Recovering from a hurricane
By Cheryl Borbey
State Farm® agent
The hurricane has moved on and now you’re faced with damages from the storm and wondering where to
start. Personal safety is paramount. Homeowners with damaged property should make sure it is safe to re-
enter their property before attempting to assess damage.
As soon as possible, contact your agent or insurance company to report a claim. This information will
be passed on to claims adjusters. If you cannot remain at the premises, make sure your insurance
representative knows how and where to reach you.
Tips for auto damage
• Take steps to prevent further damage. If your engine was under water, do not start the vehicle. If your
vehicle was flooded, take steps to extract the water and start the drying process.
• Have your vehicle title and registration available when meeting with your agent or claim representative.
• If necessary, have the vehicle towed or make temporary repairs, saving all receipts. Provide the
name, phone number and location of the towing facility and give the towing facility permission for your
insurance representative to move the vehicle to a central facility.
Tips for homeowners
• Begin to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home or property. Keep a record of
time spent and all receipts for work done on your property.
• Take pictures of the damaged property. Keep notes and use inventory lists to help adjusters assess the
damages.
• Remove tree debris from the structure and place it on the ground.
• If your power is out, unplug any small electrical items to prevent electrical spike damage.
• Secure replacement costs/estimates from local retailers of like kind, quality and features. Obtain
statements from vendors on items that cannot be repaired.
• Do not dispose of any damaged contents until authorized by your agent or claim representative.
Contact only reputable, licensed vendors for repair estimates. Have estimates signed by the vendor and
approved by your adjuster or agent before having major damage repaired.
By Cheryl Borbey
State Farm® agent
The hurricane has moved on and now you’re faced with damages from the storm and wondering where to
start. Personal safety is paramount. Homeowners with damaged property should make sure it is safe to re-
enter their property before attempting to assess damage.
As soon as possible, contact your agent or insurance company to report a claim. This information will
be passed on to claims adjusters. If you cannot remain at the premises, make sure your insurance
representative knows how and where to reach you.
Tips for auto damage
• Take steps to prevent further damage. If your engine was under water, do not start the vehicle. If your
vehicle was flooded, take steps to extract the water and start the drying process.
• Have your vehicle title and registration available when meeting with your agent or claim representative.
• If necessary, have the vehicle towed or make temporary repairs, saving all receipts. Provide the
name, phone number and location of the towing facility and give the towing facility permission for your
insurance representative to move the vehicle to a central facility.
Tips for homeowners
• Begin to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home or property. Keep a record of
time spent and all receipts for work done on your property.
• Take pictures of the damaged property. Keep notes and use inventory lists to help adjusters assess the
damages.
• Remove tree debris from the structure and place it on the ground.
• If your power is out, unplug any small electrical items to prevent electrical spike damage.
• Secure replacement costs/estimates from local retailers of like kind, quality and features. Obtain
statements from vendors on items that cannot be repaired.
• Do not dispose of any damaged contents until authorized by your agent or claim representative.
Contact only reputable, licensed vendors for repair estimates. Have estimates signed by the vendor and
approved by your adjuster or agent before having major damage repaired.