Take steps to back up insurance claims

• By TED GRIGGS
• Advocate business writer
• Published: Sep 4, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The Insurance Information Institute, an industry-funded communications group, offers a number of tips on dealing with insurance claims and finding legitimate contractors for those who suffered property damage during the storm.

--Be prepared to give your agent or insurance representative a description of the damage. 

Your agent will report the loss to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible to inspect the damage. 

If you have had to evacuate, make sure to give your agent a telephone number where you can be reached.

--Take pictures before making temporary repairs and share the photos with claims adjusters.

--Make two copies, one for yourself and one for the adjuster. 

The list should include a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost. 

Don’t throw out damaged furniture or other expensive items. The adjuster will want to see them.  n Make whatever temporary repairs possible. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. 

Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. The insurance company will reimburse reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.

--Get a written, detailed estimate for permanent repairs from a reliable contractor and give the estimate to the adjuster. 

The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices. 

Avoid offers that seem too good to refuse. As well, people should check references before deciding which contractor to choose.

People whose property was damaged by the hurricane can avoid being victimized again by following the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ guidelines. They include: