Insurance offices swarmed with damage claims amid recent storms

(KRON) – Claims for damages are flooding insurers as they try to help residents affected by recent hurricanes.

From strong winds that uprooted trees and heavy rains that caused landslides, the recent series of storms have affected thousands of people.

“The important thing to do is photograph the damage because you want your claim to be filed and you need actual photos of the damage done,” says Janet Ruiz, Insurance Information Institute.

Ruiz says if your car is damaged also document with pictures for claims. “That includes the comprehensive part of your insurance. Most people have it,” said Ruiz.

Ruiz says tracking expenses after a disaster is also important and taking action before a disaster hits is the most important step. “Look at your policies. Did you add recently? Do you add that to your insurance? Add it because you need to have it if you need to rebuild,” said Ruiz.

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Early action can make a significant difference if a disaster does occur. “It’s very difficult when you lose to come back and think about what you’ve lost. It is much easier to do it now than when you are traumatized by a big loss,” said Ruiz.

Ruiz says this information will still be useful even when the storm stops as fire season is approaching.