Those looking to file insurance claims following a tornado in Dover this week may want to keep a few filing tips in mind.
This week's extreme weather left debris and building damage to several businesses and homes.
In response, many will file a claim with their insurance company, but before you do, Jana Tidwell with AAA says it's important to document damage and expenses thoroughly.
“You want to make sure you have visual documentation of everything that was damaged. So utilize your phone: take video, take photos- the inside of your house, the outside of your house, your yard." she told DPM.
She adds damaged items should not be thrown away until the insurance adjuster visits the home.
She says good documentation of damage is the best way to ensure your policy will apply properly. But, Tidwell notes filers should also need to know what their policy covers.
"You have to understand that there are certain damages caused by storms like we saw last night that are not covered by every homeowner's insurance policy." she said.
She adds wind damage, damage caused by debris due to wind, and even water damage caused by burst pipes or leaky roofs are typically covered.
But she notes water damage from flooding is usually not covered unless the filer has an explicit flood damage policy.
Tidwell says the best way to keep your home protected is to speak with your insurance agent to ask questions and thoroughly understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
She notes if filers disagree with a company’s decision on a claim, they can call and discuss with their agent why. She says some claims can go from “denied” to “approved” with proper documentation.
