WSIU's Brad Palmer talked with Sydney Waters of the Better Business Bureau about how to properly file insurance claims.
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Dealing with insurance after a natural disaster can be confusing.
The Better Business Bureau shared tips on navigating these policies while saving from further devastation.
The BBB suggests contacting your insurance company to start the claims process as soon as possible. You may also be eligible for food, hotel, and reimbursement for other living costs while your house is damaged.
Investigate your contractor before letting them deal with your insurance company and seek approval for their repairs—document property damage to your property by taking pictures and videos.
After a storm has passed, you may be liable for damage, so make temporary repairs like boarding up broken windows or placing tarps over leaky roofs.
Sydney Waters with the BBB recommends not making any permanent repairs until you get approval from your insurance company.
"Make sure you understand how your insurance company will reimburse your repair costs. They may not fully reimburse you for repairs without their authorization. Always make sure you get that first."
Waters says to avoid giving more than one-third of the job price upfront or giving an insurance check to a contractor before repairs.
She says you can check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on fema.gov about additional assistance when insurance doesn't cover all costs.
For more information, visit https://www.bbb.org/.
