Much of our area experienced significant damage from the July 16th storms. We want to ensure you have the information you need to navigate the aftermath. Below, you'll find resources to help you understand your insurance coverage, what to expect from the claims process, and more.
Reporting Your Claim
To Keller-Brown Insurance Services:
- Call our office at 717-235-6891 and report the claim to an agent.
- This is the preferred method so we can give you guidance and walk you through the claims process.
To Your Carrier:
- Report it directly to your insurance company.
- Visit our Insurance Claims portal to find your carrier's website or phone number.
Dealing with Storm Damage? Explore These Helpful Resources
What to do after the damage:
- Take pictures and video before cleaning up anything. You'll need these for the adjuster.
- Protect your property from further damage,
- This includes hiring a restoration company for any major water, fire, or wind damages; applying tarps to your roof or any other exposed areas; installing plywood to protect broken windows/doors; or even temporary boards to secure damages to a structure to prevent collapse.
- If you need to buy materials to prevent further damage (like a tarp, fans, etc.), keep all receipts as these will become part of the claim.
- Don't do anything unsafe in the preservation of your property! Much of the damage has resulted in trees on roofs and down power lines. Call a restoration company for your roofs and alert your power company of down lines.
- Take safety precautions during recovery and cleanup. Wear protective gear like gloves, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses.
- Don't throw anything away. Save physical samples of damaged materials to show your insurance adjuster (carpets, curtains, flooring, etc.)
- Mold can spread quickly. Having fans and dehumidifiers in the affected area helps with the remediation process.
- An appraiser or adjuster may visit the site to inspect, but this can take longer than usual during times of widespread damage.
- Expect to be asked for an itemized estimate for labor and materials of any repairs.
- If you must temporarily relocate due to home damage, save your receipts. You'll need detailed documentation to be reimbursed for additional living expenses.
Understanding Insurance Payments:
- Claim checks are usually payable to you and any lienholders, less your deductible.
- You may receive multiple payments for damages over $2,500.
- Actual Cash Value: The amount to replace or repair the damage is estimated and depreciation is applied.
- Replacement Value: When work is complete and certified, you receive a final payment.
Tree Damage:
You may be wondering about tree damage. This section is intended to provide general guidance. Any specific tree damage to your property will need to be addressed individually and with your insurance company. Here is a great article that addresses many types of tree damage.
- Generally, if a tree falls and damages a structure, insurance covers the cost of removal and repairs.
- If a tree falls but doesn't damage a structure, there may be no, or limited, coverage to remove the tree.
- No matter who owns the tree, if it lands on your property, you report the claim to your carrier.
Beware of Fraudulent Contractors, Also Known as Storm Chasers:
- Fraudulent contractors, often called storm chsers, move from place to place tracking storm damage, especially storms that have caused widespread roof or siding damage. These fraudulent contractors often arrive in town the days following the storm and will go door-to-door offering their services with high pressure sales tactics.
- Storm chasers may attempt to mislead property owners about the extent of damage, and in some cases, may actually fake or create damage that wasn't there.
- Read more about storm chasers here.
Above All, We're Here to Help
We know these moments are confusing and scary. You can rest assured the Keller-Brown Insurance Services team is here for you today, tomorrow, and however long it takes to get your life back to normal. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.
Stay safe and take care, The Keller-Brown Insurance Services Team