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Disaster
Recovery Guide: Table of Contents
WTC
Disaster Relief Main Page
Message
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Documenting
Damage and Losses for Insurance Claims
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Don't alter the condition of any damaged property until it is
inspected by an insurance adjuster. You should, however, make
necessary emergency repairs to prevent further damage.
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Take
pictures of all damages, including your home's exterior, car,
basement, roof and yard.
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Document all items and property that were damaged or destroyed.
Note the cost, brand, model and date of purchase. Include any
available receipts and pictures of the items (even if the item
is in the background of a family photo, for example).
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Contact
your insurance company as soon as you have all the information
related to your situation.
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Ask
a contractor to estimate the costs of repairs. Provide this information
to your insurance adjuster. (If you do not know who can provide
the type of work you need, ask your adjuster for references.)
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Record
all expenses you incur as a result of property damage, including
the cost of temporary repairs, hotel accommodations and meal expenses.
If you are unhappy with the settlement you receive for your claim,
contact the insurance company.
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If
you do not receive satisfactory results, you may contact the Complaints
Division at the Department of Banking and Insurance by calling
(609) 292-5360.
Information
provided by the Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters
Use
IRS
Publications 584 and 584b
on the following pages to document damage and losses. (download
in pdf format)
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