John Townsend
Public Relations Manager, DC
O: (202) 481-6820 (ext. 4462108)
C: (202) 253-2171
jtownsend@aaamidatlantic.com
WASHINGTON, D. C. (Saturday, March 3, 2018) ––It is an age-old philosophical question. You know the one that goes: “If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” What happens if a tree falls on your roof or onto the windshield of your car? That question is echoing across the Washington metro area and up the East Coast in the aftermath of the howling “Beast of the East,” or the Nor’easter from East Hades. Several people were killed by fallen trees. If a fallen tree or limbs damaged your car, you should file a claim using your vehicle insurance policy’s comprehensive coverage. If your tree falls on your house during the extreme weather event, your insurance will cover removal of the tree and home repairs due to damage. The Nor’easter could put “more than $468 billion of real estate at risk” to flooding.
As forecast, and as feared, the Nor’easter caused “widespread power outages, property damage and travel disruptions” and cancelled thousands of flights. First, the peak wind gusts of 71 mph at Dulles. Next the damage, then the setback and after that the financial shock. That big tree crashed onto your roof. That tree limb crushed your car to smithereens. Start by taking a deep breath and carefully surveying the damage around you, to your vehicle, home and property, or all three. Home or property loss can create a lot of stress. Insurers call them “Acts of God” events. Thank God for auto, homeowners, or renters insurance, which can reduce the risk of total losses and financial instability in the wake of catastrophic events.
Après le Déluge. Parts of the East Coast and the Mid-Atlantic region were beset by heavy snow accumulations, buffeted by high winds or high tides and bedeviled by blizzards or flooding. First things first. Protect your property from further damage. Arrange for safe and reasonable temporary repairs such as boarding up broken windows, covering the roof, or removing debris. Keep a list of any temporary repairs you make and document the damage. If possible, place damaged items in a secure area where they can be inspected. “The total incurred losses for homeowners in the United States amounted to over 40 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.” Losses from weather and climate disasters reached a record $306 billion during 2017.
“In the aftermath of the storm for the ages, the first step to recovery for homeowners who sustained wind damage is inspecting your home for damage, and then notifying your insurance company, as soon as possible,” said Kendall Bramble, Insurance Counselor, AAA Mid-Atlantic Insurance Agency. “If your automobile was damaged by the wicked winds, keep in mind physical damage to a car caused by heavy wind, flooding, or fallen tree limbs is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto policy.”
Is it covered? Trees crashing down onto the roof of your home, another insured building on your property, or a fence can cause damage that may be covered. Removal of the tree may also be covered up to a certain amount, provided it hits a structure or blocks a driveway. It may not be covered if it just falls on the ground. The comprehensive portion of your auto policy could cover cars damaged by fallen trees or branches. An up-to-date home inventory can help you and yours get your insurance claim settled faster. Locate the insurance policy. If you can’t find the policy, but know the name of the insurance company.
Next, place a telephone call to inquire about your level of coverage. Raise questions about the fairness of the settlement amount. Don’t be shy about asking your insurance agent about the estimation process.
Am I covered? The Nor’easter spawned pestering “hurricane strength” winds. As a reminder, wind damage to your home, its roof, and other insured buildings on your property, such as a stand-alone garage, would fall under your standard homeowner’s policy. Claims for cars damaged by wind would fall under the comprehensive portion of your auto policy. For peace of mind, touch base with your insurance agency as soon as possible. Initiate an insurance claim. Review your insurance policy and also review your deductible. Take pictures of the damage. Make an appointment with an appraiser. Contact a contractor. AAA Insurance experts offer tips on how to deal with the aftermath of a strong storm and the challenges it may bring:
Auto Insurance Claims:
· Car owners should contact their insurance company to determine the extent of coverage before seeking repairs.
· If your car is damaged by a fallen tree or limbs, you would need to file a claim using your vehicle policy’s comprehensive coverage.
· Take photographs of any visible damage.
· Collision coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another car, object or as a result of flipping over.
· Any vehicle sustaining wind damage or flood damage should be fully inspected before being allowed back on the road. Mechanical components, computer systems, engine, transmission, axles, brake and fuel systems impacted by water contamination may render the vehicle unfit to drive. In many cases, vehicles sustaining significant wind damage or water damage may be designated a total loss.
Homeowners Insurance Claims:
Common wind-related losses that are typically covered by homeowners insurance include damage caused by downed-trees and damage to roofs, walls and ceilings. Check your policy for debris removal. Many policies do include the removal of storm-related debris, like brush, limbs and logs.
· Phone your insurance agent or company immediately. Get claim forms as soon as possible. Before filing a claim, thoroughly examine windows, doors and roofs for damage to understand the extent of damage.
· Read your homeowner insurance policy thoroughly to see what is and isn’t covered before contacting the insurance company.
· Be present when the adjuster inspects your damage.
· Except for emergency repairs, check with your insurance company before hiring a contractor.
· Stay away from damaged trees and dangling or broken tree limbs.
· Stay away from downed power lines and avoid standing water or metal objects near downed wires.
· Prepare an inventory and take photographs of damaged property.
· Cover broken windows and other holes to prevent further damage.
· If power is out, disconnect all computers and appliances from electrical sources.
· Check the fine print for “loss of use” coverage. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include additional living expense (ALE) coverage (also known as “loss of use”). This provides reimbursement for extra living expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt due to an insured loss.
· Avoid “fly by night” contractors who are not from your area, or any shady, shifty or shaky suppliers.
· Get several written bids and understand exactly what each bid includes as far as the work to be done, and the materials to be used.
If you sustain wind damage, make sure to document it if you are able to do so safely, advises AAA Insurance. If there is roof damage, let a roofing professional or claims representative photograph it. Cover any broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood to prevent further damage and save receipts to be submitted for reimbursement along with the claims, counsels AAA Insurance.
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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit https://aaa.com
Ragina C. Ali
Public Relations Manager, MD
O: (410) 616-1900 (ext. 4361152)
C: (443) 465-5020
RAli@aaamidatlantic.com