“You cannot fight the city hall!” Or, in this instance, the Insurance Industry. There was an old saying, “You cannot fight City Hall.” Similar perceptions exist when it comes the insurance industry. Many people believe the insurance industry cannot be touched and that disputing a claim will prove difficult. But that’s not the problem. It is about trying to win! It doesn’t matter who wins or loses. It should be about the cost of the storm damage and the costs. Disagreements and disagreements over who wins or loses can lead to differences and arguments about the storm damage and the amount required for settling the claim. The claim becomes a “he said, she said” issue that accomplishes very little.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a group of expert weather forecasters, has recommendations for property owners on how to protect their homes from storm damage. We should also address some common myths regarding hurricane preparedness.
1. To reduce the pressure in the house, leave the windows open on the sheltered side.
It is impossible to predict which side of a hurricane will be leeward. Strong winds can change the direction of a storm. You can injure yourself by trying to open or close windows during a hurricane. Open windows can allow wind-driven rains, which can damage contents, to flow inside your home or structure as the hurricane direction changes. Common leakage of air around windows and doors can help to reduce hurricane pressure inside your home. This is in contrast to the atmospheric pressure that will be experienced outside. The most dangerous situation is when a large door or window fails to close on the wall facing the winds. It is important to protect your dwelling from wind and rain by making sure that you have adequate opening protection.
2. Protect the windows and doors that face the ocean or gulf from property owners
Hurricanes are a rotating, blustery storm. Wind loads can come from any direction. They can also change quickly, making you more vulnerable if you find yourself near the center. Covering windows and doors from all sides is the best way to achieve this.
3. Tape a large “X” on your windows
4. To prevent the doors and windows from being broken, you can hold or push against them.
This will put you in danger and increase the chance of you being injured or cut. No matter what kind of glass you have, it doesn’t matter what type. During intense windsstorms, keep away from any windows. Check the anchoring of exterior doors before a hurricane hits. You should install additional latches on exterior doors to ensure that the hinges are properly anchored with at least three inches of screws that reach into wall studs. This protective action will prevent you from being tempted to push on doors to keep them secure. Protect yourself by putting as many walls between you and the windward building as possible.
5. For over 40 years, we have had a policy with this carrier. They will cover all of my property damage
Insurance agents often offer policies that provide false security for policyholders. Most property owners believe that their home will be insured in the event of damage or loss. But that is not always the case. Sometimes, larger windstorms can cause damage that is not covered by certain property policies. Flood damage, for example, would not be covered by homeowners or business insurance. Flood damage to property owners must be covered by a flood insurance policy in addition to your homeowners or business policies.
Storm surge is often caused by severe storms. Storm surge refers to an offshore rise in water caused by a low-pressure weather system such as a hurricane, cyclones or tornado. High winds that blow along the ocean’s surface are responsible for most of the surge. The wind causes water to build up above the average ocean level. The surge can cause severe damage to buildings and houses when it pounding the coast. Insurance policies will not cover the damage.
6. “You cannot fight the city hall!” Or, in this instance Insurance Industry (BONUS Insurance Tipp)
There was an old saying, “You cannot fight City Hall,” that used to be popular a long time ago. Similar perceptions exist when it comes the insurance industry. Many people believe the insurance industry cannot be touched and that disputing a claim will prove difficult. But that’s not the problem. It is about trying to win! It doesn’t matter who wins or loses. It should be about the cost of the storm damage and the costs. Whoever wins or loses can lead to arguments and differences that seldom have anything to do the storm damage or the amount required for settling the claim. The claim becomes a “he said, she said” issue that accomplishes very little.
You may not be able to take on the city hall, but you can still dispute your insurance carrier. You are protected by your policy if you dispute your claim with the insurance carrier. The Appraisal clause is a misunderstood part of most insurance policies that cover property damage. Appraisal clauses allow disagreements to be resolved by independent appraisers or an insurance umpire, rather than being settled in court.
This process allows insurance claims disputes and disagreements to be resolved in a faster and more cost-effective manner. The appraisal process and the award (outcome of the appraisal) are binding. However, it is a less formal process than other legal processes that does not involve lawyers, judges, juries or courts of law. The appraisal process may be an option if you are unable to reach a fair settlement after a hurricane claim. You can find more information at www Insurance Appraisal process dot com.
Copyright of Insurance Claims Group, Inc. and Joseph P. Brennan. Joe Brennan is the President and Owner/Operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., which is a national independent adjusting, appraisal, umpiring, and umpiring company. Joe has been in property loss for over 24-years. His experience in loss began as a contractor/builder. He also provided fire and water damage restoration services. After twenty-years of experience in insurance restoration, Mr. Brennan was licensed as an independent insurance claims adjuster. Joe is a certified IICRC adjuster in Fire and Water Restoration. He also has active licenses in 10 states. He has been involved in many multi-million-dollar losses both residential and commercial over his entire career. His combined experience and knowledge in new construction, damage repair, and insurance claims handling have made him a competent Appraiser/Dispute Umpire. He is well-versed in the appraisal process, and has served as an umpire and appraiser on numerous claims.