Tornadoes can have devastating effects on Birmingham and other areas of Alabama. Along with fatalities and injuries, tornadoes can destroy homes, sheds, barns, cars, and other property. To make matters worse, some insurance companies deny claims for tornado damage, leaving property owners overwhelmed and confused.
That’s why our Disaster Insurance Claims team at Long & Long has broken down everything you need to know when filing a tornado damage claim in Birmingham. Continue reading to learn how you can seek to recover everything you need and how our team can help make it as easy as possible for you.
Call to Report Your Claim
After everyone is safe and secure, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company and ask where you can send a written notice of your claim. You should be able to send the claim by mail, email, or fax. This should include a description of the accident and suspected losses.
If the insurance company tells you they don’t need a written notice, provide it anyway. Be sure to include your claim number. This will provide written proof that your losses were severe enough for you to seek to recover them as soon as possible, making it more difficult for the insurance company to deny you.
Keep a Record of How You Spent Your Advance
If you’ve sustained significant property damage, your insurance company may provide you with an advance payment of $1,500 to $5,000 to cover your emergency expenses. If your insurance company provides this advance, keep all the receipts to show how you spent the money.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Check your insurance policy to see what’s covered and what isn’t. If you come across parts of the policy that you don’t understand, call our Disaster Insurance Claims team for a free policy review. We can help you understand everything you’re entitled to at no cost to you. If you no longer have a copy of your policy due to the storm, call your insurance company and ask for another copy.
Find Out If You’re Covered for a Second Household
If tornado damage forces you to leave your home, ask your insurance company if your expenses for maintaining a second home are covered. Many insurance policies reimburse reasonable expenses related to obtaining and maintaining a second household while your home is being repaired.
Record All of the Damage You Suffered
While you may want to start cleaning as soon as the disaster is over, you need to record the extent of the damage. As soon as it’s safe, take pictures and videos to record all the damage, including trees that may have fallen on your home or water damage inside. Remember that it’s better to have too many pictures than too few. These records will go a long way toward showing the damage that occurred.
If an insurance adjuster comes out to view the damage, it’s still recommended to keep your own records. It’s possible for the insurance company to switch adjusters during a claim, so you’re better off with your own documentation.
Our Team Is Here to Help You File Your Tornado Damage Claim
If your home or property was damaged because of a tornado or other natural disaster, an experienced attorney can help you navigate your insurance claim. The Disaster Insurance Claims Team at Long & Long Attorneys At Law will fight for the compensation that you deserve for your claim so that you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward. Contact us to get your free policy review!