How to Avoid Hurricane Sandy's Insurance Headache

Sandy has come and gone, but unfortunately for many in the area, the aftermath of her powerful storm has left an impact on local homes and resident’s pockets. But before picking up the phone and making an insurance claim, there are a few things you should know so both Sandy and the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you during this already stressful time.

Disaster Pro International is a local disaster service company that has specialized in fire, mold, water, wind and hail damage for the last 25 years in North East Ohio. Familiar with cases such as these, owner Arnie Goodman cautions NEO residents to not be taken advantage of as a result of Sandy. “When a large disaster strikes, a lot of times people aren’t use to handling the aftermath and as a result, get completely overwhelmed. The important thing is to stay calm and remember a few key components,” explained Goodman.

So what are those components? According to Goodman, here are the top things to remember and consider:

- Just because your insurance company quotes you a number for your claim, you do not have to go by this number or use their contractors. In fact, shop around, make sure you’re receiving the best value and contractors in the area. By law, your insurance company has to work with whatever contractors you decide, it’s very similar to when a car accident occurs and you pick which company to repair the damages.

- When a disaster hits, insurance adjusters are bombarded with requests to come out to view proprieties. This can be problematic because there are a limited amount of agents available at one time. As a result, they may or may not come out to your property and thus, not have a great idea of what your specific needs are. To ensure a quality job is done, consider working with a disaster company. These companies act as a liaison between you and the insurance company to get the best rates, and also verify that all work is complete, up to code, and that you have a full service team on hand to complete the job in a timely manner. 

- Watch out for estimates that aren’t in your best interest. Many times insurance companies will use their preferred contractors to come out on their behalf to write estimates for both building and personal property damage. If you can, always try to get your own estimates so you know for sure if their quote is competitive and fair.

- Watch for storm chasers. When storms occur, so do door-to-door workers who survey your neighborhood looking for storm damage. If one approaches your home, do not sign anything until your ready to legally bind a contract. Be sure to do your research on these companies. When all else fails, use local companies who have been around and are reputable in the area with testimonials to back up their work.