Dorothy, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore

by Gary Shelton
Guest Submission

Tornadoes, strong winds and hail…oh my! As storm season is upon us, the possibility of damage to our homes and cars becomes stronger.

Careful planning with a trusted insurance advisor goes a long way toward protecting you, your family and everything you own.

Before problems occur, you’ll want to review your insurance policy and make sure the coverage you have is right for you. By sitting down with your insurance agent, you gain a better understanding of your policy; what it will pay for and what your out of pocket costs may be in case of a loss.

It’s important to understand the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value. Replacement cost is the dollar amount it would take to replace or rebuild your home in the event of total loss or repair damages to your house caused by the storm.

The materials used to repair it will be similar to your current construction now.

Actual cash value is the dollar amount determined to repair or replace the damage to your home after depreciation. When you have a replacement cost policy, it will pay a portion of the claim first and then when all work has been completed pay the remaining balance of the insurance claim loss.

Working with your insurance agent and the claims adjuster will make claims much smoother.

Before disaster strikes, you need to have a good idea of what you own. It’s always a great idea to take an inventory of your home and make a note of special items which may be difficult to replace.

In the age of technology, almost all phones are equipped with cameras. Take photos of each wall and each room; this will be a great reminder to you if you need to list items after a disaster. Open drawers, cabinets, closets and take pictures of those treasures hidden inside.

Most of us on a good day couldn’t list everything we own on a piece of paper, let alone a day when disaster has struck. 

Should you have a disaster, don’t move anything until you have taken pictures or video of what has occurred. Photos or video will assist you in processing the claim with our insurance carrier.

Once you have noted the damage in photos and on paper, it is your responsibility to avoid further harm to your home or belongings.

Covering holes in the roof as well as boarding windows or doors can help to minimize the damage that may come after the initial storm. These tasks may be accomplished by you or professionals specializing in disaster recovery.

Be sure to keep all your receipts as you will need to turn those items in with your claim and work with your adjuster to receive payment.

To get the claims process started either call your insurance agent or the claims number located on your policy. The first few steps will be fairly easy, as you provide your name, policy number and a description of what damage has occurred.

The insurance company will now assign a claims adjuster to work with you. Your agent will also be notified of the claim and will be of assistance through the process.

Having a relationship with your insurance agent will not only help you in the mundane aspects of insurance, but it can be of great assistance if you have large losses from disasters.

With storm season upon us take the time to talk with your agent and make sure you protected for the “what if’s” of life.

Gary Shelton is Owner/ President of Gary Shelton Agency Farmers Insurance Group. His contact information is (405) 692-0899 or gshelton@farmersagent.com.

The Gayly. May 1, 2018. 12:11 p.m. CST.