Carrier: We will notify your insurance carrier of the damage incurred and provide all necessary documentation to support your claim.
Advocacy and Support: Throughout the claims process, our team will advocate for your best interests and work hard to get you fair compensation for the damage to the property. Dealing with property damage can be daunting, but taking proactive steps and partnering with our experienced team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your insurance claim. By promptly documenting the damage, compiling necessary records, and initiating the claims process with our guidance, you can lay a solid foundation for a smooth and successful resolution.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the insurance claims process and recovering from property damage effectively. Your peace of mind is our priority.

As temperatures finally rise above freezing, granting everyone a break from the winter storms, a new set of complications is heading our way. With the thaw, the accumulated snow and ice transform from a winter wonder into a potential hazard—flooding. For property owners, this shift in weather brings forth a critical need to understand and navigate the challenges that accompany the melting snow and ice. There is no time to waste; take actionable steps to prepare, manage, and recover from the looming threat of flooding after the recent winter storms.

Prepare For Potential Flooding

Assessing Vulnerabilities

Regardless of your property type, assess vulnerabilities such as low-lying areas and drainage systems. For commercial properties, consider the unique structural aspects that may impact flood risk.

Snow and Ice Removal

Proactive snow and ice removal is essential for both residential and commercial properties. Clear pathways, drains, and parking lots to facilitate the flow of melting water away from your property. Commercial property owners may also look into advanced snow removal techniques, including specialized equipment for large parking lots and walkways. Timely and efficient snow removal can reduce the risk of flooding.

Structural Integrity Checks

Commercial property owners should go beyond the basics and conduct structural integrity checks. Ensure that your property’s foundation, walls and roofing are resilient to the stress induced by melting snow and potential flooding. Allow for your roof to be free of ice dams, which can lead to water infiltration during the thaw. Learn more about ice dams in our blog: https://premier-claims.com/blog/ice-dams/

Landscaping Adaptations

Tailor your landscaping strategy to your property type. For homes, focus on grading and drainage solutions. Commercial properties may need specialized landscaping to redirect water flow away from the infrastructure.

Emergency Plan

Commercial property owners should also maintain emergency supplies, ensuring the safety of employees and visitors. Consider the unique needs of your business, including backup power sources and communication systems. Commercial property owners should have a clear evacuation plan and protocols in place for employees and visitors. Designate assembly points and communicate procedures to ensure a safe exit and business continuity. .

What Do I Do During a Flood?

Protecting Assets

Take proactive measures to safeguard valuable equipment and essential documents in commercial spaces. Elevate these items above potential flood levels to help minimize damage. Implement protocols for securing machinery and sensitive data to mitigate losses during a flood.

Water Management

Address water accumulation with practical solutions. Place water buckets strategically to collect and redirect water away from critical areas. Protect belongings and equipment by raising them above potential flood levels. Consider installing barriers or seals to prevent water infiltration into sensitive areas.

Appliance Precautions

Take precautions with appliances to prevent damage during flooding. Elevate electrical appliances to high ground or place them on sturdy platforms. Disconnect appliances to avoid electrical hazards. If possible, move appliances to a higher floor or relocate them to a safer area within the property.

Communication Systems

Ensure that communication remains intact during a flood. Establish backup power sources for communication systems and keep them operational. Having redundant communication channels allows for timely dissemination of information to employees, visitors, and relevant stakeholders.

Post-Flood Recovery Tips

Documenting Damage

Documenting damage is crucial for both homeowners and commercial property owners. Take photographs and videos to facilitate insurance claims and assess the extent of the impact.

Contacting Professionals

For commercial property owners, timely contact with professionals for cleanup and restoration is vital. Premier Claims, with expertise in both residential and commercial spaces, offers guidance through the insurance claims process, including cleanup and restoration.

Insurance Claims

Navigating insurance claims is complex for both homes and commercial properties. Be aware of flood exclusions in your insurance policy, as standard policies may not cover flood-related damages. Separate flood coverage is typically required to ensure insurance protection for your property. Premier Claims is committed to assisting you in understanding policy nuances, aiming for a seamless recovery for your investment.

As the thawing landscapes unfold, this guide stands as a beacon for both residential and commercial property owners. By embracing preparation, vigilance, and collaboration with Premier Claims, you can fortify your property against the challenges posed by melting snow and ice. Connect with us for expert guidance tailored to the unique needs of your property, allowing a resilient and secure future.

In the grand theater of meteorological events, two powerful weather phenomena play starring roles: tornadoes and downbursts. Though they both may seem like formidable players causing extensive damage, they are distinct in their formation, the type of winds they produce, and the nature of destruction they cause. This blog will dive into the world of tornadoes and downbursts, with special emphasis on macrobursts and microbursts, and will guide you on how to ensure your property is adequately covered by insurance for such events.

Tornadoes vs. Downbursts: The Basics

Tornado Formation and Wind Type

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NOAA NSSL), “A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.” The formation of a tornado, also known as tornadogenesis, is a complex process that involves varying wind speeds and directions, change in wind speed and direction with altitude (wind shear), high humidity, and instability in the lower atmosphere.

Tornadoes produce what is known as rotational winds. These are winds that move in a circular pattern around a center point, much like water going down a drain.

Downburst Formation and Wind Type

On the other hand, a downburst is a strong downward current of air from a thunderstorm that hits the ground and spreads out in all directions. There are two types of downbursts: macrobursts and microbursts. A macroburst is a powerful storm with a diameter exceeding 2.5 miles, lasting 5 to 30 minutes. In contrast, a microburst is more concentrated, affecting an area under 2.5 miles wide, lasting around 5 minutes.

Unlike tornadoes, downbursts produce straight-line winds. These winds flow in a more uniform direction, spreading radially once they hit the ground.

The Devastation: Tornado vs. Downburst Damage

The type of wind involved greatly influences the pattern of damage that these events cause. Tornado damage is often identifiable by a distinct path of destruction due to its rotational winds, leaving damage in a somewhat narrow and long trail.

In contrast, the damage from a downburst is typically more “divergent” due to the straight-line winds. The destruction radiates outwards from a central point where the wind initially strikes the ground, often creating a radial or fan-shaped pattern of damage.

Insurance Claims: Navigating the Storm After the Storm

The aftermath of these severe weather events often leads to significant property loss, making insurance claims a necessary, albeit daunting, process. Here are key factors to consider when dealing with insurance for tornado and downburst damages.

Coverage for Tornado Damage

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover tornado damage. It usually falls under the “windstorm” or “hail” peril covered in your policy. However, it’s essential to review your policy’s specific terms and limits.

In the event of a tornado, you’ll want to document all damage extensively, take photographs, and compile a detailed inventory of damaged items. This information will support your claim.

Coverage for Downburst Damage

Damage from downbursts, including both macrobursts and microbursts, is generally covered under the wind damage provision of your homeowners’ insurance policy. As with tornadoes, it’s crucial to document all damage thoroughly, providing your insurance company with a detailed account of the loss.

Getting Adequate Coverage

While basic homeowners’ insurance usually covers tornado and downburst damages, there are certain scenarios where additional coverage may be needed. For instance, if you live in a tornado-prone area, consider getting a separate, specific tornado insurance policy.

Your standard policy might not cover damage due to flooding following a downburst or a tornado. So, consider adding a flood insurance policy to your existing coverage. Additionally, ensure your policy includes a provision for living expenses in case your home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage.

Conclusion

Tornadoes and downbursts, including macrobursts and microbursts, are powerful weather phenomena with distinct formations, wind types, and patterns of damage. Securing proper insurance for these situations brings peace of mind amid unpredictable weather. Regularly assess your policies for the right coverage and disaster-response know-how.

What Do You Do After Property Damage Occurs?