I know most homeowners have never had to deal with the insurance world. Its tough. Home insurance claims can be really tough because most homeowners have no clue what to look for or how the insurance industry works. Here is a quick process to follow that may help:
1. How to make the Initial Claim. After the storm has hit, call your adjuster and have them come to look at your home. Just know that what the adjuster finds is simply a starting point for your claim...the journey is ahead.
2. What Insurance adjusters look at and what you should look for. Insurance adjusters have programs that take into account certain things that he finds visible. Typically, these prices are grossly under adjusted for the rate increases a storm brings and do not cover the entire scope of work. Let's face it, most of the damage in your home wont be visible. Your policy is not just a "exterior visible damage" policy. Don't let these guys bully you!
3. How to choose a contractor. Your insurance policy states that you have the right to choose your contractor. The three bid game is a bad idea. All you do when you do this is take the least qualified contractor who gets the work by underbidding the rest. And remember, your insurance company is only going to pay you for this price. Its better to just choose a contractor you are comfortable with and feel good that he is getting the job done. If your contractor doesn't have insurance experience, just realize that a lot of this burden will be on you! Choose a contractor who is going to back his warranty and who has the experience to help you! You and your contractor are going to be working together in this.
4. What is your best option? If you have the time to deal with the insurance company, the sub-contractors, and still work a full time job, then maybe being a general contractor is in your best interest. If you manage your job right, there may be a profit margin in there for you. Its a tough job to get the going rate on jobs when the homeowner is the G.C. Typically, since banks hold the 1st mortgage, they will hold the money longer if you are going to take on this task or in some cases, not let you do the work. I'd always suggest finding a good, experienced contractor who is specialized in this department. The money comes out of your pocket if you don't make sure the job is done right!
5. Dealing with the mortgage company. During Hurricane Ike, we have seen mortgage companies holding money that insurance companies have released. Whether this is because they are in dire straights with their own financial troubles or not has yet to be seen. It is imperative that you make your voice heard. Make sure that you are constantly calling and progressing their release of monies owed to you to get your house fixed. If not, this process could be dragged on for years.
6. Making it all work. Your best solution is to find a general contractor who does it all. If you have water or mold, this can be a little daunting. In areas along the gulf coast, especially in homes that saw flooding or had leaks, I would suggest ALWAYS having someone come out. Let's face it, you pay your insurance premiums for a reason. To be protected. Unlike car insurance, your home insurance will not go up with a claim. Its their to protect you and your family. Storms that happen late in the season like Hurricane Ike, had a long winter of cold weather to keep the mold growth from expanding. When the humid months come however, the mold is going to spread like a wildfire. No matter if you have accepted a check or not from your insurance company, call in an expert and get your home done right for you and your family's sake.
To see how to handle the claim and the info you will need for your contractor, go here: http://www.visionhomeworks.com/insurance_services.html Vision Home Works has been in the disaster business for over 12 years and their website is very informative on what you need to do to make sure you get you and your family back in your home.
Disaster Recovery Experts: http://www.visionhomeworks.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Davis
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar