• Collect all policy numbers and insurance company phone numbers. Plan to file a claim even if your home or property is not covered for the type of disaster that occurred because consequential damages may be covered.

• Find out how the company will process claims. If damage is widespread, the company may set up special procedures and send extra personnel and claims adjusters.

• Make an accurate list of the damage. Ask your friends, neighbors, and family members to assist you in preparing the list. Use the list when you file a claim to prove that a loss took place and to confirm the value of the loss. Start with a preliminary list of damaged property and the degree of damage to each item. If possible, photograph or videotape the damage. Check the list against any inventory you may have made before the disaster occurred, or make a pre-disaster inventory from memory.
  To jog your memory for items you had before the disaster, walk the aisles of local stores, look at newspaper want ads, or leaf through catalogs. Surviving photographs or videotapes taken in and around your home also may help. If necessary, draw floor plans or sketches of your home’s interior. Repeat the process in two or three weeks, because it’s likely you will remember additional items. Important: Don’t consider your first list to be the final one. Give yourself time to remember additional items later.

• Collect all available receipts, canceled checks, credit card statements, and invoices to prove the value of lost possessions, including big-ticket items such as computers or jewelry. You also may request copies of monthly statements from your bank and credit card providers.

• File claims as quickly as possible. As soon as you have a list of damaged or destroyed property, file the claim. Claims generally are settled in the order received, although the most severe cases may receive the highest priority.

• Erect an identifying sign on your property if destruction is severe and widespread. If it will be difficult for a claims adjuster to identify your property, a sign with your name, street number, insurance company, and a way to reach you can speed up your claim.

• Give your adjuster a list of all damages, but note in writing that it’s only a partial list. You may remember more later.

• Fully explain all losses and be sure the explanations are written down by either you or the adjuster.

• Take notes of all conversations with the adjuster and follow up with letters to the insurance company confirming the conversations. This increases the chances for getting a fair settlement, but it also may delay a settlement.

• Compare notes with neighbors. What are their adjusters saying? Remember, however, that policies and coverage vary.

• Bring in additional adjusters if you’re not satisfied with initial damage estimates. If necessary, hire a structural engineer. Keep in mind, however, that this will cost you more and may cause a settlement delay. You also can hire an independent claims adjuster if it’s a special situation. These professionals can spot claims that homeowners might overlook, especially if the claim is complex or involves a lot of money. Generally, they charge 10 percent of a settlement. Use the same care and caution in hiring a claims adjuster as you would in choosing any other contractor.

What should I keep in mind about settling claims?

Loans and Grants

What other sources of funds might be available?

Although not meant to replace or duplicate insurance, numerous government, nonprofit, and private loans and grants may be available following a disaster. Watch your TV or newspaper for announcements of their availability.

Sources may include: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); the Small Business Administration (despite the agency’s name, homeowners or owners of personal property may apply for an SBA disaster-relief loan); city or county government (loans or assistance such as property tax relief may be available); private lenders; Red Cross disaster relief; and other voluntary organizations.