SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Last week\u2019s storms may have been quick, but they left behind widespread destruction in San Antonio that may take days, perhaps weeks, to clear out and repair.<\/p>\n
Andrew Femath, an insurance expert with USAA insurance company, said those planning to file a claim need to keep three important things in mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first and perhaps biggest (key or step) is document the damage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Femath said people should record storm damage to their home, property, and vehicle and suggested they use their cell phone to take pictures and videos before they begin the cleanup process.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe easiest way to do that is typically on your insurance company\u2019s mobile app,\u201d Femath said. \u201cAnd so, there you can not only file the claims, submit the pictures.\u201d <\/p>\n
After documenting the damage, the next step is to file a claim as soon as possible to get the claim process rolling.<\/p>\n
\u201cContact your insurance company because they will not know to initiate the process unless you notify them … I\u2019d say it\u2019s not only file the claim but know you don\u2019t have to have all the answers before you file the claim.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that the sooner you start your claim, the more likely you are to be at the top of the list when the insurance company starts contacting policyholders to schedule inspectors with adjusters.<\/p>\n
The third key step, according to Femath, is to make temporary repairs and repeat step one: take pictures.<\/p>\n
\u201cPull out the boards, cover up the window, use the tarp, if it\u2019s safe to do so,\u201d Femath said. \u201cAvoid additional damage because the last thing that you want is one of these afternoon thunderstorms to come and cause additional water damage. The reality is that that could be considered a second claim, which would require a second deductible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Femath emphasized keeping all receipts for any items bought to make temporary fixes. He said you want the insurance company to help with the permanent repairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen something like this happens, we can file the claim, and it won\u2019t derail our financial lives,\u201d Femath said.<\/p>\n
In addition to these key steps, he suggested that people with insurance policies review their home and auto policies periodically and make sure they understand what they do and do not cover.<\/p>\n
He also said policyholders need to review their policies to determine whether changes are necessary to ensure what they want covered is covered at a deductible they can afford.<\/p>\n
Femath also said you should evaluate your property and what is on or around it, such as leaning trees or hanging branches over your house.<\/p>\n
He said standard maintenance around your home and property can help reduce the damage that can happen during a storm.<\/p>\n
Read also: <\/p>\n
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