What to Do if Your Home Is Damaged in a Natural Disaster

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s central west coast as a formidable Category 4 storm, countless residents prepare for its destructive potential. 

We recognize the immense emotional strain that comes with facing such disasters. During these challenging moments, your safety and well-being are the top priority.

Once you and your family are safe, the next crucial step is understanding how to navigate the insurance claims process. This guide will help you take the necessary actions to start your recovery as smoothly as possible.

1. Prioritize Safety and Secure Your Home

Once the storm has passed, wait for local authorities to confirm it is safe to return home. Your safety is the top priority. Once it's clear to go back, be cautious of immediate dangers such as downed power lines or broken gas pipes. If you spot any of these hazards, leave the area immediately and notify the authorities.

As you begin to assess the damage, take precautions. Wear protective gear to avoid injury from broken glass or debris. Secure your home as much as possible to prevent further damage. If your windows are broken or your roof has been compromised, cover them with tarps or plywood. Make sure to keep all receipts for any emergency repairs, as your insurance company may reimburse you for those costs.

2. Report the Damage to Your Insurance Company

After securing your home, it's important to document the damage before filing a claim. Take detailed photos and videos of any damage to your home and personal property, as these will provide crucial evidence for your insurance company. Save receipts for any emergency repairs you make, as your insurance company may reimburse you for those expenses.

Once you've gathered this documentation, contact your insurance company or agent to file a claim. During the initial call, be ready to describe the extent of the damage and mention that you've taken photos and videos.

Keep in mind that it's generally not advisable to make permanent repairs before speaking with your insurer. Focus on making temporary repairs that will prevent further damage, such as covering holes in the roof or boarding up broken windows.

3. Estimate the Damage with an Adjuster

After filing the claim, an insurance adjuster will visit your home to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. This is where the photos and videos you took come in handy, as well as a home inventory list if personal items were destroyed. The adjuster will use this information to calculate the total cost of damage and determine how much your policy will cover.

4. Understand Your Coverage

After the damage has been assessed, your insurance company will review your policy to determine how much of the repair or rebuild costs they will cover. This part of the process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the terms and procedures, but your insurance agent can guide you through each step and help clarify any confusing details.

It’s important to remember that you are your own best advocate throughout this process. If you disagree with the insurance company’s decision or feel that the coverage isn’t adequate, you have the right to appeal. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, request a re-evaluation, or seek a second opinion. Be persistent and ensure you’re receiving the coverage you deserve.

5. Begin the Recovery Process

As soon as your claim is approved, you can start making permanent repairs. Be cautious of fraud—only hire licensed contractors and avoid signing agreements before consulting with your insurance company. This is also a great time to think about building with disaster-resistant materials that can help minimize future damage.

6. Prepare for the Future

While it may seem like a distant thought, once repairs are underway, consider preparing for future disasters. Rebuilding offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your home’s defenses by choosing impact-resistant materials. Additionally, creating or updating a home inventory list will make the claims process easier if you ever face another disaster.

Though this is a difficult time, by taking the right steps, you can begin to rebuild your home and your life. Keep in close contact with your insurance company, document everything, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Your safety and well-being come first, and the recovery process will follow in due time. Stay safe, and take it one step at a time.