Aftermath of a Storm: Key Steps to Take

Facing the aftermath of a storm can be a daunting experience. But when it comes to safeguarding your property and filing an insurance claim, it’s essential to have a clear plan of action. Below is a guide to assist you through the initial steps following a date of loss.

Survey Exterior Damage

After ensuring your safety, the first step is to assess the storm damage to your property.

Exterior Inspection

Begin by examining the exterior of your property for visible damage. Look for missing shingles or broken gutters. As well as obvious roof leaks or scattered roofing materials.

Air Conditioning Unit

Even if it’s not the summer season, check your AC unit for damages. You wouldn’t want any surprises when it’s time to use it.

Other Damages

Be thorough in identifying all storm-related damages, including those caused by trees, neighbor’s trees, or missing fencing. 

Survey Interior Damage

Inspect the inside of your property for signs of internal damage. 

Water Leaks

Keep an eye out for water leaks or puddles on walls and floors, especially on the ground floor. 

Windows and Attic

Check windows for leaks and inspect your attic for any issues. 

Take Photos

Capture clear photos to document all damage you see on your property in the aftermath of a storm.

Exterior Damage

From damaged roofs to broken AC units, photos play a significant role in your insurance claim.

Interior Damage

Document any damage inside your home, ensuring clarity in the images.

Keep Everything

Hold onto damaged items, as your insurance assessor may need to inspect them for your claim. Even if you can’t keep large items, like a waterlogged carpet or a broken TV, take photos and keep small samples if possible. A piece of your wet carpet can serve as evidence!

Shield Your Property

To prevent further damage to your property while waiting for repairs, we recommend covering visible holes or broken windows. You can do this by using tarps or canvases. Furthermore, ensure that you move valuable belongings and electronic equipment out of harm’s way.

Public Adjuster Inspection

Enlist the expertise of a public adjuster to ensure that all damage to your property is accounted for prior to filing a claim. Their in-depth knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to your best interests can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance claim. Ultimately providing you with the peace of mind you deserve after a date of loss occurs. 

Navigating the aftermath of a storm and filing an insurance claim can be challenging, but with the right steps and the support of Premier Claims, you can restore your property with peace of mind. Remember, our dedicated team is here to assist you throughout the process.

 

Tornado Recovery, Where Do You Start?

Emotions run high as communities assess the full extent of devastation caused over the weekend. About 40 tornadoes tore across the Midwest, including Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as a few down in Texas. Some reports show around a hundred tornadoes touched down over the tumultuous weekend. It’s clear there is much work ahead to recover from this disaster. But where do you start?

If this whirlwind of devastation affected you, then you most likely asked yourself that very question: Where do I start?

When you experience such a level of devastation that rips your entire life from its foundation and scatters it about, it becomes almost impossible to think straight. The flattened view of homes and memories before you is captioned by children’s confused cries as they search for their Wubbie or bicycle – the equivalent of an emotional tornado. Where do you find time to pick up the pieces of littered remnants of your home and everything within it?

Recovery & Claim Tips

Next Steps

The next steps become increasingly complicated and time consuming. The claims process can take 6 months to a year or longer. Do you have an additional 20 hours available to spend on a claim for the next 6 months to a year on top of your normal life? I know I don’t and most other people don’t either.

Are you prepared to tackle all that is required in the claims process?

Unlike the carrier adjuster, a public adjuster solely has your interests in mind. They can manage the additional 20 hours a week to handle your claim, reducing your burden. Public adjusters are experts in their field. They will advise and assist you throughout the entire claims process, eliminating those nagging questions and uncertainties you have right now.

What should I do?

Where do I start?

How do we get through this?

Premier Claims is familiar with disaster response and aiding property owners with claims, and this time, it’s in our own backyard. Our experts are here to help our community rebuild and heal from this tragedy. For more support, reach out to our team today: https://premier-claims.com/storm-damage/ 

By: Ashley Workman | Sr. Paralegal & Licensed Public Adjuster

Let’s Talk Property Inspections

Property inspections play a key role in the claims process, providing valuable insights into the extent of damage incurred. At Premier Claims, we recognize the significance of thorough inspections when fighting for a fair and accurate claim settlement.

The Purpose of Property Inspections

Inspections serve as a critical juncture where both the policyholder and the insurance carrier assess the damage firsthand. These inspections are instrumental in determining the scope of repairs needed and estimating the cost of restoration. By conducting thorough inspections, policyholders can ensure that they properly document all damages, thereby reducing the likelihood of disputes during the claims process.

The Premier Claims Advantage

At Premier Claims, we take a proactive approach to inspections by sending our experienced inspectors alongside the insurance representative. This collaborative effort allows us to provide comprehensive assessments while advocating for the policyholder’s best interests. Our inspectors are trained to identify hidden damages and all relevant information to be accurately recorded. In turn, our inspections aim to increase the likelihood of a favorable claim outcome. 

Inspection Goal

Brent Roberts, Inspections Manager, and Licensed Public Adjuster, believes, “Our goal is to identify damage and have the Insurance Adjuster acknowledge the damage on site.” Collaborating with your insurance carrier’s representative for an inspection allows us to ensure they’re recognizing the damage we’re seeing. Our meticulous approach focuses on identifying any damage, linking it to the date of loss, and confirming its weather-related nature. This thorough process documents all relevant information, setting the foundation for a fair and expedited claims resolution. Learn more in our full YouTube video: Let’s Talk Property Inspections

The Inspection Process

During the inspection, our team meticulously examines the property, documenting all visible damages caused by the covered peril. We pay close attention to details, capturing photographic evidence and taking note of any structural issues or safety concerns. By conducting a thorough inspection, we equip policyholders with the information needed to pursue fair and adequate compensation for their losses. 

Policyholder Insight

Understanding the inspection process can empower policyholders to actively participate in their claims journey. By familiarizing themselves with common types of damages and inspection techniques, policyholders can effectively communicate their needs and concerns to the inspection team. Additionally, staying informed about their rights and entitlements allows policyholders to be well-equipped to navigate the claims process with confidence. 

Property inspections are a vital component of the claims process, providing an opportunity to assess damages and advocate for fair compensation. At Premier Claims, we prioritize transparency, professionalism, and advocacy in every inspection we conduct. For more information about property inspections and our claims management services, we invite you to connect with our team today to schedule an inspection of your property. 

Commercial Property Coverage: Difference Between BI and ALE

Navigating the complexities of commercial property coverage can be prone to misunderstandings. It’s crucial to grasp every aspect of your coverage to best prepare your property and business for anything that comes your way. Two terms that often cause confusion are Business Interruption (BI) and Additional Living Expenses (ALE). Let’s dive deeper into these policy elements, providing clarity for commercial property owners. 

Business Interruption (BI): Safeguarding Revenue Streams

What is Business Interruption Coverage?

Business Interruption (BI) coverage steps in when unforeseen circumstances disrupt your business operations. Whether due to natural disasters, fire, or other covered perils, BI provides coverage so that your revenue streams receive protection during the downtime. 

Key Features of Business Interruption

Revenue Loss Compensation

BI commercial property coverage covers the actual loss of income your business sustains during the interruption. 

Operating Expenses

It extends to cover ongoing expenses like rent, utilities, and payroll, easing the financial strain. 

Temporary Location Costs

If relocation is necessary, BI can cover the additional costs associated with setting up operations in a temporary space. 

Understanding the Waiting Period

BI policies often have a waiting period before coverage kicks in. It’s important to discuss and determine the optimal waiting period tailored to your business needs. 

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Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Sustaining Daily Life

What is Additional Living Expenses Coverage?

Additional Living Expenses in commercial property coverage is a vital facet that allows for the continuity of daily operations during unexpected disruptions. ALE steps in when your commercial property is rendered temporarily unusable for covered perils, providing support to maintain operational standards. 

Key Features of Additional Living Expenses

Temporary Operational Space

ALE covers the costs associated with relocating your business operations to a temporary workspace, such as a rented office or facility, allowing for minimal disruption. 

Equipment and Inventory Storage

In cases where your commercial property requires extensive restoration, ALE can cover the expenses related to storing equipment and inventory safely.

Technology and Connectivity

ALE extends to cover costs of setting up temporary communication systems allowing your business to remain connected and operational.

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Synchronizing Business Interruption and Additional Living Expenses Coverage

ALE and BI can work in tandem within commercial property insurance coverage, offering a comprehensive safety net. While BI is intended to safeguard your revenue, ALE is intended to provide coverage so that your daily operations continue seamlessly during the restoration period. 

Claim Considerations

It’s imperative to maintain a detailed record of expenses incurred during the temporary relocation. Working closely with a skilled public adjuster, like those at Premier Claims, can help navigate the intricacies of your policy, aiming for you to receive everything that is owed to you and minimize operational disruptions.

Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment

Identify potential risks specific to your commercial property; moreover, this will allow you to tailor your insurance coverage to address the unique challenges your business may encounter.

Collaborate with a Reputable Public Adjuster

Engage with a knowledgeable public adjuster, such as Premier Claims, that will aim to handle your commercial property insurance claim with expertise and precision. 

Regularly Review and Update Your Policy

Stay ahead of changes in your industry and business structure so that your commercial property insurance policy evolves with your needs, providing comprehensive Business Interruption and Additional Living Expenses coverage.

Understanding the role of Additional Living Expenses and Business Interruption coverage empowers commercial property owners to make informed decisions, allowing minimal financial strain and operational downtime during challenging times. Remember, knowledge is your greatest ally in the world of insurance claims for commercial properties. 

How to Identify Hail Damage

Is your property at risk of hail damage?

Knowing how to identify hail damage and the signs can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

Our expert team has put together an invaluable video guide that walks you through the process of how to identify hail damage on your property. From common indicators to safety precautions and essential tools, this video is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the integrity of their property following a hailstorm. Don’t miss out on these expert insights—watch now to protect your investment!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US8M-_aZEUM

 

For more articles related to hail damage, check out the following:

The Impact of Hail: Understanding Size, Formation, and Damage

Importance of Acting Promptly After a Date of Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Talk Scopes

Ever wondered what goes into a scope inspection for hail damage?

Our latest video guide takes you behind the scenes of this critical process. Conducted by our team of seasoned experts, the scope is designed to identify all forms of hail damage on your property—from dented metal surfaces and cracked windows to damaged roofing materials. We’ll walk you through how the inspection is carried out, the types of hail damage we’re looking for, and the advanced tools we use to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Don’t leave your property’s health to chance; watch now to understand how a thorough scope can protect your investment.

 

 

For more articles related to hail damage, check out the following:

The Impact of Hail: Understanding Size, Formation, and Damage

Importance of Acting Promptly After a Date of Loss

How to Identify Hail Damage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Loss Agriculture Hail Claim Settled in 4 Months

RL Wilson Family Farms

Montgomery, Indiana
Hail Damage
May 2022


Before a claim was even filed, our team stepped in, effectively neutralizing any attempts by the insurance carrier to delay or underpay the claim. We carried out inspections of the property, both day and night, and assembled a comprehensive damage estimate for every asset involved. To speed up the process, we transparently shared all our findings with the insurance carrier, who initially estimated the claim at $1,892,000 based on our information. Not satisfied, we swiftly countered with precise costs for materials and labor, successfully elevating the settlement to an impressive $2,058,000—all in under 4 months.


Insurance Carrier Offer: $1,892,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $2,058,000 in 4 months

 

 

Thorough Investigation Turns $1.9M into a $5.9M Claim Settlement

Sanoh America Distribution Facility

Archbold, Ohio
Hail & Wind Damage | May 2022


The expansive 223,000 square-foot distribution facility experienced significant hail and wind damage, resulting in a small portion collapse. The insurance carrier enlisted an engineer to refute the more extensive hail damage, dismissing it as merely cosmetic and initially only approved repairs for the collapsed section. At this time, our team was brought on and we began to gather evidence from comprehensive on-site investigations, demonstrating the long-term repercussions of neglecting the full extent of the damage. Within six months, these efforts resulted in a reversal of decision to a full roof replacement. In addition, we were able to show historical storm activity that had impacted the building within the policy terms for more accurate dates of loss, as well as reimbursement for business interruption and loss of contents. Thanks to our diligent efforts, we successfully secured an additional $3.9 million in claim settlements.


Insurance Carrier Offer: $1,985,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $5,893,000

Despite Delay Tactics $1.4M Settlement Secured in 3 Months

Luxtor Self-Storage

Prescott, Arizona
Hail Damage
February 2022


Before even filing a claim for hail damage to a high-end self-storage facility, our team was already on the case. Within a week of initiating the claim, we coordinated a joint inspection with the insurance carrier. Despite receiving a ‘reservation of rights’ letter from the carrier—a common delay tactic—we pressed on. We assessed the damage to all four buildings and submitted a comprehensive estimate. Although the insurance carrier countered with lower estimates, we stood our ground. The result? A robust final settlement of $1,428,000 in just 3 months, which even included the cost of private security during the restoration process.


Insurance Carrier Offer: Stated No Coverage Available

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,428,000