Here at Mid-Rivers Insurance, we serve clients in and around O’Fallon, Jefferson City, and Kirksville, Missouri. Like other top insurance agencies, we first gain clients by helping them find proper coverage at competitive prices. At the same time, we keep our customers by helping them use their policy benefits to recover quickly after they suffer damages that result in claims. As part of the claims process, we can offer advice about the best steps to take after a storm or other disaster strikes.
Steps to Recover After Storm Damage
Clients who recover the best take some proactive steps to prepare themselves:
- Understand policy details: Typical property insurance in Missouri covers damage caused by windstorms but not flooding. On the other hand, insurance should cover water damage generated from damage that wind caused. Work with your agent to determine if you should also buy separate flood insurance.
- Prepare for safety: Of course, you should first concentrate on ways to keep your family safe in an emergency. Make sure you have emergency supplies, a bug-out bag, and an evacuation plan on hand long before you need to face a natural disaster. Keep your roof, windows, and other parts of your structure in good repair to minimize damage and conform with your insurance contract.
After you suffer from property damage, contact your agent to begin your claims process as quickly as possible. You should also try to protect your property from further damage as soon as you reasonably can. When you contact your agent to begin the claim, you can also ask for advice about such services as emergency water remediation and roof repair. You don’t need to sacrifice safety or common sense to protect your property, but your insurance company will expect you to act within a reasonable amount of time.
Don’t Act in Haste When Hiring Repair Firms
Obviously, you’ll be eager to begin repairs as quickly and efficiently as you can. Still, you should remain wary of any contractors who come knocking on your door, offer you too-good-to-be-true deals, or apply any kind of high-pressure sales tactics. Sadly, unlicensed and even fake repair companies tend to appear at the site of disasters to take advantage of stressed homeowners.
Make certain that you employ duly licensed contractors with the right experience and credentials to help repair your valuable property. If you need assistance finding these repair firms, ask your agent for advice and referrals. Otherwise, you might check online with local business directories or such sources as the BBB. While your insurance company and you want you to make repairs as quickly as possible, everybody also wants you to get the right repairs made.
Storm Recovery Starts Now
At Mid-Rivers Insurance, we help prepare our clients for prompt and fair storm recovery. We begin by making sure you have the right coverage, understand your policy, and pay a fair premium. After a storm strikes, we’ll work with you during your entire claims process as well. Get ready to recover from property damage by contacting us today.
