Politics & Government
Tree on Your Roof? Now What?
Vice President Brian Thomas, of Phipps Insurance Agency, talks about what to do next if you've sustained tree or property damage.
Irene has blown through and left you with a tree on your roof or a flood in your basement. Now what do you do ?
According to Brian Thomas, vice president of of Hopkinton, the first thing you need to do is make sure you are safe.
"Once everything is secure, and it is safe to do so, call your insurance carrier," Thomas said. "Unfortunately, there is likely going to be a time lag because of the frequency of calls, but you need to let them know what's happening."
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While you are waiting to hear back from the insurance companies here are five things you can do:
1. Take some digital photos as it's always good to have a recording of the damage.
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2. Board up any open areas to make sure you and your family are safe from the elements and critters that may like the warm home.
3. Check to see if you carry flood insurance as home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
4. Watch out for flim flam artists. Unfortunately, there are several flim flams out there that will be happy to take advantage of impatient people.
5. If you have questions, call the Division of Insurance at 617-521-7794.
"The deductible on most claims is going to be between $500 and $1000," Thomas said. "These days it's more likely to be closer to the $1000 because as prices have gone up, people have taken higher deductibles."
He also reiterates that it is important to work with a carrier with a long established commitment and not an unknown.
"If you cannot get through to your insurance agent due to the volume of calls, it may be quicker to call the carrier directly," Thomas said.
According to Thomas, home Insurance will cover damage to a house from a fallen tree, tree damage to a garage, shed, or outdoor pool. Comprehensive car insurance will cover damage to a car. Only flood insurance will cover water damage.
If you do have a tree on your house that needs removal, a freezer full of bad food, and flood damage, you will pay a deductible for each separate claim, according to an agent at .
Word to the wise, when calling the Division of Insurance, be patient. Their lines are jammed and the wait time is long.