Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Southern California–based Insurance Information Institute, stresses that you’ll be working closely with your adjuster and insurance company, so it’s helpful to develop a mutually beneficial and respectful, communicative working relationship.
“Think of it as a negotiation process and don’t be on the defensive,” she says. “It’s a very upsetting situation, and people often mention that they’re ‘fighting’ with their insurance company, but I urge them to negotiate instead.”
Do I have to work with the insurance company’s adjuster?
You may choose to work with a public adjuster instead of with the insurance company’s adjuster. If you take this route, you’d no longer be communicating directly with the insurance company (the public adjuster would take on that role). For some, this may relieve some stress, however you have to pay them out of your claim settlement. You can look up public adjuster licenses through the California Department of Insurance.
How do I create an inventory of my home for my insurance company?
At some point, you’ll be asked to provide an inventory of the possessions in your home. If you maintained one before you were forced to leave your home, this is the time to pull it up. If you didn’t keep an up-to-date inventory of everything in your home, don’t fret. Sit down with your family and write down everything you can remember.
Ruiz reminds people that in the era of the smartphone most residents have more documentation than they even realize.
“You probably have an inventory, even if it’s not an intentional one, right on your phone,” she says. “You’ve probably taken pictures of videos of events or gatherings you’ve had in your home.”
And, as you clean up and rebuild, always make sure you take pictures of everything the way it was before you move or replace it.
What do I do once my insurance company processes my claim?
When you start receiving insurance settlement checks, you may see that the check’s made out not just to you but to your bank or mortgage company. Reach out to the bank or mortgage company to work out how to access your funds.
Make sure to take detailed notes and document your conversations with your insurer—and everyone else throughout the whole process.
Stay organized
Keeping paperwork and assistance opportunities organized is among the biggest challenges Schlegelmilch sees families face after a disaster.
From FEMA funds to community development block grants to low-interest Small Business Association loans, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Further, coverage may overlap, and accepting one kind of assistance could lead to you being ineligible for another. So make sure you read everything thoroughly before you sign up for something. However, if you do unintentionally received duplicative benefits, you’re unlikely to face criminal charges—but you do have to pay that money back
