If your home or personal belongings were damaged during the storm, the State Department of Insurance recommends the following guidelines for filing your claim:

·      Immediately report property damage to your WWW agent or insurance company. After a hurricane, most insurance companies should establish toll-free numbers to handle claims calls.

·      Make emergency repairs and document them. Most homeowners' policies require that you make emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your home or its contents. Use plastic or playwood to cover holes in roof, walls, doors and windows. Be careful! Take "before and after" pictures and save your receipts. Beware of contractors who encourage you to pay a lot of money up front.

·      Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Secure your property to the best of your ability and remove valuables. Contact your agent and leave a phone number where you can be reached.

·      Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed, reputable service people. If you hire someone to make repairs to your home, make sure they have current licenses, insurance and permits. Never pay all costs of a repair job up front and always get a receipt.

·      Beware of unlicensed "Adjusters for Hire." Demand positive identification and proof of license and insurance. Your insurance company will provide you with an adjuster free of charge; however, there are adjusters for hire who charge a commission that won't be covered by your insurance policy.   

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Note:  This is general information and does not change or supersede your policy provisions, which vary by policy and state.