Get a head start on Harvey insurance claims for your community
Houston area condominium owners and HOA’s are still not clear from the flooding aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey; however, Rise Association Management Group recommends getting started early on filing Harvey insurance claims for any known losses. John Elmore, Managing Partner for Rise Association Management Group, recommends reporting a claim to your insurance agent as soon as possible.
“Report the claim as soon as you can” offers Elmore. “Insurance carriers will be swamped with activity in the coming days. Getting a 24-hour jump on the process could position your community on a fast track towards closure”
.
Rise offers a few essential steps to get you started:
Step 1
Contact your management company to have them pull a copy of your current policy (flood, wind, etc.). There should be a claim reporting number listed on the declaration page of the policy. Your Property Manager should reach out to this number and let them know you would like to open a claim on behalf of the insured. The carrier will need to assign and adjuster for the claim. Make sure you document the claim number as well as the adjuster’s name and contact information if one is provided.
Step 2
Protect the undamaged property as soon as possible. Examples of this could include:
Contact a roofer repair any damaged portions which could potentially lead to excess water/moisture getting inside the building;
Board any doors/windows that may have been damaged;
Remove any large/bulky debris which may cause damage to other property;
Contact a remediation company to dispatch a team to begin water extraction or temporary clean-up.
Step 3
Begin creating heavy documentation to support the claim. This would include photo and written summary evidence of both exterior and interior affected areas of the property. Make sure the photos clearly indicate which building/units were affected as well as interior photos showing the height of the water (if flooded). Document the process before, during, and after any short-term remediation/repairs are made.
The idea here is to paint a vivid picture for the adjuster as it’s likely some of the initial work will be done before an actual physical inspection is performed. Any work being done prior to the adjuster reviewing it should be very detailed. Most restoration companies should will likely know this but make sure to clarify with whoever you send out. Do not do any permanent repairs until the adjuster has had a change to inspect the damage.
Step 4
Begin filing your supporting information into a claim folder for your community. You’ll thank yourself down the road when the adjuster is looking for more information. Use this folder for all receipts, invoices, pictures, and written statements.
Once the adjuster is assigned, they’ll work with your Management Company to help navigate the rest of the claim and the repair process.
Contact us here at RISE if you have any questions
