Thousands, if not tens of thousands, of trees have been damaged or uprooted by the high winds caused by Hurricane Sandy. Residents up and down the East Coast have suffered damage to their homes and cars due to the tree branches and fallen trees that came along with Hurricane Sandy. If a tree fell on your house or car during the hurricane, what do you do?
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible if a tree has fallen on your home or car during the storm. Claims departments are already getting inundated with calls, and the longer you wait to report the damage, the more your claim may be delayed because of the high volume of claims being processed.
If a tree has fallen on your home, your standard homeowners’ insurance policy is likely to cover the damage. Depending on where you live and your insurer, a hurricane deductible may apply to your damage.
However, if a tree has fallen on your car, you’ll need comprehensive auto insurance coverage to file a claim for Sandy - if you only have liability, it probably won’t cover the damage to your vehicle.
Document the Damage and Get Some Estimates
Document the damage to your home or vehicle thoroughly. Write a detailed description of what happened. For a car, you’ll want to note things like where your car was parked, where the tree came from, and how exactly it damaged your car. For a house, you’ll want to note where the tree struck, and the full extent of the damage. Photo document your damage.
Once your damage is thoroughly documented, get some estimates on how much it will cost to fix. Having these estimates in hand before you talk with the insurer can help you determine how fair the offer is when the insurer makes it, and will give you some leverage if you need to negotiate.
Make Temporary Repairs
While you’re waiting for your claim to be processed, make only temporary repairs to your home or vehicle. Cover up any holes to prevent further water damage, but don’t get the damage fully repaired until an insurance adjuster has had a chance to inspect the damage personally or has processed your claim.
The claim process isn’t always straightforward and easy to understand. If you have problems with your insurance claim, feel free to contact The Voss Law Firm, P.C. for help.
What Happens When a Tree Falls on Your Home or Car During Hurricane Sandy?
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