What to do if your home or property is destroyed
Everything is in disarray from the storm's impact, whether it be the tornadoes that ripped through
"No matter hail, tornado, some form of damage to your home, your first step should always be to assess the damage," Hanna said. "Take photos, take videos. You're allowed to make basic emergency repairs if able. But then you should contact your insurance adjuster. Do it as quickly as possible, because everyone's going to be doing it. And when the adjuster shows up, show them photos, videos, whatever you have. These are the people who know exactly what your policy entails."
Hanna said insurance adjusters are likely going to be among the first to respond to these disaster situations after emergency crews and will be well aware of the potential for damaged property in the areas affected.
But there's another issue Hanna is growing more and more concerned with, he said. More and more attorneys are filing suit against insurance companies on behalf of clients seeking more money than what is supposedly available in policy coverage.
A bill on the floor of the
While Hanna works to promote the insurance business, though, he said he's not just promoting insurance companies and saying all lawsuits are bad. He's a former employee of the
If individuals have issues with their coverage, he said, that office is where consumers should visit first. The office can be contacted by calling 800-252-3539.
Hanna said the office last year received only 270 complaints across the entire state despite more than 550,000 claims filed just from hail-related damage to residences.
Consumers are also encouraged to visit or contact the
"For a little bit more expensive roof, it could end up saving money over the long-term," Pilcic said. "You need to arm yourself with information. Know what coverage you have and what you don't have.
"We want everyone to be prepared."
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