What to Ask the Insurance Adjuster After a Natural Disaster
You should ask your insurance adjuster about how they’ll handle your claim, your responsibilities after a storm, the coverages that apply in your situation, any exclusions, and how the insurance company will handle your settlement.
A New Orleans hurricane damage lawyer can provide more specific information about what to ask the insurance adjuster after a natural disaster. An attorney can also take over all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
Ask How the Insurance Company Will Handle Your Claim
Your insurance adjuster can provide information about how the insurance company will handle a hurricane damage claim. You should take the opportunity to ask questions about what to expect.
Examples of questions that you may want to ask include:
- Who will be your point of contact in the claims process?
- How will you receive information about your claim progress?
- How will the insurer accurately track your losses?
You may ask if your insurance adjuster will work with engineers, estimators, accountants, or other repair professionals when calculating the value of your claim. You can discuss other potential questions with your New Orleans insurance claims lawyer.
Request Information About Your Responsibilities After a Storm
You have responsibilities to the insurance company to provide information about your losses and to prevent additional damage to your property after a natural disaster. You can get specific information about these responsibilities from your insurance adjuster.
For example, you may ask:
- What documents do you need to submit to the insurance company?
- Where can you find the documents you need to complete?
- How long do you have to complete the insurance paperwork?
- How can you complete an inventory of your belongings?
- Do you need to photograph losses for documentation purposes?
- What if you can’t identify an item due to the extent of the damage?
Your insurance adjuster may also answer questions like:
- When can you start cleaning up after a hurricane?
- Can you hire someone to take care of cleaning or restoration?
- Can you complete do-it-yourself repairs?
Generally, insurance companies expect you to complete some repairs immediately after a storm to prevent further damage to your property. For example, your company may require you to cover broken windows or holes in your roof.
You can get more information about your insurance company’s specific requirements from the adjuster or your attorney.
Ask About Your Insurance Coverage and Potential Exclusions
You may request information about the coverage provided through your insurance from the adjuster assigned to your claim. You may ask:
- Does your insurance cover damage from a natural disaster?
- Are any of your losses not covered by your insurance?
- What kind of coverage would you need to cover these losses in the future?
- What are the limits of your insurance policy?
- What is your insurance deductible?
- How will insurance apply your deductible?
You can learn more about what to ask the insurance adjuster after a natural disaster from your attorney.
An Insurance Adjuster Can Give You Answers About Your Settlement
Finally, you can ask an insurance adjuster any questions you have about a potential settlement. You may ask:
- Will the insurance company provide an advance?
- How does the insurance company determine the value of your settlement?
- When and how will you get funds from a settlement?
You can request assistance from your lawyer when asking these questions to ensure the insurance company treats you fairly.
Additional Questions for Business Owners
Business owners may need to plan on some extra settlement questions after sustaining property damage due to a natural disaster. If you own a business and need money to complete repairs, you can ask your insurance adjuster about:
- Your options for rebuilding or replacing damaged property
- How to collect code coverage allowances
- If your insurance policy covers loss of business income or sales
- Coverage options for payroll and emergency costs
Your insurance adjuster may give you additional information about coverage for:
- Damage to inventory
- Damage to customer property
- Damage to employee property
You can discuss commercial property damage claims with an attorney.
You Can Also Get Answers from an Insurance Claims Attorney
Insurance adjusters may not have answers to all your questions after a natural disaster. In fact, you may benefit from contacting a lawyer to get answers from someone who will put you first and push to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Your attorney can answer questions like:
- What happens if the insurance company won’t cover all your losses?
- Do you have options if the insurance company denies your claim?
- How much money does the insurance company have to give you?
An attorney can give you tips for filing an insurance claim after a hurricane and help you find after-the-storm resources.
Talk to Us After a Natural Disaster in Louisiana
Are you wondering what to ask the insurance adjuster after a natural disaster? Our team at Laborde Earles can provide you with guidance on this subject. We can also help you file a claim and seek maximum compensation for your losses.
We’ve brought our clients over a billion dollars in compensation and stand ready to represent you as Louisiana Attorneys That Care. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
