Protect Your Property Before Hurricane Helene

With Hurricane Helene looming, it’s easy to focus solely on securing supplies and preparing for the storm. However, one of the most important steps you can take is documenting the current condition of your property. Having this documentation can be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim after the hurricane passes. After all, the last thing you want to deal with in the aftermath of a storm is the stress of proving your losses to your insurance carrier.

Why Documenting Your Property’s Condition Is Crucial

After a natural disaster like a hurricane, proving the extent of the damage to your insurance carrier can become difficult. If you don’t have clear evidence of your property’s pre-storm condition, the insurer may question how much damage is directly related to the hurricane. By showing the property’s condition before the storm, you can avoid delays or disputes in getting the compensation you need for repairs.

How to Document Your Property Before Hurricane Helene

Take Clear Photos and Videos

Start by photographing and recording your entire property, both inside and outside. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to damage, such as the roof, windows, and doors. Ensure your images are high-quality and well-lit. For video documentation, provide a verbal description as you walk through each area of your property, pointing out specific details like recent renovations or the condition of older structures. This extra effort can go a long way in showcasing your property’s integrity.
Capture Key Areas of Potential Damage

Focus on areas of your property that could be most affected by Hurricane Helene, such as:
- Roofing and Gutters: Photograph the current condition of the roof to prove there was no existing damage.
- Windows and Doors: These areas are often the first to suffer damage during a hurricane. Capture their current state, including any protective measures like storm shutters.
- Exterior Landscaping and Fencing: Document trees, fences, and any outdoor structures that could be affected by high winds.
Create a Property Inventory

We recommend creating a list of your personal belongings and their estimated value. This inventory should include everything from electronics and appliances to furniture and valuables. Keep receipts and proof of purchase alongside your inventory for expensive items, like jewelry or high-end electronics. Keeping a digital copy of this inventory is in your best interest when it comes time to submit your claim efficiently. These items may hold sentimental value as well as financial investment, so documenting them is a key step in protecting yourself.
Store Your Documentation in a Safe Place

Once you’ve gathered all your documentation, make sure it’s stored safely. Opt for cloud storage services or a backup drive to ensure your data is not lost, even if your property sustains significant damage. Physical copies should be kept in a waterproof and fireproof container. Taking these precautions can give you a sense of security, knowing you have what you need in case the unexpected happens.

Why Is This Important?

When filing a claim after a hurricane, your insurance carrier will typically assess the damage to determine how much you should be compensated. If you’ve documented your property’s condition beforehand, you can quickly provide evidence that supports your claim, helping you avoid disputes about pre-existing damage.

Insurance adjusters appreciate policyholders who can show clear before-and-after comparisons. These records can fast-track the claims process, allowing you to receive payments more quickly. Moreover, it helps prevent disputes over whether certain damages were caused by the hurricane or pre-existing issues, reducing the stress of navigating your recovery.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

It’s important to document your property well before Hurricane Helene reaches your doorstep. Once a storm warning is issued, there’s often too little time to create comprehensive documentation. Make property documentation a regular part of your annual maintenance to stay prepared for unexpected events like Hurricane Helene.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe, and Protect Yourself

With hurricanes becoming more frequent and severe, it’s essential to prepare your property physically and administratively. Properly documenting your property’s condition is one of the best ways to protect your financial interests and those you love. Taking these steps before the storm can make the claims process smoother and more efficient, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.

At Premier Claims, we understand preparing for a hurricane can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team is here to support you throughout the entire process, from beginning to end. We’ll help you navigate the critical steps in pre-hurricane preparation, including how to document your property effectively. You don’t have to do this alone—reach out to our team today to create a solid foundation for your post-storm recovery.

Who are the players in the intake process?

Think of the claims intake process as one big video game, where the decision maker or policy owner plays the most integral part of the claims game. Throughout your quest for a fair claim payout, you’ll meet some additional key figures or characters to help you along the way.

Player Character or Protagonist: The Policy Owner

The policyholder is the main character. They’re the ones whose name is listed under “Named Insured” in the policy. This person is typically the business or building owner who either knows all of the information needed in connection to the property or knows the best person to ask for help obtaining the necessary information.

Ensure you know the differences between signee, named insured, and claimant. Not sure what they are? We’ve got you covered.

Signee vs. Named Insured

- - Signee: The person who signs any document or contract. They acknowledge and accept the terms of the document.
  - Named Insured: The person or entity specifically named in an insurance policy as the primary policyholder who receives coverage and benefits.

Named Insured vs. Claimant

- - Named Insured: The main policyholder identified in the insurance policy who has the legal rights and responsibilities associated with the policy.
  - Claimant: The person or entity making a claim under the insurance policy, which could be the named insured or another party eligible to claim benefits due to an insured event.

Signee vs. Claimant

- - Signee: The individual who signs the document, which could include contracts, agreements, or forms.
  - Claimant: The individual or entity filing a claim for benefits under an insurance policy, regardless of whether they signed the policy.

The Guide: The Property Manager

The property manager serves as a point of contact for the building’s condition. They may provide essential information about the property and assist with gathering documentation throughout the claims process. Their job is to oversee the property and ensure that its condition is up to par. They should have records of any issues with the building and repairs made, the insurance policy, and inspection records. When it comes to providing information on any changes to the property or past issues, they are an excellent resource.

Information Hub: Your Broker or Insurance Agent

Your broker or broker agent is the keeper of policy knowledge. They’re key when trying to track down your policy. That isn’t a problem if you’ve never seen your policy. Your broker is required to give you a copy if the signee asks. If you are getting a runaround when requesting a copy of your policy, Premier Claims is happy to assist.

The Ally: Premier Claims

Premier Claims is your claims team’s muscle and brains. Throughout the intense battle with the insurance carrier, we will always be on your side, advocating on your behalf. We are experts in the claims process and have the tenacity and drive to fight for your rightful compensation.

Your Arsenal

One of the first steps in the claims process is to gather all necessary information about the property. The policy owner should have access to their insurance policy documents, including the declaration pages outlining key coverage details. This readily available information can expedite the intake process and facilitate smoother communication with the insurance adjuster.

You should also have a detailed timeline of the building. Whether it’s recent renovations, prior damage, or maintenance issues, you should be prepared to provide insights into the building’s history. This information can help the adjuster properly assess the extent of the damage.

Once Premier Claims has the primary information concerning your property, we can start investigating and ultimately battling it out with the villain of the claims process: the insurance carrier.

Hurricane Helene Preparation: Document Your Property’s Condition