Courtesy Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
Pennsylvania homeowners will get a little bit of relief from the costs of repairing damage to their homes from Hurricane Sandy.
According to the Perkiomen Valley Patch, “Governor Tom Corbett advised insurance companies that deductibles, which can be up to five percent of the insured value of a home, should not be applied to any Hurricane Sandy homeowner insurance claims.”
Here are some tips courtesy of Patch to help you file a claim:
- Before calling your insurance company, try to locate your policy number and other relevant information. Your company representative will prepare a “Notice of Loss” form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you. Ask for a timeline on when your agent can help you.
- Take photographs/video before clean-up or repairs. If you have already taken your damaged items out of the house, take pictures of the debris. After you’ve documented the damage, make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage, but do not make any permanent repairs until an adjuster or company representative is able to inspect the damage and your carrier approves the repairs.
- Save all receipts. Keep a diary of all discussions with your agent or carrier. Cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file the claim.
If you have any other questions, visit www.pa.gov or www.insurance.pa.gov. Consumers with insurance questions or complaints can call the Insurance Department’s toll-free, consumer hotline at 877- 881-6388.