Hurricane Helene Preparation: Document Your Property’s Condition

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Tips on Preparing for a Large Storm

Dealing with the aftermath of a large storm is stressful but strategic planning will make things easier. What can you do to prepare a storm?

1. Inspect Your Property

Take photos of your property including siding, the roof, and soft metals, like vents and gutters. This will create a record of the state of the property prior to the storm, which makes it easier afterward in the event of sustained damage.

2. Obtain a Copy of Your Insurance Policy

A full copy of your insurance policy is one of the most important documents you should always have on-hand.  Many policyholders are unaware of their coverages, deductibles, or exclusions. Oftentimes, a feature that saves you $$$ on your premium, just might impact your wallet even harder in the event of a claim.

3. Have A Working Back-Up Generator

Don’t get caught in the last-minute mania that invariably occurs every storm season – Generators are in high demand immediately prior and after a storm. If you have a generator— excellent! Double-check and make sure it’s in working order. If you don’t have one, avoid procrastination pitfalls and get one ASAP.

4. Add An Extra Layer of Protection

Anything is vulnerable to damage when storms throw their weight around, and that is especially true for windows. Boarding up windows with plywood will give them that extra layer of protection to avoid wind-driven rain from damaging the interior, which could be damage excluded in your policy.

5. Create An Inventory Of Your Property

When it comes to your personal property, documentation is key. Ensuring that documentation is retrievable post storm is crucial. Make sure you have digital copies of your documentation including photos of your property, receipts, or any other evidence related to your property.

6. Have An Emergency Bag

Have supplies ready incase of evacuation or if you get stranded on your property.

Include in your Emergency Bag:

Similar to generators, necessities like water will fly off the shelves in severe weather situations. Ensuring you are equipped with the essentials ahead of time will reduce the inevitable stress of the current circumstances.

**For additional tips to prepare for a storm check out Consumer Reports

7. Make A Evacuation Plan

Hopefully, you won’t need to execute it, but it’s important to have an evacuation plan in place. Having a plan prepared will enable you to get you and your loved ones to safety quickly.

Property damaged in the storm? Need a policy review?

You may want to consider hiring a Public Adjuster. Premier Claims is a Public Adjusting Firm, and we work for you, the insured. Your insurance agent may sell you insurance, but at the end of the day, they work for the insurance company. We work for YOU.