Insurance Experts Advise Homeowners With Damage What To Do
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's a tree on your roof that was upright in your neighbor's yard yesterday. When the damage is severe and wires are down everywhere, what should you do first?
Call your insurance company, says Richard Cohen, president of Clarke and Cohen public adjusters in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
Next, take pictures of the scene and the damage, then start making calls to get the mess cleaned up.
And remember, you'll need written documentation for every expense.
"You're going to have to prove what it cost to remove the tree, what it cost to do temporary repair to the property, and what it's going to cost to fullly repair things," Cohen advises. "It's a process and it takes time."
Don't forget: if you have a deductible on your policy, that will be money out of your pocket.
Tony Hoffman, president of Ace Public Adjusters in Northeast Philadelphia, says his people will be swamped handling claims.
"Trees down, roofs blown off, shingles blown off, siding blown off, trees on houses, sheds, garages, roof leaks," he tells KYW Newsradio.
