Originally Published in Nashville Business Journal by Jeffrey Zander Guest columnist – March 9, 2020

In light of last week’s storms, here are some tips to keep in mind as recovery efforts continue.

Damage to business:

• Notify your insurance agent and the insurance company of your claim as quickly as possible.
• Use caution when entering your impacted business premises due to risks surrounding structural, gas, and electrical exposures.
• Take photos and/or video of all the damage.
• Contact a restoration company to begin the cleanup process. Your insurance agent can provide assistance with reputable providers.
• Notify your employees of revised work schedules.
• Expect contact from your insurance adjuster within 48 hours.
• Keep all receipts connected with clean up and repair to submit to the insurance adjuster.

Damage to home:

• Take pictures of as much damage as you can for documentation for the adjuster. Document with video if you can. At the very least, make a written list of all belongings; it is very difficult to recall from memory all your personal belongings, especially in times of crisis.
• If there is a partial loss or significant damage, and only if the area is safe, try to cover as much as possible to prevent further damage.
• Notify your insurance agent and the insurance company of your claim as quickly as possible.
• When contacting a contractor, find out as much information about them prior to signing an agreement. The carriers may also have a list of approved contractors; don’t be afraid to ask.
• Discuss additional living expenses with your adjuster. If your home is uninhabitable, the insurance company could provide living expenses up to the limits of the policy, or an advance to pay for repairs to begin.
• Discuss with adjuster any trees that are blocking access to the home, as well as damage to adjacent structures like retaining walls, garages, pools, etc.
• Rely on your insurance agent. In a catastrophic situation, when resources are often strained, your agent can make sure you get the attention you need.

Damage to vehicle

• Take photos and/or video of all the damage. Be aware of broken glass or any other damage that could be harmful during your inspection.
• Notify your insurance agent and the insurance company of your claim as quickly as possible.
• If the vehicle is not operable, have a repair shop in mind that you want to use. Alternatively, you can ask your adjuster for an approved shop.
• The shop can organize towing between the vehicle’s location and the repair shop of your choice.
• Be aware of your deductible. If there is damage to both your home and automobile, ask your adjuster if there will be one deductible only.
• Rely on your insurance agent. In a catastrophic situation, when resources are often strained, your agent can make sure you get the attention you need.
• From the moment that you lost use of the home and/or auto, keep receipts for any items you purchased to include food, clothing, transportation expenses, or temporary lodging. Keep a record of these and provide to the adjuster.