Leonardtown, MD – Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer , Jr. offers the following tips to Marylanders whose property is damaged during a snow storm:
Contact your insurance company or agent immediately
Take photographs or video footage of any damage
If you have to relocate, even temporarily, make sure your insurance company or agent knows how to reach you
Before you remove any damaged property from the premises, be sure an insurance adjuster or your agent has seen it first
Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and for temporary living expenses
Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business. Do not make permanent repairs without consulting your agent or insurance company, as unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed
Keep receipts of all personal property you replace
Obtain estimates of the damage to the property from at least two contractors
Make a detailed list of all damaged property
If your insurance company denies any part of your claim, keep all of the paperwork they send you
If you hire a public adjuster, understand that your insurance company is not obligated to follow what a public adjuster determines to be your loss
Read your policy carefully so you understand what is covered and what is not
If you are not satisfied with the offer from your insurance company, you do not have to accept it. Contact the company and explain why you think it is not sufficient. If you are still not satisfied, you may contact the Insurance Administration at 1-800-492-6116.
