Photo Documentation For Insurance Claims Forms Severe Property Damage & Structural Loss, Repair

www.alltexcommercial.com

A picture is worth a thousand words.

It´s true that we live in a visual society. Images surround us everywhere. We use photos to help us remember, to document, to reveal, to prove. An interest in photography can be a fun hobby and making a record of little Johnny´s childhood can be a sweet keepsake. But sometimes photos help document and record things we´d rather forget, when it´s necessary to remember.

When Hurricane Katrina hit everyone knew it was a massive storm. The stories that have come from that disaster are numerous. Damage varied, depending on location. But life has gone on for most people in America…we think of Katrina as a bad thing that happened to one area of the country and trust they are rebuilding and moving forward. It´s taking a look at the pictures that remind of the impact of what really happened. Brick houses that once stood with pretty fences and trees around were wiped to flat land at ground zero. Farther out buildings lost roofs, were slammed with flying wind driven debris, and then of course were flooded when the levies broke. Not everything was totally demolished: properties needed inspections, estimates, and repairs. Four years later, some are still waiting to return to pre-storm conditions and only the pictures can tell the tale of what was directly caused by the storm.

Document…then Mitigate.

When a storm hits or other damage occurs:

1. The first thing that must be done is to immediately assess how safe and inhabitable the structure is.

2. Take photos!

3. Get the tarps over the leaks, the debris out of the way, the water pumped out.

4. Take photos!

Good documentation along the way can play an important role in the insurance claims process. The adjustor may have a delay in reaching you, especially if there is a large demand such as after a major storm over an entire area. Additional damage can occur despite your best efforts to prevent it; document and photograph every step of the way.

Documentation can make or break your claim!

The level of detail in your inspection and scope of work has a direct effect on your settlement check and the ultimate thoroughness of repair your property receives. If the insurance adjustor comes out and does a fairly quick inspection, offering you a 3 page report that estimates 27k worth of damage, it might be tempting to accept the check and get started. But if you hire an independent insurance claims facilitator, who works for you rather than a company like Allstate, they may spend hours more resulting in a 12 page, highly detailed scope of work, with an estimated 105k in repair. Suddenly you realize how short a 27k settlement is going to fall in addressing your needs. Details and documentation are the keys to getting an accurate amount of money for repairs. To find an independent claims facilitator and inspector in your area visit www.alltexcommercial.com or call 866 921-5715.