After the Storm: A Checklist for Insurance Claims

After the strong Friday, make sure you're prepared for the clean up.

Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith released the following guidelines Saturday to help residents prepare insurance claims:

• 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 any further damage to your home or business. Do not make permanent repairs without consulting your agent or company, as unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed.
• 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 your area is declared a disaster by the federal government, you may be eligible to file for federal relief by providing that proof.
• 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.

For more information, click here to visit the Maryland Insurance Administration’s Web site and go to the link to Insurance Preparedness for Natural Disasters, under the "Hot Topics" tab.

began Friday.