Outsiders may think that Minnesota only suffers Winter storms, but natives know better. The warm weather that June brings is nice, but with it, we have to be prepared for tornadoes and wind storms and heavy rain. We all know the routine by now: Stock up on supplies and get those storm windows installed. But we’re not always prepared for what to do once the storm has passed. Here’s what you need to know:
Study Your Policy
You don’t know for certain what is and isn’t covered until you take the time to read over your policy. Some things will be implicit, rather than explicit, but you can never be sure. For instance, while your policy might not cite wind damages, you’re probably covered against them all the same. But flooding may be an exception requiring additional coverage. Check your policy and call your agent with any questions.
Protect Your Home Whenever Possible
Torn shingles, that’s the storm’s fault. Water damaged floor because you didn’t bother putting a bucket under the leak, your insurer might see that as being on you. Wherever possible, get the damages under control.
When To File Your Claim
Call your insurer and get your claim filed as soon as you’ve got the damages under control and have taken a look around the house. They’ll send an appraiser out and cut you your check, and this will make you less susceptible to storm chasers, contractors who go door to door after a storm looking for desperate homeowners to sign shady repair contracts. Storm chasers are known to do shoddy work, or not do the work at all. There was a story of a whole neighborhood that got taken for a ride by a contracting crew that never showed up for the work. Some tell-tale signs of a storm chaser:
- They want you to sign them on as a sole contractor. This means they can take their pay directly from your insurance company, which means that you can’t cancel the check payment when they don’t show up.
- They want to get on your roof to give you a “free estimate” before your insurance appraiser comes by. This way they can lie about the damages or even create some damages themselves to justify the contract.
- Not every contractor going door to door is a huckster… but most are, and certainly those who combine door to door sales with pushy tactics.
- They have very little presence online or in the local business community.
Do Your Research And Hire Local
When hiring a contractor, do your research. You can look any contractor up online, and if they’re legit, they’ll have online reviews, a BBB listing, and generally just a strong footprint to prove that they’re on the level. Hiring local is a good idea when possible, as a contractor is more likely to want to do the job right if they’re going to be running into their customers in line at the grocery store. You’re not going to see a lot of storm chasers with an established presence in the local business community.
Finally: Just keep a level head. A storm is, usually, a manageable emergency, but it’s hard to manage anything in a panic.
