Property Coverage Tips after a Storm

Published On - May 7, 2021

ace2k22 Claims, Public Adjusting, Weather

Property Coverage Tips after a Storm

After a storm with heavy rain and wind, homeowners may have questions about what damages to their property are covered by their insurance policy.

While each insurance policy could differ, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine offered the following examples of what is and is not covered in a typical homeowner’s policy:

Flood damage

Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood coverage, however, is available in the form of a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program and takes 30 days to become effective. If your flooding was related to sewage backup, ask your insurance agent or carrier if an endorsement for sewer backup coverage was added to your homeowner’s policy. If so, your losses may be covered if the water damage was caused by sewer lines backing up through your home’s drain pipes. Call AAA Public Adjusters.

Power outages

Generally, there is no coverage for damage or a loss caused by a power outage if the source of the power outage did not occur on the insured premises.

Trees and Branches

 The removal of downed trees and/or debris is covered if there is damage to a covered structure or the Pennsylvania governor declares the area where the damage occurred is a disaster area.

Additional living expenses

There may be an allowance for offsite housing until your home is repaired. Keep all your bills and payments made for offsite housing.

Tips

  • Do not throw away your damaged items/property and do not make any permanent repairs. Your claim could be denied if the insurance company or adjuster is unable to see the extent of the damage to your property. If you do make permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen the damage, your claim could be denied.
  • Be wary of anyone who knocks at your door and offers to do your home repairs. Natural disasters can be a magnet for scam artists.
  • Know your options when working with a claims adjuster. You have the option of working with a company-appointed adjuster or you may choose to use a public adjuster to assist you in filing your claim. Be aware that company-appointed adjusters are working for the insurance company and, as employees, have a strong interest in denying your claim or paying less than what you are entitled to under your policy.

About American Claims Ensurance

American Claims Ensurance specializes in homeowners and business insurance claim representation. We work vigorously and for YOU to ensure you get the highest possible settlement from the insurance company. Best of all, when you hire the best public adjusters to represent you, you will not have to deal with the stress of working with your insurance company.

American Claims Ensurance offers our insurance claim representation services on a contingency fee basis to YOU. That means, that if we do not collect any funds for you, we do not get paid at all. We will handle the entire claim process from beginning to end and make sure you get the settlement YOU deserve.

American Claims Ensurance has decades of combined experience and expertise knowledge on how the claim process works. We will also help to expedite your water damage or other type of claim as quickly as possible.

We represent home and business owners and are retained as expert witnesses by various law firms in a variety of property loss claims, including: